Van leasing fair wear & tear guidelines

What is van fair wear and tear?

Returning a leased vehicle involves more than just handing over the keys. Finance companies expect the van to be in a reasonable condition, relative to its age and mileage. This is known as fair wear and tear. To simplify the return process and avoid unexpected charges, it’s vital to understand what fair wear and tear means and how it applies to your leased van.

Fair wear and tear describes the normal deterioration of your vehicle during regular use over the lease period. It doesn’t cover damage resulting from accidents, neglect or misuse.

Van lease agreements typically outline specific criteria for fair wear and tear and detail acceptable levels. We’ll discuss this in more detail later in the guide.

Who checks my van for fair wear and tear?

Your van will be inspected for fair wear and tear by representatives from the leasing company or an independent assessment agency. The inspection is usually when you return your van.

Inspectors will check the condition of the vehicle and identify any excess wear and tear that does not meet the terms of your lease.

What's included in van fair wear and tear?

Fair wear and tear guidelines cover various aspects of the vehicle, including the exterior, interior, mechanical components and accessories.

These guidelines outline acceptable levels of wear for each area and help to differentiate between normal use and damage that could warrant additional charges.

Examples of van fair wear and tear

What counts as wear and tear? Let’s get more specific:

Exterior

• Small scratches up to 100mm that can be buffed out with polishing
• Minor areas of chipping covering less than 25% of a panel
• Shallow scuff on bumpers and non-painted areas of up to 100mm
• Natural discolouration over time caused by aspects such as the weather
• Small dents up to 20mm on bumpers, panels or grille

Interior

• Stains that can be removed with general cleaning
• Fabric deterioration and discolouration due to day-to-day use

Tyres and wheels

• Tyres should have a minimum legal tread of 1.6mm
• One scratch or scuff on the face of the wheel (under 100mm)
• One scratch or scuff on the border of the wheel (under 100mm)

Windows, lights and mirrors

• Stone chip on windscreen under 10mm as long as not in driver’s line of sight
• Stone chips on light casings
• Scratches or scuffs to mirror casings (under 50mm)

Sills, seals and loading areas

• Most scratches, dents or bumps not visible from the outside (unless they interfere with the door opening)

Examples of unacceptable wear and tear

Now you know more about fair wear and tear for van leasing, let’s take a look at some examples of what’s considered unacceptable. Generally, the issues listed below devalue the vehicle and will incur extra charges:

Exterior

• Stickers or glue residue on paintwork
• More than two dents per panel
• Scratches on bumpers, panels or grille over 100mm
• Stone chips developing corrosion
• Dents on bumpers, grille or panels over 20mm
• Colour differences on repair work
• Discolouration caused by unnatural external factors
• Cracks or breaks in bumpers or grille
• Corrosion

Interior

• Stains or odours that can’t be removed with general cleaning
• Tears or cuts in carpets, seats and mats
• Holes from phone or GPS mounts
• Missing interior parts

Tyres and wheels

• Scratches or scuffs over 100mm
• Cuts or cracks in tyres
• Tyre treads under the legal minimum limit of 1.6mm

Windows, lights and mirrors

• Broken lights and glass
• Chips in casings over 10mm

Sills, seals and loading areas

• Large dents and scratches caused by incorrect loading
• Holes in floor
• Damage on the interior lining that affects fittings
• Ripped or missing interior or trim

How to check a van for wear and tear

Before returning your lease van, it’s worth conducting a thorough inspection to identify any areas of wear and tear that may require attention. Start by cleaning the van inside and out.

Next, carefully inspect each component of the vehicle, paying close attention to areas mentioned in your fair wear and tear guidelines. Note any excessive wear or damage and consider addressing these issues before the official inspection. It’s always worth snapping a few photos in case they’re needed down the line. 

“Regular maintenance and proactive assessment of your van’s condition can help minimise unexpected charges at the end of your lease,” explains a Leasing Options expert. “By understanding the terms of your lease, addressing any issues quickly and maintaining the vehicle according to manufacturer recommendations, you can ensure a smooth return process for your leased van.”

What should I do if my van is damaged?

Accidents happen - we get it. Whether it’s a stubborn oil stain on the passenger seat or an unsightly paintwork scratch caused by a tight manoeuvre, there’s no need to stress if you discover damage to your leased van that falls outside the scope of fair wear and tear.

Depending on the severity of the damage, you may choose to repair it yourself or take it in for a repair. It's important to address any major issues before returning the vehicle to avoid additional charges.

Another option is to simply return the vehicle and accept any charges added to cover the cost of the damage. This is generally the easiest option but can be the most expensive. 

Should I remove any modifications from my van?

Many businesses modify their vans to meet their unique needs, whether it’s installing shelving for internal storage or adding eye-popping signage for branding purposes. These modifications can enhance efficiency, professionalism and brand visibility on the road. However, they can complicate things when it comes to van leasing fair wear and tear.

In most cases, you should restore the van to its original condition. This can include anything from ladder racks and shelving units to partitions and rear-view cameras.

Not removing modifications may result in additional charges or complications during the inspection process. If you’re not sure it’s best to ask your van leasing deals provider before handing over the keys.

Process for returning a van lease

Returning a leased van is easy and involves the following steps:

1. Schedule an inspection appointment with the leasing company
2. Clean the van thoroughly, inside and out
3. Remove any personal belongings and aftermarket accessories
4. Conduct a pre-inspection to identify any areas of concern
5. Attend the official inspection appointment and review the findings
6. Sign the Vehicle Condition Form and approve it for collection
7. Address any outstanding issues or damages identified during the inspection
8. Return all required documents, keys, and accessories to the leasing company
9. Confirm the end of the lease agreement and explore options for taking out a new van lease, if desired

By familiarising yourself with the terms of your lease and taking proactive steps to keep your vehicle in great condition, you can avoid unexpected charges, streamline the return process and maximise value from van leasing deals.