The Van Driver's Guide to End-of-Lease 'Wear and Tear'
If you’re looking to lease a new van, it’s important to consider the importance of wear and tear in preparation for when the time comes to return your vehicle.
Under the terms of your van leasing agreement, a vehicle must be returned in an acceptable condition or be subject to end-of-lease charges if equipment or accessories have not been maintained or looked after as originally stipulated at the start of the agreement.
What is Fair Wear and Tear?
It should be noted that there is a higher reference level for van wear and tear in line with its status as a ‘working vehicle’.
The condition of a ‘working vehicle’ must specifically allow for wear and tear appropriate to their operation and use.
However, this shouldn’t be confused with overt damage, which is defined as ‘impact, inappropriate stowing of items, harsh-treatment, negligent acts or omissions’.
As a result, it is very worthwhile looking after your van carefully during the term of your lease as it could go a long way to avoiding additional costs outside of the acceptable ‘wear and tear’ terms.
How is Wear and Tear Assessed at the End of a Van Lease?
A thorough inspection of the vehicle will be carried out by an independent company using fair wear and tear guidelines to determine whether any areas do not conform to the terms set out in the leasing agreement.
Remember, wear and tear standards take a van's age and mileage into account so expect a far stricter examination at the end of a two-year contract than a four-year deal.
Wear and tear: The Van Driver's Guide
Here are some examples of common wear and tear standards as laid down by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), widely used as the benchmark in the vehicle industry.
Important: Vehicles must be returned at the end of a lease period within the fair wear and tear guidelines as set out by your finance company. Failure to do so may result in additional charges being applied.
Accidental Damage
Accidental damage should be repaired to a professional standard as soon as possible. There should be no sign of rust or corrosion. Obvious evidence of poor repair is not acceptable.
Chips
Small areas of chipping, including door edge chipping are acceptable provided that the base coat of paint has not been penetrated and there are no signs of corrosion. Excessive chips should be repaired before the van is returned.
Dents
Minor dents are acceptable, provided that the base coat of paint has not been penetrated and there are no signs of corrosion. Dents over 10mm and more than one dent per panel are both not acceptable.
Door Mirrors
Missing, cracked, badly scuffed or damaged door mirrors are not acceptable. If the mirrors are adjustable or heated then they must be in the correct working order. Small marks are acceptable.
Inside the Van
The interior upholstery and trim, including boot linings, must be clean with no visible burns, tears or staining. All original in-van entertainment equipment must be intact and in correct working order. Optional extras fitted by the manufacturer or retailer should be returned with the van unless otherwise agreed with the leasing company. Any holes or other damage from fitting phones or other equipment must be repaired. Light staining to seats is acceptable but as mentioned above, tears and burns are not.
Lamps/Lenses
If cracked or holed, then lamps and lenses should be replaced. Minor damage to the lens is acceptable. Holes or cracks that allow water through are not.
Mechanical Condition
Any sign or evidence of abuse and/or neglect, such as brake damage from worn-out pads, engine damage due to ignoring coolant or other warning lights; clutch and gearbox noise and slippage, and excessive damage to the underside, will usually incur a charge.
Scratches and Bodywork
Light surface scratches and abrasions are acceptable so long as they have not penetrated the base coat of paint and there is no evidence of corrosion. Scratches longer than 25mm, or through to the base coat are not acceptable.
Tyres
All tyres including the spare must adhere to the minimum legal standard for tread depth and sidewall condition. Tyres must be of the type, size and speed rating recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. If any tyres have low tread or damaged sidewalls they should be immediately replaced.
Wheels and Wheel Trims
Minor scuffs to the outside edge of alloy wheels and trims is acceptable but scoring and other damage to the wheel surface is not. Bad scuffs and dents to alloy wheels and wheel trims is not acceptable.
Windscreen and Windows
For safety reasons, all glass should be kept clean. It's also easier to see any damage to the glass. Damage in the driver's direct line of sight or affecting heating elements should be repaired immediately. Chips must be repaired.
Ten Quick Tips to Minimise Van Damage
1. Regularly clean and inspect your van
2. Approach kerbs slowly
3. Choose well-lit areas when parking
4. When parking at the supermarket, park away from trolley bays
5. Place a blanket or similar item across the rear seat when carrying small children
6. Don't park your van next to a neglected vehicle
7. Don't open the van door with the key remote in your hand
8. Don't use attachable air fresheners inside the van (the content can melt van interiors)
9. Don't display potentially provocative stickers e.g football club/slogans/political
10. Don't place items such as briefcases or soft drink cans on the bodywork for any reason
Will I Be Charged For Damage?
You could be liable for end of lease charges if your vehicle is judged to have sustained damage outside of the fair wear and tear policy or is missing a key component (eg. service history or keys).
The charges compensate for the cost of rectifying damage or replacing missing equipment before the vehicle is sold.
