End of Lease Repairs

At the end of a lease or PCP agreement, your vehicle is inspected against fair wear and tear guidelines (usually based on BVRLA standards).

Anything outside those limits may be charged — including:

  • Scratches, scuffs, or dents

  • Alloy wheel damage

  • Bumper or trim damage

  • Stone chips beyond tolerance

  • Poor previous repairs

  • Interior damage (in some cases)

These charges are not optional, and once the vehicle is collected, you lose control over cost and repair choice.

Book a Free Vehicle Inspection at Scuffed Up

  • 1. Leasing Company Repairs Are Almost Always More Expensive

    Leasing companies typically:

    • Repair vehicles after collection

    • Use approved dealerships or national repair networks

    • Charge retail or dealership labour rates

    • Add administration and handling fees

    This often results in:

    • Higher labour costs

    • Replacement of panels instead of repair

    • No incentive to minimise spend

    An independent bodyshop works for you, not the leasing company.

  • When you repair damage before inspection:

    • You can approve the work

    • You can choose repair instead of replacement

    • You avoid inflated post-inspection invoices

    • You prevent multiple small issues becoming one large bill

    Most customers are surprised how reasonable the cost is when handled proactively.

  • You are legally entitled to:

    • Choose any repairer

    • Use an independent bodyshop

    • Avoid dealership rates

    A professional bodyshop can:

    • Work to BVRLA standards

    • Match manufacturer paint finishes

    • Provide documentation if required

    • Ensure repairs pass lease return inspection

  • Common examples:

    • A light bumper scuff charged as a full bumper respray

    • A small dent billed as panel replacement

    • Alloy refurbishment charged as new wheel supply

    What might cost £150–£300 to fix early can easily become £600–£1,500+ after lease return.

  • While mobile repairs or “cheap fixes” may seem tempting, poor repairs can:

    • Fail inspection

    • Be flagged as sub-standard

    • Lead to double charges (repair + correction)

    A quality bodyshop ensures:

    • Correct repair methods

    • Manufacturer-approved paint systems

    • Structural integrity

    • A finish that won’t be questioned at inspection

  • Ideally:

    • 4–8 weeks before lease return

    This allows time for:

    • Inspection

    • Repair planning

    • Any follow-up work

    • Peace of mind before handover

    Waiting until the last few days removes your options and increases risk.

  • A professional bodyshop can assess and repair:

    • Scratches, scuffs & dents

    • Bumper and trim damage

    • Alloy wheel refurbishment

    • Panel repairs and paintwork

    • Minor accident damage

    • Lease return pre-inspection checks

    Often, a short inspection can highlight what actually needs fixing — and what doesn’t.

The Smart Approach to Lease Returns

✔ Repair damage early
✔ Choose your own trusted bodyshop
✔ Avoid dealership labour rates
✔ Prevent unexpected charges
✔ Hand back your vehicle confidently

Book an End of Lease Inspection

If your lease is coming to an end, booking a pre-return inspection could save you hundreds — sometimes thousands — of pounds.

Book an appointment today and take control of your lease return costs before the leasing company does.

Book an Appointment