In recent years, PCP leases have become hugely popular. In fact, according to a recent survey by the Finance & Leasing Association, a whopping 82% of new cars on the road in the UK have been purchased under PCP agreements or car lease deals.
Now, whilst car leasing can save you a lot of hassle, it is important to remember that the car still belongs to the finance company. When your contract comes to an end, the company will arrange an end-of-lease inspection to ensure your car meets the agreed return condition.
If your leased car is returned with damage, you could face an unexpected (and sometimes expensive) cost for minor damage. To avoid being hit with a hefty bill, it’s worth understanding exactly what they look for in an end-of-lease investigation.
Of course, general wear and tear to a leased vehicle is unavoidable, so light scratches, etc. won’t cause too much of a problem. The investigation involves looking out for heavier damage and mechanical faults that haven’t been repaired.
End-of-lease penalties can be costly, so before you return your vehicle, we recommend you identify anything that could come up, and get it fixed beforehand by a professional. To help you, we have prepared a list of things that the investigators will pick up on, so you know where to start.
Now, the criteria can vary between companies so always read your contract thoroughly. If you have any damage or are concerned about your end-of-lease investigation, it pays to call a professional. That’s where we come in.
Here at DWV, we have over 30 years of experience in vehicle repair. Our expert technicians specialise in SMART repairs and come directly to you to help identify and repair any damage that could cost you at the investigation.
SMART repair, also known as ‘Small-Medium-Area-Repair-Technique’, is a process that uses special equipment to focus on localised areas of damage. This means that, unlike a traditional bodyshop, we don’t have to remove the entire panel from the car. This will save you time, money, and hassle.
SMART repairs are incredibly versatile and can be used to correct any damage to the car’s bodywork, paint, or alloy wheels, including bumper damage, dents, scuffs, scratches, and stone chips.
Our nationwide technicians are fully mobile and come directly to you. We use state-of-the-art equipment and colour matching technology to match the exact paint colour and finish of your car, so it blends seamlessly.
At DWV, we repair over 170,000 cars each year and are a trusted partner to some of the biggest motor dealerships in the country. So, if you are concerned about your lease vehicle, or end-of-lease penalties, click here for a free quote.
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