What Is Stone Chip Damage?
Stone chips happen when small pieces of grit or gravel thrown up from the road strike your car’s paintwork at speed. The impact removes paint and, in many cases, exposes bare metal underneath. Left untreated, chips can begin to rust and spread, turning a minor cosmetic issue into a more costly repair.
Chips are most common on the bonnet, front bumper, lower door edges, and front arches. Even careful drivers can build up a noticeable number of chips over a standard two to four year contract.
Do You Have to Repair Stone Chips Before Returning a Lease Car?
It depends on how many chips there are and how severe they look. Most lease and finance agreements base their end-of-contract inspection on the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Standard, the recognised industry guide used across the UK.
According to the BVRLA’s consumer advice page on returning your leased vehicle, customers are not charged for refurbishment that arises from normal wear and tear. However, damage caused by a specific event is treated differently to gradual deterioration.
A small number of minor chips that have not broken through to bare metal may fall within the acceptable range. Chips that have rusted, or a bonnet covered in dozens of deep chips, are likely to be classed as damage, and charges will follow.
What the BVRLA Standard Says
The table below gives a general overview of how stone chip damage is typically assessed at the end of a lease or PCP agreement. Specific tolerances vary by leasing company, so always request a copy of the standard from your provider.
Chip Location |
Generally Acceptable |
Generally Not Acceptable |
|---|---|---|
Bonnet |
Minor surface chips with no rust |
Multiple deep chips, rust, or flaking paint |
Front bumper |
Light chips from normal driving |
Exposed primer or filler visible |
Door edges |
Minor scuffs from normal use |
Bare metal showing or corrosion |
Lower sills |
Light surface chips |
Deep chips penetrating to metal |
Why Acting Early Matters
Many drivers wait until the car is almost due back before checking its condition. The BVRLA advises carrying out your own appraisal 10 to 12 weeks before the return date, giving you enough time to arrange repairs without last-minute pressure.
Chips left exposed to UK rain and road salt can rust faster than most drivers expect. Acting early means the repair is simpler, quicker, and cheaper. If you return the car with unacceptable chip damage, the leasing company will charge you based on trade repair costs, which are often much higher than what a local bodyshop would charge.
The BVRLA confirms that customers can arrange repairs before returning the vehicle, provided the work meets a professional standard and comes with a fully transferable warranty. DIY touch-up pens will not meet this requirement.
How Infiniti Motor Group Can Help
A professional stone chip repair involves colour-matching your car’s exact paint shade, filling each chip, and blending the finish so the repair is invisible. Our scratch repair service covers stone chips of all depths, helping you meet your lease return standard with confidence.
If your vehicle has suffered more significant paintwork or structural damage alongside chip deterioration, our accident repair team can assess and resolve everything ahead of your return date.
For businesses running multiple lease vehicles, our fleet management service takes care of routine cosmetic repairs throughout the contract period, so end-of-lease damage charges do not come as a surprise.
FAQs
Will car insurance cover stone chip damage? Most comprehensive policies exclude paintwork chips on body panels. Check your documents before claiming, as it may affect your no-claims discount.
Does the BVRLA standard apply to PCP? PCP agreements have conditions set by the finance provider, but many use a similar standard. Always check your agreement and contact your provider to confirm the return condition required.
How early should I book a repair? Aim for at least eight to ten weeks before your return date, giving time for the work to be completed and reviewed before the inspector arrives.