Lease Returns

Avoid Lease Return Damage Charges & Penalty Fees

Most lease return penalty charges are for damage that could have been repaired beforehand for less than the charge applied. This page explains the BVRLA fair wear and tear standards and how to audit your car before the inspector arrives.

Lease Returns

The BVRLA 10mm Rule

The BVRLA (British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association) guidelines are used by most leasing and finance companies to assess returned vehicles. A single mark within 10mm is generally fair wear and tear. Anything larger, anything broken through to bare metal, or multiple marks on the same panel is likely chargeable. A standard biro cap is approximately 12mm across — a useful reference for your own check.

Lease Returns

Common Reasons Lease Returns Attract Charges

Paint chips with rust

single chips under 10mm may pass, but chips showing rust or clustered across a panel will not. See our guide on stone chip damage on a lease or finance car

Scratches through to primer or bare metal

clearly visible at normal viewing distance; consistently flagged. Our car scratch repair service can address these before handover

Dents over 10mm or with paint damage

a single small door ding may pass; larger dents or multiple dents on one panel will not. Our dent removal service uses paintless techniques where paint is intact. See our guide on whether your car is a candidate for paintless dent removal

Bumper cracks or misalignment

scuffs within the size limit may pass, but cracks, deep gouges, or a bumper sitting out of position will be charged. Our bumper repair service covers all of these

Alloy kerb rash beyond light grazing

multiple wheels or rash across a meaningful area of the rim will be flagged. Diamond-cut alloys with corrosion under the lacquer are always chargeable. Our tyre fitting and alignment team can assess and refurbish ahead of return

Non-approved accident repairs

inspectors check for paint colour mismatches, uneven panel gaps, and non-standard respraying. Our accident repair service uses manufacturer-approved methods that meet the standard finance companies require

Lease Returns

How to Check the Car Yourself

Work around the car in daylight, starting at the front and moving clockwise. Check each panel for scratches, chips, and clear coat condition. Look along each panel at a low angle to spot dents you might miss straight on. Press along bumper edges to confirm they are seated correctly. Check each alloy wheel face and rim edge. Note anything over 10mm or broken through to the surface beneath — these are the areas where professional repair before return will cost less than the penalty.

For fleet or multi-vehicle returns, our fleet management service handles pre-return assessments across multiple vehicles.

Get It Looked At

We can inspect the car and carry out repairs across all damage categories in a single visit — from car scratch repair and dent removal to bumper repair and accident repair.

Call 020 8798 2590 or email info@infiniti-motorgroup.co.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a scratch will be charged at lease return?

If clearly visible at normal viewing distance, over 10mm, or broken through to the colour coat or bare metal, it is likely chargeable. Our car scratch repair team can assess it before your return date.

Are stone chips on the bonnet chargeable?

A single chip under 10mm may pass. Multiple chips, chips with rust, or chips clustered across a panel will typically be charged, particularly on newer or low-mileage vehicles. Read our guide on stone chip damage on a lease or finance car.

Is it worth repairing alloy wheels before a lease return?

Usually yes. Wheel charges from leasing companies can be significant, and refurbishment is often less than the penalty applied at return. Speak to our tyre fitting and alignment team for an honest assessment.

Can you handle multiple types of damage before a return?

Yes. We cover all the categories in this guide in a single visit — dent removal, bumper repair, scratch repair, and more.