At the end of the contract your vehicle will be returned to the finance / leasing company and assessed to determine whether the vehicle meets the agreed returned condition.

To assist you in this process, CarLease UK will contact you 6 months before the vehicle is due to be returned so that you can begin to make preparations for the return of your vehicle. In addition to this, CarLease UK can supply to you the specific finance / leasing company’s guidelines for vehicle returns (subject to availability). In addition to this, the leasing industry’s trade body, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA)  has produced guidelines for fair wear and tear which CarLease UK can also supply on request.

What is fair wear and tear?

Fair wear and 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.

Why are there end of lease charges?

All leasing companies (under the BVRLA Code of Conduct) must trade fairly and responsibly in all dealings with their customers. End-of-lease charges reflect the loss of value in the vehicle to the leasing company when it is returned in a poorer condition than originally contracted and / or achieves a decrease in value as a result of a failure to use, maintain and look after the vehicle and its equipment. The leasing company will not necessarily carry out any damage repair or refurbishment prior to selling the vehicle.

How should you prepare?

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

Understand the standard - You can request a copy from CarLease UK; and

Appraising your vehicle - This will identify any damage that does not constitute fair wear and tear and requires repair. Use the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide and these key tips when appraising your vehicle:

• Carry out the appraisal of the vehicle 10 – 12 weeks before the vehicle is due for return. This will allow you to arrange to have any unacceptable wear and tear rectified.
• Appraise the vehicle as honestly as you can – be objective. Ask a friend or colleague to help you.
• Choose a time and place with good light. This is how the leasing company will examine your vehicle. Appraisals carried out in poor light invariably miss some faults.
• Before appraising the vehicle, make sure that it has been washed and is thoroughly clean but remember to allow time for it to dry. Water on the paintwork can mask faults.
• Walk all the way around the vehicle and examine closely each panel including the roof, bonnet, doors, and body for significant damage. Observe where the light is reflected differently from dents and scratches.
• Crouch or kneel down at the front and rear of the vehicle and look along the bodyline on each side. This will help you see scratches and dents that may otherwise be difficult to spot.
• Inspect lamps, lenses, windows and mirrors for chips, cracks and holes.
• Check the tyres (including spare) for damage. Check that the wear on the tread across each tyre is even. Inspect wheels, wheel trims and wheel spokes for scratches and deterioration.
• Clean and valet the interior.
• Check upholstered areas for odours, tears, burns, stains and wear.
• Inspect all controls, including audio equipment and accessories – they should be present and fully functional.

How do you arrange collection?

It is your responsibility to know your contract end date. CarLease UK accept no responsibility in this regard. However, once you have identified that you wish to return the vehicle,  CarLease UK will arrange for your vehicle to be collected as per your instructions. Collections will be available Monday – Friday during normal business hours (weekends and out of hours services are not available to you).  



When you have arranged collection with us, you will receive an email similar to that below setting out the process:

• You will be contacted 1 working day before the collection by the delivery agent to confirm delivery (if collection is on a Monday, this will take place on the Friday). You MUST confirm collection when contacted;
• Cancellations/Amendments to the collection date must take place no more than 2 working days prior to collection, otherwise an Aborted Collection Charge will be levied;
• Please ensure you have the fully stamped service book, MOT certificate (if applicable), vehicle keys and Tax Disc in your possession;
• Should you have any queries regarding the condition of your vehicle, please do liaise with us or refer to the BVRLA fair, wear and tear policy which we can send to you;
• You must ensure you have removed any cherished plates prior to the collection;
• The collection driver will review the vehicle, recording the condition and mileage on the Vehicle Condition Form which you will be asked to sign; and
• Neither ourselves nor the finance company accept responsibility for agreements or arrangements made between you and the delivery agent.