Quick Facts About Car Lease Damages
- Replacing worn tires on your own might be less expensive than the fee for new ones at lease end.
- Minor dents smaller than a quarter without paint damage are usually acceptable.
- Fix damage when it happens to help avoid a large lump-sum payment for repairs when turning in a leased vehicle.
Some shoppers thinking about leasing a car — and people currently in a lease — might worry about damage charges when it’s time to turn in the vehicle. What if you live in a tight city where door dings in parking lots frequently happen? Or if you often parallel park and scuff up the wheel rims?
And as with a car you own, significant damage to a leased vehicle reported to your insurance company can also lead to higher premiums. Does the cost of fixing a car that isn’t yours mean you should avoid leasing altogether? We’ve listed some items that may incur charges if damaged or worn beyond acceptable limits.
- Can You Return a Damage Leased Car?
- Leased Car Damage You’re Responsible For
- What to Do if You Damage a Leased Car
Can You Return a Damaged Leased Car?
You can return a damaged leased car at the end of your contract. However, you must understand the difference between expected and excessive damage. Some wear and tear is expected, and most leasing companies anticipate small scratches or blemishes. However, anything beyond these minor issues will likely lead to additional charges.
Before signing your lease agreement, review the terms and ask what explicitly qualifies as normal wear and tear. Address any excessive damage as your return date approaches. This proactive action will help the lease-end process run more smoothly.
Leased Car Damage You’re Responsible For
Excessive damage will result in additional costs when you return a leased vehicle. Dents or scratches usually incur charges if they are larger than a standard credit card. Windshield cracks and scraped bumpers also fall outside the “wear-and-tear” umbrella. Exact amounts will vary. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider.
- Tires. Our pro tip for when it’s almost time to turn in your leased car: Inspect the tires. If less than an eighth of an inch of tread remains, you’re better off replacing the tires before turning in the vehicle. The same is true if you have mismatched tires with one brand in the back and another in front, for example, which can be a sign that you haven’t been rotating the tires regularly. Tires are a feature the lease inspector is always going to notice. You’re better off paying for new rubber than accepting the automaker’s charges for tire replacement.
- Bumpers. Suppose you scrape the bumper to the point where paint has come off, or another car dented it. In many cases, you’re better off visiting a local body shop and paying for repairs before the lease ends. Bumpers are another common area where inspectors always look for damage. Your cost to fix damage before turning in the vehicle will usually be lower than how much the automaker charges once your time is up.
- Glass. No, you won’t get away with a cracked windshield. You’re unlikely to get away with any other cracked or chipped piece of glass, either. Get it fixed before the inspector notices. Otherwise, you’ll be on the hook for a replacement at a cost the automaker decides upon.
- Dents. Most dents don’t enter into the usual definition of excess wear and tear. The general rule is that you don’t have to worry if they’re smaller than a quarter and the paint is still intact. Otherwise, call a paintless dent repair company. They’re often mobile and usually get dents out of doors and body panels for much less than the automaker will charge.
- Scratches and curbed wheels. Just as you wouldn’t expect a used car to be showroom-fresh, automakers expect you to get a dent here and a scratch there when you’re leasing a vehicle. The rule of thumb on scratches is simple: If you can cover it with a standard credit card, you probably won’t be charged. The threshold for curbed wheels is smaller, but automakers will still allow minor damage before billing you. We’d recommend taking care of apparent damage, significant scratches, and excessive curb rash before dealing with an inspector.
Anything Else?
Clean your car before turning it in. Inspectors will notice stains on the seats or carpets. While small spots might be OK, clean the interior as best as possible to avoid charges.
MORE: Exterior Car Detailing: 14 Steps to Clean Your Car Like a Pro
What to Do if You Damage a Leased Car
Don’t panic if you have a bill when it’s time to turn in your car. However, avoid any temptation to roll any end-of-lease damage costs or penalties into your next vehicle at the dealership.
If the dealer offers it to you, that tactic may not make the most financial sense. Doing so puts you underwater on a new auto loan. You’ll be paying interest on charges for a car you’re no longer driving. If you’re getting another leased car, your monthly payment will increase, spoiling one of the leasing benefits.
Who Pays for Damage on a Leased Car?
Excessive damage is the lessee’s responsibility. As outlined in your lease agreement, you’re liable for major repair costs. Fix problems as they happen during the lease and avoid a big lump-sum hit to your wallet when you turn in the car. Here are some repair options to consider ahead of time, depending on the type of damage.
- Windshield Cracks: Some minor chips and cracks can be repaired without a complete windshield replacement. Contact an auto glass company for a quote. If the damage is too significant, replace the glass to avoid a higher bill when you return the car. You can also file a claim through your insurance, but paying for it out of pocket may be more affordable in the long run.
- Larger Dents: Contact a paint-free dent repair company first for dents larger than a quarter. Depending on the damage’s position, they might be able to fix it at a lower cost than a conventional body shop. Get multiple estimates from reputable, trusted companies if you need a body shop. Then, evaluate your options once you have an accurate idea of how much the repair should cost. Consider how much the dealer may charge and decide if you’d rather pay with a body shop or later at the end of your lease.
- Worn Tires: If your tires are worn beyond the acceptable limit, replace them before the inspection. This expense is often more cost-effective than what the leasing company would charge you.
Can You Return a Leased Car After an Accident?
You must disclose any and all accidents on a leased vehicle to the dealer or leasing company. They may require you to use a specific body shop for the repairs, so you must coordinate with your insurance company and make the appropriate arrangements. Once the car is restored, you should be permitted to return the vehicle at the end of the lease agreement.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.
