Is Returning a Leased Car With Damage Possible?

When you lease a new car at Weir Canyon Acura or another dealership, the deal comes with some restrictions. No matter what make you lease, you’ll be expected to return the car at the end of the lease as close to its original condition as possible. While some wear and tear from driving in Costa Mesa and Tustin is expected, damage is another thing entirely. First and foremost, you can and should return your leased car on time even if it has sustained damage. But what happens if you damage a leased car? Damage to a leased car—even scratches on a leased car—can lead to fines. If you’re returning a leased car with damage, Weir Canyon Acura can help you know what to expect and how to make the transaction go as smoothly as possible. 

What Happens if You Damage a Leased Car?

So, what happens if you damage a leased car? If you damage a leased vehicle you’ll have to pay for it one way or another. This is because your lease agreement likely mentions returning your leased vehicle in its original condition. With that being said, some lease contracts allow you to have minimal scratches on your leased car or any other insignificant signs of wear and tear. You’ll want to refer to your lease agreement to confirm what constitutes wear and tear and not substantial damage to your leased car.

You may have even heard that upgrading to a new vehicle after you return your lease can reduce the fees for damage to a leased car, but that’s simply not the case. Some dealerships in the Montclair area will roll over the cost to repair your leased vehicle into your new leasing contract. If you have scratches on your leased car and you’re not sure what to do, we’re more than happy to help.

How to Return a Leased Car With Damage

If you’ve found that you’ve damaged your leased vehicle during your commute, there are some things we suggest you do before you stop by a lease return center. Following our tips can help you save money in the long run with your leased vehicle. Here’s what you can do before returning a leased car with damage:

1. Speak To Your Insurance Company

If the damage to your leased vehicle is significant, we recommend you speak to your insurance company. Many full-coverage insurance policies will help protect you if you’ve substantially damaged your leased vehicle.

Most lease contracts also come with GAP insurance for added protection if you damage your leased vehicle. Remember that, GAP insurance is not a replacement for standard insurance coverage.

2. Review Warranty Coverage

One of the benefits of leasing a new vehicle is comprehensive warranty coverage. If there’s damage to a part on your leased vehicle that’s covered under warranty, you likely have nothing to worry about. Be sure to review your warranty coverage and confirm with our service team if the part you need to replace is covered.

3. Use OEM Parts

If you decide to fix your vehicle before returning it, make sure the service center uses only genuine OEM parts. Failure to use genuine OEM parts could void your lease agreement, meaning you’ll be responsible for additional charges.

4. Pre-Lease Return Inspection

If your lease return date is coming up and you’ve got some damage to your vehicle, it may be a good idea to schedule a pre-lease return inspection. Performing a pre-inspection can let you know beforehand what to expect if you will be returning your leased vehicle with damages.

We Can Help With Your Lease Return at Weir Canyon Acura!

If you’re concerned about returning a leased car with damage, let Weir Canyon Acura help! Contact us with your lease-return questions. If you need repairs on your leased vehicle, let our service department know. They can help you decide your best course of action.