Fair wear and tear guidelines

By Nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Wear and tear guidelines for vansGuidelines 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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Looking for further information?Check out the full guide here:

http://www.nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk/guides/leasing-wear-and-tear-guide?type=business

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