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End-of-Lease Car Inspections

End-of-Lease Car Inspections

Our lease return inspection will arm you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs.

Most people get charge-backs for damage they didn't know they had, when they return their lease car. Don't risk an unexpected bill. Damage is excessive wear and tear and where there’s excessive damage, and you will not be covered by the "Fair Wear and Tear" Clause. It’s vital to be aware that for every bit of excessive wear and tear on a leased car, you are going to pay for it. This cost includes not just repair to the car, but will also include the lease companies costs.

Impartial, Independent Inspections & Advice

BVRLA

Here at New Again, we offer an inspection to the BVRLA industry standard, which should help you navigate the obstacles of returning a Lease Car or Personal Contract Purchase Vehicle (PCP).

 

We can advise you on the cheapest possible acceptable repairs and more importantly what not to repair.

All New Again Repairs Are Carried Out To The Acceptable Standard Required By The Lease Company Where Required.

Three things you need to know...

Firstly:- You don't need to repair every scratch and dent - some damage is acceptable.

Secondly:- Be cautious of having substandard repair work, as you may end up having to pay twice.

Lastly:- Many drivers make the mistake of just focusing on the obvious repairs and miss those repairs otherwise found by the lease company.

For Example:

  1. Alloy wheel damage, when in fact the recharge on a damaged alloy is usually the same or less than the cost of a repair
  2. Returning a vehicle and missing items like a hole in the carpet, or having a substandard previous repair undertaken even if provided by an accredited Accident Repair Centre
  3. Returning a vehicle without the second/additional key - This is quite often usually found on a partner's or colleague's key ring

For more detailed information, please watch the video below or listen to the podcast.

So What Happens Next?

At the end of the Lease or PCP contract, your vehicle is required to be returned to the lease company and assessed to determine whether the vehicle meets the agreed returned condition and subject to "Fair Wear & Tear".
"Fair Wear & Tear" occurs when normal usage causes deterioration to a vehicle. It is not to be confused with damage which occurs as a result of a specific event or series of events such as impact, inappropriate stowing of items, harsh-treatment, negligent acts or omissions. **Source - BVRLA**

The "Fair Wear & Tear" clause will include all exterior paintwork, bumpers and trim, the condition of the interior, all glass and mirrors, tyres and wheels, and the mechanical condition of the vehicle (at appraisal level).

Before your vehicle is due back to the leasing company, consider the following:-

  • Understand the standard - You can request a copy of the BVRLA industry standard through your leasing company or check with your lease company. (You may have received this already)
  • Appraising your vehicle - This will identify any damage that does not constitute "Fair Wear & Tear" and requires repair.
  • Carry out the appraisal of the vehicle  approximately 4 weeks before the vehicle is due for return. This allows you to arrange to have any unacceptable wear and tear rectified.

What Should I Do Now?

  • If your car is due to be returned within 4 weeks of the return notification date, then you need to contact us and book your inspection.
  • If your car is NOT due to be returned and outside the recommended 4-week return notification date, then you need to contact us to arrange  an appointment with us with your return date, so we can notify you at the time.
  • If you require information  and advice on appraising and inspecting the vehicle yourself, then please  download our "Lease Return" Basic Evaluation Information Sheet.
Lease Return Inspections Price
30 Minute Inspection £80.00

This inspection includes:-

  • We will inspect your car with you  which takes about half an hour. 
  • PDF written report with photographs.
  • A video record.
  • Free Estimate and advice if required.
  • Inspection done to BVRLA standard.
Lease Return Inspections Price
Drop off & go £130.00

This inspection includes:-

  • Leave the car with us, we'll handle things remotely. 
  • PDF written report with photographs.
  • A video record.
  • Free Estimate and advice if required.
  • Inspection done to BVRLA standard.
  • 3 days free parking when car isn't being worked on.
  • Collection and delivery can be arranged.
 
logoIngmaras Keleras 
Gary and his team did an amazing job on my car. Their immense knowledge of lease vehicle returns resulted in me not having to pay a penny to my leasing company.

