Can You Return a Leased Car Being Damaged?

If you're curious what happens if you return your rented automobile with minor damage, see your car lease agreement. Every lease expects you to return the automobile in about the same condition in which you received it. But some people are OK with minor scrapes or regular wear and tear. That is why the agreement will specify which damages are acceptable and which may result in legal consequences.

If your automobile has been damaged, don't panic. Consult your insurance carrier first; they may cover certain losses. When having repairs, remember to use original auto parts. Using non-OEM (Original Equipment Manufactured) components may cause problems when you return your automobile.

What Is the Appropriate Level of Wear and Tear?

Most leases have a reasonable wear and tear policy. Keep in mind that each dealership has its own rules. The contract specifies the exact things that are either covered by reasonable wear and tear or for which you will be held financially responsible.

The dealership will most likely check closely at the following items:

• Excess mileage;
• Dents or collision damage;
• Scrapes or scrapes longer than three inches;
• Wheel scratches longer than two inches;
• Windshield chips or cracks larger than a quarter;
• Tire wear that is deeper than one sixteenth of an inch tread;
• Poor-quality repairs or fixes that do not satisfy the dealership's requirements;
• Cuts, splits, burns, or permanent stains in the material or carpet;
• Broken or missing components;
• Mechanical and transmissions (clutch, brakes, drivetrain, and suspension);

Excess Mileage

Leases often offer a yearly mileage allowance of 12,000 miles. If you exceed the agreed-upon mileage restriction before the conclusion of your lease period, expect to pay a charge for each additional mile. Your lease agreement contains the precise amount of this cost. It normally ranges from $0.15 to $0.30 per mile, depending on the car you leased. The goal of this charge is to compensate for the degradation in the vehicle's residual value caused by more kilometers traveled.

Scratches, Scuffs, and Dents

Dealerships often accept up to $500-$1,000 in wear and tear before charging you. This might include typical wear and tear as well as prepping the automobile for selling. However, larger dents and scrapes that require painting might cost you more than $1,000.

Before returning your rented vehicle, request a repair estimate from a detail or body shop. Specialists can repair dents at a reasonable cost, especially if the paint is not harmed. Deep scratches can be repaired with touch-up paint that matches the car's original color. How-to videos may help even beginners achieve a professional finish.

Fixing Wheels and Glass

If your windshield has extensive cracks, expect to pay a substantial repair bill, especially if your vehicle includes advanced technologies such as rain-sensing wipers or auto high-beam bulb lowering. If you simply have a chip or a minor crack, you may fill it with a windshield repair kit or take it to a shop and get it repaired professionally. Because poor-quality repairs or fixes that do not match the dealership's requirements will ultimately cost you extra.

If you've scratched your wheels and believe the damage exceeds the limit of your lease, there are repair options available that can save you money in the long run. To make things even easier, some mobile providers will come to your home and repair the wheels right in your driveway.

Worn-Out Tires

In most circumstances, the tires that come with a leased automobile will last the duration of the lease, which is often two or three years. If you rented a certified pre-owned car, the tires may be worn over the permitted level. Here's why you probably won't need new tires:

• Tire replacements are frequently less expensive at dealerships than at tire outlets;
• Dealerships may not accept tires purchased elsewhere.

If your tires are worn and need to be replaced, take your car to a dealership and request a pricing quotation for new tires. Inquire about the precise kind and size of tires they recommend, as well as dismounting and discarding the old tires before installing and balancing the new ones.

What Is Unacceptable Damage?

Here are some undesirable wear and tear defects that may result in charges if they were not pre-existing. Check your automobile leasing agreement for further details.

Scratches

Scratches are defined as those that are longer than three inches or thicker than ¼ inch, exposing the underlying panel after the paint is gone.

Dent/ding damage

• Dents that are bigger than a credit card;
• Four or more dents per panel (of any size);
• More than four panels were damaged;
• Paint damage.

Any paint damage that exposes the underlying panel or produces severe clear coat etching, including customer-applied touch-up paint.

Windshield, windows, lights, and mirrors

• Any damage to the windshield or windows that requires replacement or repair;
• Glass that has been cracked, fractured, or stained outside of the manufacturing process;
• Lighting, turn signals, mirrors, or lights that are crooked, damaged, or missing.

Body and bumpers

• Unrepaired damage to the vehicle's chassis, structure, or bumpers;
• Excessive damage to the inside and seats includes burns, holes, stains, rips, and missing or damaged carpets and floor mats.

Wheels

• If the client added their own tires or wheels;
• Missing or severely damaged wheel covers;
• Wheel gouges larger than one inch.

Amenities & features

• Missing keys and remotes may be deemed substantial damage;
• Missing parts or accessories (e.g., shifter knobs, headrests, cargo coverings);
• Break or malfunction of equipment due to neglect.

Additional Objects That May Be Deemed Excessive Harm

• Lack of normal maintenance causes damage (engine, oil, tires, etc.);
• Spills (water stains, beverages, etc.);
• Bad stench (smoking, bad food, dogs, etc.);
• Unauthorized alterations render components inoperable.

What Happens If I Return My Leased Car With Damages?

It's crucial to remember that a leased automobile is not technically yours, and you must return it in the same condition in which you acquired it. If you did truly damage it, you have a few choices to consider.

1. Pay the price

When leasing a car, the lessor may charge you for "excessive" wear and tear. Small scratches may be regarded as normal, but substantial damage requires paying out of pocket upon return. You have two options: pay the leasing company for the damage or check your damage protection plan. If not covered, weigh the expense of returning the automobile with the damage vs restoring it yourself before the lease expires.

2. Inform your auto insurance

If your leased automobile is damaged, compare the repair expenses to your insurance deductible. If the former is higher, you might consider submitting an insurance claim. Don't be concerned about a potential drop in resale value as a result of an accident; this only applies if you want to purchase the vehicle after the lease period has expired. However, if the accident was your responsibility, you may expect to pay higher premiums. Many damages are most likely covered by your full coverage insurance.

3. Combine the charges with your next lease

If you're considering leasing again and the damage surpasses your out-of-pocket expenses, you might be able to include the amount in your future lease. It's worth noting that any rebates or discounts you obtain for leasing again may be negated by this additional expenditure, resulting in a larger monthly payment.

4. Buy out the lease

Another alternative is to buy the automobile at the conclusion of the lease. Leasing businesses generally impose an additional fee for damages that occur during the lease, since they want to sell the vehicle as a pre-owned vehicle. By purchasing the car yourself, you relieve the lease company of the duty to maintain it for selling.