Returning Your Lease Vehicle – A Guide from Players Cars Ltd
All good things must come to an end, and at some point you’ll need to return your lease vehicle.
If your agreement is coming to an end, you may have questions about the collection process, potential excess mileage or damage charges, and what happens next.
This guide explains what to expect when returning your vehicle, how to prepare for collection, and the options available at the end of your contract.
What Happens at the End of Your Vehicle Agreement
The exact process can vary depending on the finance company providing your lease, but in most cases you’ll be contacted a few months before your agreement ends to discuss your options.
Whether you’d like to:
Return the vehicle and upgrade to a newer model,
Extend your current agreement, or
Purchase the vehicle,
…your choices will depend on the contract type you originally selected.
Business Lease Agreements
For business users, the main agreement types are:
Contract Hire: Return the vehicle at the end of the term with no ownership option.
Contract Purchase: Option to buy the vehicle at an agreed price or return it.
Finance Lease: A final (balloon) payment is made, and the vehicle is then sold to a third party.
Lease Purchase: Once the final payment is made, ownership transfers to the business.
Personal Lease Agreements
For personal customers, the key options are:
Personal Contract Hire (PCH): The vehicle is returned at the end of the term, leaving you free to choose a new lease.
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP): You can either return the vehicle or purchase it for the agreed optional final payment.
Personal Lease Purchase: After the final payment, ownership transfers to you.
Preparing for Vehicle Collection
As your contract nears its end, we recommend inspecting your vehicle around 10–12 weeks before collection, following BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guidelines.
This gives you time to arrange any repairs if necessary.
Before collection:
Check the exterior for dents, scratches, or damage.
Inspect windows and mirrors for chips or cracks.
Examine the interior for tears, stains, or odours.
Ensure all controls and electronics are working correctly.
Remove any personal information from infotainment systems.
When arranging collection, you’ll need to provide:
Vehicle registration number
Collection address and contact details
Preferred collection date
If you’re ordering a replacement vehicle through Players Cars Ltd, we can often coordinate same-day collection and delivery to make the transition seamless.
What If Your Vehicle Is Damaged?
When the vehicle is collected, it will be inspected against the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Standard.
This defines what is considered normal, age-related use — and what is considered damage outside acceptable limits.
You’ll be responsible for the cost of any excess wear or damage that falls outside of fair wear and tear. Examples include accident damage, deep scratches, dents, missing keys, or incomplete service history.
It’s a good idea to take dated photographs of your vehicle before collection, to provide evidence in case you need to dispute any post-inspection charges.
If you’ve exceeded your agreed mileage allowance, you may also incur excess mileage charges, typically ranging from 2p–30p per mile, depending on the funder and vehicle type.
Can You Extend Your Lease Contract?
In some cases, you may be able to extend your lease, though this depends on the finance company’s policy and your individual circumstances.
Common reasons for requesting an extension include:
Waiting for delivery of a replacement or factory-order vehicle
Wanting to retain your current vehicle for a little longer
Extensions are usually offered for up to 12 months, though terms vary.
Keep in mind that extended agreements may require an MOT and could fall outside the original manufacturer’s warranty period.
In Summary
When returning your lease vehicle:
You’ll either arrange collection directly, or the finance provider will contact you to confirm details.
Your vehicle will be inspected upon return, and any excess wear or mileage will be charged accordingly.
If you’d like to extend or renew your lease, the Players Cars Ltd team will be happy to guide you through the available options.
For more information or assistance, contact our leasing specialists at:
📞 0113 531 0130
📧 lease@playerscars.com
We’re here Mon–Fri, 8:30am–5:30pm, and Sat, 9am–2pm.