What Is Wear and Tear for a Car Lease
The wear and tear for a car lease is included in the car lease agreement. Car lease agreements will state what the lessee is responsible for upon returning the leased vehicle. Once you return your leased car to the dealer, the dealer will verify the mileage and ask you to sign a document that confirms the return. But, the process does not end there. The leasing company will then do a thorough inspection for wear and tear of the car you returned and bill you, if necessary.
Normal wear and tear usually refers to small scratches, small scruff marks on the wheels and the body of the car as long as repainting is not required, slight wear on the interior, and small areas of chipping. Excessive wear and tear usually refers to holes, chips, and cracks in the glass and body, deep scratches that require repainting, burns or tears in the interior, and any broken pieces.
All lease companies request that you go through a pre-lease return inspection to identify the expected excessive wear and tear charges. You will receive a document that includes the date of the inspection along with estimated charges. You then have the option of returning the leased vehicle and waiting for the bill to be sent by the leasing company or you can get it fixed yourself by taking it to your auto shop. If you take it to your auto shop to get any damages fixed, be sure to save the receipt and send a copy of your receipt to your leasing company to prove that you have corrected any excessive wear and tear on the vehicle. It’s not always cheaper to go with your local auto shop.
