If I damage my lease van, will I have to pay?

It’s a common mistake to believe that your lease van needs to be returned to the funder in the exact same condition as when it was delivered. But funders are realistic – they know that you’re using the van every day and expect that vehicles will show minor wear and tear after a few years.

All funders adhere to the BVRLA’s Fair Wear and Tear Guide, which outlines what is and isn’t acceptable when it comes to the condition you hand the van back in.

Provided you’ve looked after the van and it’s not been abused or neglected, you won’t be charged to fix minor wear and tear.

Examples of acceptable wear and tear include:

• Chips of 8mm and less in diameter are acceptable provided the base metal or material is not exposed or rusted.
• Dents of 15mm or less in diameter are acceptable provided the base metal or material is not exposed or rusted.
• Repairs – repaired chips, scratches and dents outside the fair wear and tear tolerance are acceptable provided the work is completed to a professional standard.
• Anything you have added to the van, like wraps, badges, or conversions, should be removed without damaging the van before it is returned

Examples of unacceptable wear and tear include:

• Chips over 8mm diameter
• Dents over 15mm in diameter
• Poor repair that is not completed to a professional standard
• Rust or discolouration on any painted area.
• Damage caused by fitting or removing additions made by you outside of the lease agreement

For a full list of items considered fair wear and tear on returned lease vehicle, read the BVRLA fair wear and tear guide.