Returning a Lease Car; The FAQs

Returning your contract hire and leasing vehicle is not a daunting process contrary to popular belief. It is often stated that leasing companies use this process as a means for raising revenue and penalising customers. First, and foremost, our industry is well-regulated and instances of any abuse should be reported. Additionally, to avoid any unnecessary surprises, our ombudsman, the BVRLA, have produced a useful tool referred to as the “Fair Wear and Tear Guide”, which should assist you in preparing for a return of the vehicle. All of our customers are provided with a copy of this guide upon request...

Throughout the Course of Leasing Contract...

Throughout the course of the contract, our team will be in contact with you; in particular 12 months into the contract and 6 months before the vehicle is returned. We believe these are crucial time periods for our customers and, in-keeping with our Treating Customers Fairly policy, we want to ensure that the experience of leasing is a positive one.

Prior to Returning a Lease Car

12 months into the contract we want to ensure that the vehicle has received an annual service (if applicable), tyre conditions have been checked and the driver has carried out the necessary level checks on oil, coolant and, where necessary, AdBlue. Whether you have a funder-maintenance package, or not, the basics of the vehicle must be maintained. We repeat this exercise 6 months’ prior to the vehicle return to ensure there have been no missed services and that any outstanding issues with the vehicle are rectified well in advance of its return as we aim to ensure there are no hidden issues or costs with our process.

Fair Wear & Tear Guides...

The fair wear and tear guide is very much about the vehicle being within a condition which is commensurate to the mileage of the vehicle, with matters to review such as:

• Stone-chips;
• Dents;
• Scratches;
• Alloy wheel condition;
• Tyre condition; and
• Servicing Schedules.

As we look to arrange the return of your vehicle, you would receive correspondence, similar to the below, confirming your obligations under the return of a lease:

We have now arranged for your vehicle to be collected as per your instructions for [date]

In order for the collection to proceed as efficiently as possible, please can you read the information below in preparation for the collection:

• You should be contacted X working day/days 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 at least 2 working days prior to collection, otherwise an Aborted Collection Charge will be levied. CarLease UK reserve the right to charge a £X (plus Vat) administration fee for multiple failed collection requests;

• Please ensure you have the fully stamped service book, MOT certificate (if applicable) and vehicle keys 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, a copy of which can be emailed to you upon request;

• You must ensure you have removed any cherished plates prior to the collection;

• Neither ourselves, nor the finance company, accept responsibility for agreements or arrangements made between you and the delivery agent. Please do not deviate from any of the process noted above.

Watch our Video on Inspecting your Lease Car...

As you will note, this is very much about utilising practicality and common sense. That being said, our dedicated account management team are here to assist with any concerns or queries you may have. Please feel free to Contact Us before returning your lease car or for more info and advice or head on back to the help and advice page to read more about leasing a new car...