FAQ's - What is Fair Wear and Tear?

All leases are based upon a prediction of the value of the vehicle at the end of the period. This prediction is based upon the vehicle being returned in a reasonable condition – it DOES NOT mean in showroom condition, so minor scuffs, and paint chips and interior wear will not attract any charge on return of the vehicle.

However bits missing, serious accident damage, tears rips or just filthy interiors will attract a charge and quite right too!! Otherwise everyone that looks after their cars ends up paying for the minority who abuse them and treat them like a shed.

If you are distantly related to Fernado Alonso, I can recommend some great track day outings where you can thrash someone else’s cars round a track in relative safety( I might even join you, it’s great fun!) – but treating your lease car like an F1 motor will cost you at the end of the lease!

All of the lease companies that we use subscribe to the British Vehicle Leasing and Rental Association’s code of practise, which gives detailed guidance on what constitutes fair wear and tear. It also lays down a dispute procedure in the event of disagreement, but in all honesty it’s common sense and these days most companies only charge the real cost effect on the resale value and it is NOT a profit area for the lease companies.

All the lease company wants is a car it can sell in a FAIR condition, not WORN or TORN! Seems reasonable to me.

So use your common sense, look after the car as if it was your own, and have the car valeted before the end of the lease. If there is any body damage that will be charged by the lease company, get it repaired before it goes back. Minor dents, can often be repaired cheaply by the likes of Chips away, and it will almost always be cheaper to do this.

See our detailed document FAIR WEAR AND TEAR for more details.

Excess Mileage

Your agreement is calculated on an agreed mileage. If you exceed the mileage, then you will be charged on a pence per mile basis. This varies from car to car, and will be clearly shown both in your quote and on the lease documents, but typically ranges from 4p to 10p a mile for “normal” cars.

This is not an opportunity for the finance company to profit (none of it comes our way BTW), it simply reflects the reduced value of the car caused by the extra mileage.

If you know you mileage is going to be very high consider a flexible finance form such as finance lease, or try moving house! Whatever you do, high mileage will cost big bucks.

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