Lease car damage charges explained

Bodywork

Scratches, dents, chips and paint damage are assessed against size, depth, number and location. A handful of small stone chips picked up over a normal contract term is often treated differently to a deep scratch or a dent that's broken the paint surface. Photographs from handover, showing the panel in question before any damage occurred, are particularly useful evidence here.

Alloy wheels

Kerbing and scuffing on alloy wheels is a very common charge. Leasing companies will usually look at the depth and extent of the damage, and whether it's cosmetic or affects the structural integrity of the wheel, when deciding whether a refurbishment or replacement charge applies.

Tyres

Tyre charges usually relate to tread depth below the legal minimum, damage such as cuts or bulges, or tyres that don't match the vehicle's original specification. Keeping receipts for any replacement tyres fitted during the contract can help show they meet the required specification.

Glass

Windscreen chips and cracks, and damage to other glass, are generally charged where they go beyond minor, repairable chips. If you had a windscreen repaired or replaced during the contract, keep the paperwork.

Interior

Interior charges cover things like torn or stained upholstery, cigarette burns, pet hair, and persistent odours (particularly smoking-related). General soiling that cleans off is usually treated differently to permanent staining or damage.

Missing equipment and keys

Items such as the second key/fob, locking wheel nut, parcel shelf, load cover or owner's manual are often checked against the original handover inventory. If any of these went missing during the contract, it's worth checking whether a replacement was ever ordered and whether that's reflected in the charge.

Cleaning

A cleaning or valeting charge may apply where a vehicle is returned in a condition beyond normal light dirt — for example heavy staining, odour, or debris that needs more than a standard valet.

For how these charges are meant to be weighed against ordinary use, see our guide to fair wear and tear on a lease car. For the bigger picture on how the return and invoicing process works, see our main guide to lease return charges. If you think one of these charges is wrong, see our guide todisputing lease return charges.

This page is general information for UK motorists and is not legal or financial advice. It does not state whether any specific charge is fair or valid.