If you're leasing a car under a Personal Contract Hire (PCH) agreement, you'll need to return it in a condition that meets fair wear and tear standards. These guidelines, issued by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), explain what is considered acceptable, what may incur charges, and how you can best prepare your vehicle for return.
Fair wear and tear refers to the natural deterioration of a vehicle through normal use. It does not include damage caused by accidents, misuse, neglect, or failure to maintain the vehicle in line with the agreement.
Here is a breakdown of what’s generally considered acceptable and what is likely to be chargeable at the end of your lease:
Minor scratches under 25mm, not exposing metal or primer
Small dents under 15mm in diameter (maximum two per panel)
Tyres with tread depth above 1.6mm and even wear
Light kerb scuffs on alloys under 50mm
Windscreen chips smaller than 10mm, outside driver’s line of sight
Light interior wear such as minor seat scuffs, carpet fading, or general use marks
Deep scratches or any scratch exposing bare metal or primer
Multiple or large dents, or any dent over 15mm
Tyres below legal tread depth or with uneven wear
Cracks or chips in the windscreen within the driver’s line of sight
Torn, burnt, heavily stained or damaged upholstery
Missing equipment, keys, charging cables, or vehicle documentation
Electrical faults, damaged dashboard components, or broken lights
To avoid unexpected costs, we recommend the following:
Inspect your vehicle 10 to 12 weeks before the return date.
Clean the car thoroughly, both inside and out, and assess it in daylight.
Check tyres for wear and pressure, including the spare if provided.
Repair any damage that is likely to fall outside fair wear and tear — use a VAT-registered repairer and retain invoices.
Check that all original items are present — keys, locking wheel nuts, parcel shelf, EV charging cables, etc.
Be available at collection to review and sign the vehicle condition report.
Following fair wear and tear standards ensures:
Transparent and consistent vehicle inspections
Fewer disputes over return condition and potential charges
A smooth, hassle-free end-of-lease process for both parties
| Area | Acceptable Wear | Chargeable Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior | Light scratches under 25mm, small dents | Deep scratches, dents over 15mm, rust |
| Wheels & Tyres | Legal tread, minor kerb scuffs | Tyres under 1.6mm, damaged alloys |
| Windscreen & Glass | Chips under 10mm outside vision area | Cracks, chips in driver’s line of sight |
| Interior | Light scuffing, minor fading | Rips, burns, stains, broken switches |
| Accessories | All original items present and working | Missing keys, documents, spare wheels, cables |
Frequently Asked Questions
Our team is on hand to support you through the process. We’ll guide you through preparing your car for return and help clarify any questions about condition, accessories, or paperwork.