Don't get caught out by your handback date.
Lease and PCP returns come with a damage inspection — and charges for anything beyond fair wear and tear. Work out how long you've got, and give yourself time to fix any scuffs, scratches or kerbed alloys first.
Why the return date matters
At the end of a lease or PCP agreement, the car is inspected against the BVRLA fair wear and tear standard. Anything beyond that — a kerbed alloy, a scratch you can catch a fingernail on, a bumper scuff — can be charged, often at more than a professional repair would cost. The catch is timing: a repair has to be booked in and finished before the car goes back, so the earlier you know your date, the more choice and the less pressure you have.
Not sure whether your damage would be charged? Our fair wear and tear guide walks through the common cases, and you can get fixed quotes in about two minutes.