What’s one of the biggest concerns for anyone looking to lease a van? Unfortunately, for many, it’s what happens when you give the van back at the end of the lease.
Will there be additional costs when you hand back the keys? What types of wear and tear is covered at the end of lease inspection? These are just some of the questions that come up.
So, to put your mind at ease, our guide covers everything you need to know about fair wear and tear when you lease a van.
What Is Van Fair Wear and Tear?
The definition of fair wear and tear covers the deterioration of a vehicle under general use. The level of wear and tear also factors in the length of the lease period.
The emphasis here is on the term ‘fair’. It doesn’t cover accidents or generally treating the van poorly during the lease.
Your lease will cover what is deemed fair wear and tear, so you know what’s included and what’s not.
What Is Considered Normal Wear and Tear On A Leased Van?
What is considered fair wear and tear is often where the confusion lies when leasing. The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) have a guide on this area. These guidelines set out a standard for the industry. However, every finance provider has its own requirements to watch out for. So, while they will be based on the BVRLA standards, they may differ slightly.
There are also different guidelines depending on the type of vehicle you lease. This falls into three categories – cars, light commercial vehicles and heavy goods vehicles. In most cases, a van lease comes under light commercial vehicles, including vans and minibuses.
So, what is considered fair wear and tear, and what might result in additional charges at the end of the lease?
In your lease and policy, there is guidance on acceptable wear and tear for specific areas of the van. It covers everything from body and paintwork, interiors and mechanical condition.
Each aspect is inspected and assessed according to these guidelines. While this may sound daunting, your fair wear and tear policy will assist in recognising acceptable and unacceptable damage.
This includes:
- Explanation of charges and how each is calculated
- Photographs and examples of damage allowances
- Advice on how to prepare your vehicle at the end of the lease, including self-inspection tips
- Glossary of terms to help you identify specific types of damage
Acceptable Wear and Tear
Some examples of acceptable wear and tear include:
Exterior
- Small scratches up to 100mm that can be buffed out with polishing
- Minor areas of chipping covering less than 25% of a panel
- Shallow scuff on bumpers and non-painted areas of up to 100mm
- Natural discolouration over time caused by aspects such as the weather
- Small dents up to 20mm on bumpers, panels or grille
Interior
- Stains that can be removed with general cleaning
- Fabric deterioration and discolouration due to day-to-day use
Tyres and wheels
- Tyres should be within the minimal legal thread of 1.6mm
- One scratch or scuff on the face of the wheel (under 100mm)
- One scratch or scuff on the border of the wheel (under 100mm)
Windows, lights and mirrors
- Stone chip on windscreen under 10mm as long as not in driver’s line of sight
- Stone chips on light casings
- Scratches or scuffs to mirror casings (under 50mm)
Sills, seals and loading areas
- Most scratches, dents or bumps not visible from the outside (unless they interfere with the door opening)
Unacceptable Wear and Tear
Some examples of unacceptable wear and tear include:
Exterior
- Stickers or glue residue on paintwork
- More than two dents per panel
- Scratches on bumpers, panels or grille over 100mm
- Stone chips developing corrosion
- Dents on bumpers, grille or panels over 20mm
- Colour differences on repair work
- Discolouration caused by unnatural external factors
- Cracks or breaks in bumpers or grille
- Corrosion
Interior
- Stains or odours that can’t be removed with general cleaning
- Tears or cuts in carpets, seats and mats
- Holes from phone or GPS mounts
- Missing interior parts
Tyres and wheels
- Scratches or scuffs over 100mm
- Cuts or cracks in tyres
- Tyre treads under the legal minimum limit of 1.6mm
Windows, lights and mirrors
- Broken lights and glass
- Chips in casings over 10mm
Sills, seals and loading areas
- Large dents and scratches caused by incorrect loading
- Holes in floor
- Damage on the interior lining that affects fittings
- Ripped or missing interior or trim
Please note: This information is for guidance. Always check your fair wear and tear policy for exact specifications.
Conducting Your Own Wear and Tear Assessment
At the end of your van lease, there will be an assessment based on the fair wear and tear policy. However, it’s a good idea to carry out your own checks beforehand – to avoid any surprises!
So, here are some of the areas to consider:
Clean your van first
You can’t spot the little dings and dangs if your van is covered in dirt. So, clean it thoroughly before going through the fair wear and tear policy checklist.
Inspect your van in daylight
The best time to check your van is in daylight. Dents, scratches and chips are more evident in the light. Plus, it makes it easier to check the abrasion size compared to the policy allowances.
Inspect every area of the van thoroughly
It’s not enough to give your van a quick glance over as fair wear and tear covers every aspect of the van. Assess everything from mirrors, interiors and lights to wheels, panels and paintwork.
Check controls and infotainment systems
Ensure all controls and on-board systems including accessories are fully functional. If you spot any warning lights on the dash, get a professional to rectify the issue.
Remove signage and stickers
If you have signage or stickers on your van, remove them and any glue residue before final inspection. Anything left on the van at collection will incur additional charges for removal.
At Leasing Options, we have compiled a checklist to help you check your vehicle over before returning it – download it here.
What To Do If Your Van Has Damage
So, you’ve spotted some damage that falls outside the fair wear and tear guidance - what now?
To avoid being charged, repairing it before the assessment could be a solution. However, before trying any DIY fixes, it’s worth noting that a poor repair job could result in further charges if it affects the van’s value. Get a reputable garage to repair the damage for peace of mind.
There are a few other things you can do throughout the lease to reduce additional charges when you hand it back:
- Maintain regular maintaining and servicing
- Fix chips and scratches as soon as they occur
- Keep tyres at recommended PSI to minimise extra wear
- Do not smoke in the van
- Ensure a professional installs extra fittings such as phone mounts
- Replace lost or damaged interior and trims
Steps To Take When Your Leased Van Is Due For Collection
Simply put, everything included when the lease started should be returned when you hand over the keys. This includes:
- Owner’s manual
- Spare keys (replace batteries in main or spare keys if necessary)
- Service history book
- Spare wheel or inflation set (in working order)
- Emergency equipment (if supplied with the vehicle)
- Radio code cards
When your van is collected, the agent will complete the assessment and check for all the above elements. They will take photos of the van and note any damage. Once complete, you’ll be asked to sign a Vehicle Condition Form and approve it for collection.
The van then undergoes further inspection by an independent assessor when it reaches the leasing company. Any other issues will be communicated to you with a full inspection appraisal report.
We’re here to help
Contact us today for more information and guidance if you have any questions about fair wear and tear on your leased van.
FAQs
What Is Considered Normal Wear and Tear On A Leased Van?
Fair wear and tear is deterioration that occurs during everyday use over the lease period. The assessed level of deterioration may differ depending on the contract length.
What Happens If You Damage A Leased Van?
Some damage is allowed under your fair wear and tear policy. However, you should fix significant damage before the vehicle is handed back. A reputable garage should undertake repair work to ensure no additional charges at the end of the lease.
What Is Considered Wear and Tear On A Vehicle?
Any natural deterioration of a vehicle during general use is considered wear and tear.
