Fair wear and tear

Car Maintenance 3 min read

We know your car won't be in the same condition at the end of your finance contract as it was at the beginning. Even with regular maintenance, frequent use will cause fine marks and scratches, which we refer to as 'fair wear and tear'.

Unlike the kind of damage caused by accidents, mistreatment or neglect, fair wear and tear won't cost you extra when your contract ends. 

To help you understand the difference between what is fair wear and tear and what is not, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), has created a guide, which we reference at Stellantis Financial Services. 

 

What is normal wear and tear? 

When your contract comes to an end, your car will be inspected to determine what extra charges might be applicable.

Examples of what we would consider fair wear and tear to your vehicle include: 

  • Light paintwork scratches
  • Worn seat and interiors
  • Minor rips to the upholstery or carpet
  • Minor scuffs, marks, or dents
  • Minor interior marks
  • Deflating tyres
  • Water marks
  • Minor dirt marks 
  • Tyre damage
  • Minor window scratches that don't affect the driver's views

At the end of your contract, you will also be obliged to return items, like the logbook (V5C) and keys, to avoid additional charges. 

Cosmetic Repair Insurance

Say goodbye to stone chips, scratches and dents. Purchasing or leasing a car is a big commitment and the last thing you want to do is ruin the experience by getting a scratch or scuff on your new car. Cosmetic Repair Insurance is designed to cover the cost of these unavoidable damages, helping you to keep your car in showroom condition and protect its value.
Find out more

Tips to avoid extra charges

To keep wear and tear to a minimum, here are three helpful tips: 

1. Monitor minor damages

Whilst your vehicle may have some scratched paint or scuffs that fall under fair wear and tear, it's also advisable to keep an eye on these damages to ensure they don't get worse over time. Cosmetic Repair Cover can help with this.

2. Clean your car

Ensure you regularly clean, tidy and look after your car inside and out, to maintain optimal condition. 

3. Don't ignore larger damages

You are held accountable for any damages that occur to your car during your lease. It's advisable to deal with damages that fall outside the fair wear and tear guidelines as soon as they happen. 

If you're approaching the end of your finance agreement, find out more about returning your car with Stellantis Financial Services.

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