Can You Return a Leased Car With Damage?

When you make the decision to lease a new vehicle, you ideally want to return it in the same condition you received it in. When you bring the leased vehicle back, one of our technicians will check the condition of the vehicle to see if there is any damage. So, what comes next when there is damage? You can still return the vehicle, but there are some things to be mindful of.

If you have any dents, scratches, or other physical damage to the vehicle, then you will likely accrue additional charges. We recommend consulting our Finance Team before you make the trip to Pasadena, to see what those charges would be and have a realistic expectation. We strive for transparency in our returns here at Rusnak Auto Group!

What Happens if You Damage a Leased Car?

So, you got damage to the leased vehicle, what happens next? If a leased vehicle is damaged, you will have to pay for it. Most agreements will specify that you must return the vehicle back in its original condition. Now, some contracts for leasing a vehicle do provide some wiggle room for minor scratches and normal signs of wear and tear but always refer back to the contract or your leased car to be sure.

You may have even heard that upgrading to a new vehicle after you return your lease can make the fees for damage to a leased car be diminished, but that’s simply not the case. Some dealerships in the Thousand Oaks area will simply roll over that cost to repair your leased vehicle onto 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 Westlake Village 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 in the event that you’ve substantially damaged your leased vehicle.

Most lease contracts also come with GAP insurance for added protection in the event that you do damage your leased vehicle. Remember though, 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 that the service center you’re using uses genuine OEM parts. Failure to use genuine OEM parts could void your lease agreement and have you responsible for additional charges and fees.

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 do decide to return your leased vehicle with damages.

We Can Help With Your Lease Return at Rusnak Auto Group!

If you’ve got a lease return that has some damages on it and you’re not sure where to begin, the experts at our Pasadena dealership are more than happy to help. There’s no need to stress as we can make the lease return process simple and straightforward. Reach out to us today to get started on your next lease return!