End-of-lease charges
Why Are There End Of Lease Charges?
Well, the leasing companies would say that the charges are to compensate them for the cost of rectifying any damages or missing items such as keys, service history etc. In reality the charges made by the leasing companies go straight onto their bottom line profits and rarely is any repair work ever carried out. The vehicles coming off lease go straight to the auction straight from your door.
What Happens When The Leasing Company Want Their Car Back?
They will get in touch with you several weeks before and they should give you an idea of the condition they want their car back in. This is the time to check your car for any damages that you might need to put right. Be honest and check the car thoroughly with a friend or call into Scratchmaster and we will check the vehicle with you.
The leasing company will arrange to send an engineer to inspect the vehicle and you should be there when he does this. Some lease companies will not inspect the car upon collection they will return the car to their site do the inspection there. This is not ideal as you are left apprehensively wondering if the leasing company will be honest in their inspection. We have had customers here at Scratchmaster who have handed cars back only to get charges of over £1000 which they could do little about.
Dispute
In case of a dispute you are allowed an examination from an independent engineer but you have to pay and the decision is binding. If the engineer finds in your favour the cost of the examination will be refunded. How generous.
General Advice From Scratchmaster To You
Firstly, and I know we would say this, but call into Scratchmaster. We are very familiar with fair wear and tear standards and we are more than happy to take a look around the car with you and help you decide what might (or might not) need repairing. You have nothing to loose other than your time because we don't charge for this.
(Before)
Be honest because there really aren't many shortcuts (there are some) take a look around the car maybe with a friend on a day with good light.
Equip yourself with a copy of the BVRLA's (British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association) fair wear and tear standard book. All reputable rental & leasing companies are usually members. This book or download will tell you what is acceptable to their members in terms of fair wear and tear. Forearmed is forewarned... !!!
Don't leave your preparation for your lease return to the last minute make it at least 4-6 weeks prior to return.
(After)
Don't think that by handing the car back dirty or in bad weather will help, in the long run it won't.
Check This Stuff
- Paintwork, Scratches, scuffs, dents and chips, bumpers, trims and alloy wheels.
- General appearance, documentation, service history etc
- Tyres and alloy wheels
- Windows, glass and door mirrors
- Vehicle interior, upholstery etc Equipment and controls working
Repairs
Any repairs made need to be to a professional standard with a transferable warranty.
We can expertly assess your vehicles condition and prepare the car to BVRLA standard thus removing the anxiety involved in many lease returns. We can help minimise the possibility of excessive and unexpected charges at the end of your contract.
Call in anytime for a free no obligation assessment of your lease vehicle.
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