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End of Lease FAQ

I know what's wrong with my car. Why should I get my car inspected?

We check the car to the same standard as the lease company, they won't overlook anything, and neither will we.  We are specifically looking for things that might cost you a lot of money, or lots of small areas of damage which might add up and push you over the charges threshold. Simple things that people often forget like the spare key or the locking wheel nut can result in a large bill.
One of the best reasons to have your car inspected is that we supply you with a detailed report, so you have an exact record of the condition of your car before you send it back. Should you incur charges and disagree with them, the report is ammunition you can fight back with.

How long does an end-of-lease inspection take?

The standard inspection takes about 30 minutes, and we do it with you. You heard it right, we get you to help us do the inspection. This way you are fully involved in the process, and we will start explaining things as we go along. We are here to help you, and you are likely to have plenty of questions, so allow more than the 30 minutes.
If you don't want to get involved, we also have a drop-off-and-go service.

Are you BVRLA members?

Not any more. We used to be associate members (full membership is for leasing companies) and we have been trained to BVRLA standards. However, we are here to look after lease customers and don't see ourselves as part of 'the lease industry'.  We are fully independent. 

Should I just get it all done for peace of mind?

Absolutely not! This is one of the most common mistakes people make. You shouldn't spend money you don't need to spend. Your lease contract allows for a certain amount of wear-and-tear. 

Can you do end of lease car repairs?

We can do some minor repairs, otherwise we can point you in the right direction. 

Can you refurbish my scuffed wheels?

One of the things that gets people worried about returning their car is they noticed they have scuffed the wheels, it is perhaps the issue we are asked about most. But do you really need to really repair them?  The cost of refurbishment is often similar or greater than the recharges you are likely to incur. Deciding whether you should do them really depends on what other damage is on the car and what the total bill will be.  If the rest of the car is in good condition, they might not charge you at all. There is a threshold, under which they won't charge you.

Do I need to get my lease car valeted before return?

Your car needs to be clean enough to do the inspection, and if the car is excessively dirty or has smells or stains, there can be recharges. However, the car doesn't need to be returned in concourse condition, and we wouldn't recommend spending a lot of money having your car valeted.

What happens at the end of a lease?

The lease company will send somebody to collect the car. Either they will carry out an inspection or it will be inspected later. If there is damage, wear or missing items, over and above a certain value, they will send you a report with the bill.
For the most part, their charges are fair. As we already mentioned, the recharges for scuffed wheels are generally about the trade price for having them refurbished, whereas if you did have them repaired you would pay retail prices. On the other hand, should you have worn a hole in the carpet, the cost to you to pay to repair it, could be one fifth of what they might charge for the cost or replacement. It's best you take control before the car is returned. 

Can I dispute end-of-car-lease charges?

You certainly can, and many of our customers have done so successfully. However, it's hard to do when you don't have the car and all the 'evidence' is on the inspection report supplied by the lease company. It is far easier to dispute if you have a report of your own which details the condition of the car prior to return.
It hasn't been our experience that lease companies are out to get you or make unfair charges, but sometimes mistakes happen. For example, we once had a customer receive a recharge for a missing locking wheel nut. They were able to successfully dispute this because when we had checked the car it was present. The independent inspector who had checked the car on behalf of the lease company had simply missed it. As by this point the car had already gone off to auction, so it was a matter of their report versus our report.

For more answers to lease return questions, take a look at our End of Lease Car knowledge base.

What Our Customers Say

Below are a selection of comments from some of our satisfied customers.

New Again

Can We Help You?

"We can offer specialist advice on the best service to suit your requirements"

When bringing your car to New Again, we often ask you to explain exactly the reason for having your car Protected, Detailed or Repaired. Once we understand exactly what it is you are trying to achieve, we will appraise your vehicle using our detailed appraisal check-sheet allowing us to identify areas of concern and tailor specific services that match your requirements and budget.

If you are not sure what service you need and would like to speak to one of our technicians, simply request a callback by filling in the form on our contact page.