A guide to fair wear and tear to your leased vehicle from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts. View the full guide: http://www.nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk/guides/leasing-wear-and-tear-guide?type=business

1. Fair wear and tear
guidelines
By Nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk

2. Leasing wear and tear guide
If you are returning your vehicle to the finance company at the
end of your agreement, it will be inspected for any damage that
falls outside what is deemed ‘fair wear and tear’.
You will be liable to pay for any excess damage that is found, in
the form of lease-end penalty charges.

3. What are fair wear and tear
guidelines?
Fair wear and tear is the damage that occurs to a car or van as a
result of normal use throughout the period of its lease. It is not
damage caused by an accident, negligent behaviour or poor
treatment.
The same fair wear and tear rules apply for business and
personal customers.

4. How to get a copy of the fair wear
and tear guidelines
• Each funder will produce its own set of fair wear and tear
rules, broadly based on the general guidelines.
• It is the guidelines from your specific finance provider that
you must follow.
• If you are nearing the end of your lease and would like to get
a copy of the fair wear and tear guidelines for your vehicle,
please contact your sales advisor.

5. What is contained in the guidelines?
• General appearance and road safety
• Documentation and keys
• Paintwork, body, bumpers and trim
• Windows, glass, door mirrors and lamps
• Tyres and wheels
• Mechanical condition
• Interior
• Equipment and controls

6. Common problems
Problems that result in customers having to pay lease end
penalty charges:
• Damage to wheels and trims
• Chips or dents on the bodywork
• Scuffs, scratches and scrapes to the paintwork
• Rips, burns or holes in the vehicle’s seats

7. Wear and tear guidelines for vans
Guidelines for cars applies to vans, however, there are some
elements of van-specific guidance:
• Loading area – Scuffing, scratches, abrasions and small dents
that do not interfere with the function of the compartment
are permitted, but any considerable damage caused by
improper loading is not
• Graphics and decals – Scuffing, scratches, abrasions and small
dents that do not interfere with the function of the
compartment are permitted, but any considerable damage
caused by improper loading is not
• Additional roof fittings – Any additional beacons, lights,
antenna or other roof fittings can remain, as long as they are
fully functional and comply with legal requirements

8. What to do when your vehicle is due
for collection
• Inspect your vehicle for damage 10-12 weeks before return
• Make sure all keys, documentation and other accessories are
presented
• Ensure you inform your leasing company of any damage
• Ensure all personal effects are moved from the vehicle
• Ensure that your vehicle is clean both inside and out; interior
must be stain free

9. How to rectify any damage
If you discover any damage that you believe is likely to incur a
penalty charge as part of your inspection, you can arrange to
correct the damage before the vehicle is returned.
Before having any maintenance work carried out, ensure you
speak to your leasing company first to determine whether its
approval is required.

10. Regular service and maintenance
The most effective method of avoiding penalty charges is to keep
on top of the vehicle’s maintenance and appearance throughout
your lease period.
Keep it clean and polished, ensure that regular service and
maintenance is carried out by accredited garages, and ensure
that the vehicle’s service record is stamped each time.

11. Chips, dents and scratches
• Any damage should be repaired as soon as possible after it
occurs
• All work must be completed by a professional who provides a
full warranty
• Speak to your leasing company directly if you have any
concerns

12. Windscreen and windows
• Any damage to the driver’s line of sight must be repaired
immediately
• Small cracks can easily be SMART (small and medium area
repair technique) repaired
• Ensure any appropriate approval is given by the leasing
company before work is carried out

13. Wheels, tyres and trims
• Regularly check that tyre pressures are kept at the
recommended PSI to avoid unnecessary wear
• Any damage to wheel trims or alloys (for example, caused by
kerbing) must be rectified
• Ensure any appropriate approval is given by the leasing
company before work is carried out

14. Vehicle interior and equipment
• Drivers or passengers should not regularly smoke in the
vehicle to avoid causing a residual smell and staining. Any
staining must be removed before return
• All general equipment, controls, accessories and in-car
entertainment systems must be replaced with equipment of a
similar spec if stolen or lost
• Ensure any appropriate approval is given by the leasing
company before work is carried out

15. Looking for further information?
Check out the full guide here:
http://www.nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk/guides/leasing-
wear-and-tear-guide?type=business
Want to ask us a question?
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