End of the Contract
At the end of your contract you will have a number of options available to you
Replace with a new car
If your intention is to replace your car with another under the scheme, we would recommend having quotes and looking to submit a new application 6-9 months before the existing contract end date.
If the ETA of your new car is after the existing contract end date, we will simply extend your current lease under the same terms and costs until such time as the new car is ready. If your new car is built sooner than expected and is available earlier, you can choose to terminate your current agreement (charges will apply) or we can simply hold the car unregistered until the original planned date.
You can run quotes for a new car via your existing on-line account, please do not create a new one. Simply ask the lease car team to unlock your account for quoting.
Extend contract
If you are undecided, or simply like the car you are currently driving we can simply extend your current contract for up to 12 months on the same terms and costs. Simply let the lease car team know that is your intention.
Once a vehicle is on extension, it can be returned at any time (with the appropriate notice) without an early termination penalty.
Purchase Vehicle
You can purchase the car at the end of the contract. We will need your current mileage to apply for the price on your behalf. Prices are normally valid for between 14-28 days, after this time a new price will need to be provided and will be subject to change.
Prices are non-negotiable and must be paid in full directly to the lease company. It is vitally important we are involved in the process otherwise your payments will continue towards the car until we are notified and we can inform payroll accordingly.
Return and Collection
If you simply want to return the car at the end of the contract, simply contact the lease car team and they can arrange this with you.
The car will not automatically be collected on the last day of your contract, this must be pre-arranged with you, your contract will continue under the same terms and costs until such time you make arrangements end the lease and the car is collected. The lease car team will require a minimum of 10 working days’ notice of a collection date and collections are Monday to Friday.
BVRLA - The Fair Wear and Tear Standard
All of our contracts are provided by leasing company’s that are regulated by the BVRLA and as such all must confirm to the agreed standards of the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide. You will be able to find a copy of your leasing company’s guide on their website.
The aim of the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide is to provide an industry-wide, accepted standard that defines fair wear and tear on passenger cars when they are returned to a BVRLA member at the end of a lease or finance agreement.
Fair wear and tear occurs when normal usage causes acceptable deterioration to a vehicle. It is not to be confused with damage, which occurs as a result of a specific event or series of events such as impact, inappropriate stowing of items, harsh treatment, negligent acts or omissions.
For ease of reference, the condition of the vehicle is considered under the following headings:
❱ General appearance, road safety, documentation, keys
❱ Paintwork, vehicle body, bumpers and trim
❱ Windows, glass, door mirrors and lamps
❱ Tyres and wheels
❱ Mechanical condition
❱ Vehicle interior
❱ Equipment and controls
Preparing for collection
To avoid end-of-lease charges, you should arrange to repair unacceptable areas of damage before the vehicle is returned.
The vehicle cannot be collected until any private number plate is successfully removed from the car and the original plates re-assigned and added back to the vehicle. This process can take the DVLA up to 5 weeks to process.
If any warning lights or service lights are illuminated at the time of collection, the lease company many refuse to take the vehicle. You would be liable for an abortive collection fee and payment towards the car until the issue was rectified and the car collected.
❱ Carry out an appraisal of the vehicle 10 to 12 weeks before the vehicle is due for return. This will allow you to arrange to have any unacceptable wear and tear rectified.
❱ It is important to appraise the vehicle as honestly as you can. Be objective. Ask a friend or colleague to help you.
❱ Choose a time and place with good light. This is how the leasing company will examine your vehicle. Appraisals carried out in poor light invariably miss some faults.
❱ Before appraising the vehicle, make sure that it has been washed and is thoroughly clean but remember to allow time for it to dry. Water on the paintwork can mask faults.
❱ Walk all the way around the vehicle and examine closely each panel, including the roof, bonnet, doors and body, for significant damage. Observe where the light is reflected differently from any
dents and scratches.
❱ Crouch or kneel down at the front and rear of the vehicle and look along the bodyline on each side. This will help you see scratches and dents that may otherwise be difficult to spot.
Inspect lamps, lenses, windows and mirrors for chips, cracks
and holes.
❱ Check the tyres (including spare) for damage. Check that the wear on the tread across each tyre is even. Inspect wheels, wheel trims and wheel spokes for scratches and deterioration.
❱ Clean and valet the interior.
❱ Check upholstered areas for odours, tears, burns, stains and wear.
❱ Inspect all controls, including audio equipment and accessories – they should be present and fully functional.
Upon Collection
Please note that any requests for an am/pm slot are not guaranteed and are a preference only. Please ensure you are free as much as possible on the whole day of collection as any aborted collection will result in a recharge to you. The handover can take up to 30 minutes.
Please note that any change to this collection must be made with at least 48 hours’ notice (not including weekends) or an abortive collection charge will apply. Always point out any unrepaired wear or damage when the vehicle is collected to avoid problems later.
We recommend that the vehicle is clean upon collection with a minimum quarter tank of fuel. Please ensure the following items are with the vehicle where appropriate:-
- Service book and/or documents to evidence services have been carried out
- Spare key(s) returned at the point of collection
- User manual
- Headrests and parcel shelf (where applicable)
- Discs and cards for satellite navigation systems
- Vehicle jack and spare wheel or puncture repair kit
- Parcel Shelf
Failure to provide these items may result in a charge from the leasing company. Please remember to remove your house keys from the vehicle fob and delete any personal contact and address information from the vehicle on-board communication system, for security reasons, you should delete any personal information from the navigation database, e.g. home address, postcode, etc.
All readily apparent damage and wear, irrespective of liability, will be documented when the vehicle is collected. You will be given the opportunity to agree with the condition of the vehicle at the point of collection. Your leasing company will then be able to carry out a full assessment of your vehicle to calculate what end-of-lease charges, if any, are payable.
Even if you do not agree with the damage, if there is photographic evidence that proves the damage is outside of the Fair Wear and Tear standard the lease company recharge will be your responsibility.
Ending your payments
Once the collection has been confirmed, we will notify payroll to cease your deductions in the next available pay run. Your liability in the last month will be for the outstanding days. We will calculate how many days you have had the car and when the first and last payments were made, your final payment/refund will be based on the difference between the two.
End of contract charges
Any invoice received from the lease company for end of contract damage or mileage will be processed by the lease car team, agreed and sent to the finance department for payment. Deductions will then be made from your salary to cover the costs. Depending on the value of the charge, finance may agree to spread this over a number of months.