Car leasing fair wear and tear summary

When your car leasing contract ends, your car will be inspected for damage, such as scuffs and dents.

Normal usage can inevitably result in a few scratches and bumps and finance companies are aware of this and will allow for a certain amount of imperfection. This allowance is called ‘fair wear and tear’ and outlines the minimum standard your vehicle should be returned in.

The BVLRA (the trade body for the leasing sector in the UK) create the industry standard, so regardless of which finance company your lease is with the BVLRA guidelines will always apply to you.

These guidelines are applicable to cars.

For commerical vehicles, please see our Van Leasing Fair Wear and Tear guide.

General Advice

It is advisable to undertake a thorough check on your car at least one month before your leasing contract is due to end. This gives you time to recognise and rectify damage that falls outside of the fair wear and tear guidelines before your car gets collected.

You should thoroughly clean the interior and exterior prior to inspecting your car. Inspect your clean (and dry) car in natural daylight to have the best chance of spotting any damage that may need to be repaired.

Leave all documents relating to the vehicle in it!

We recommend deleting any personal information from the satellite navigation system. Take out all of your belongings - check underneath the seats and check all storage areas.

Your vehicle must be of current MOT standard. This also means the tread on your tyres must be at least the minimum UK standard which is a tread depth of 1.6mm.

What you should return

If something came in the car when it was delivered, it needs to be sent back on collection.

This includes but may not be limited to:

• Keys, including the spare. Flat batteries should be replaced.
• The owner's manual
• Service history record
• Any supplied radio code cards
• Any emergency equipment supplied e.g. warning triangle
• The spare wheel or tyre inflation/mobility set
• Valid MOT if applicable
• Any optional equipment that isn't fixed; so roof rails, tow bars etc.

This guide provides a snapshot of the BVRLA fair wear and tear Guide which was accurate at the time of publication. For up to date details please call us on 01273 433 480 or email info@rivervaleleasing.co.uk.