Accidents and mishaps happen, and if you’ve found yourself with a damaged leased vehicle, don’t worry, you’re not alone. At Birchwood, we understand how stressful it can be when something goes wrong, but we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether it’s a minor scratch or major damage, here’s what you can expect if you damage a leased vehicle.
Step 1: Assessing the Damage
When you bring your vehicle to Birchwood, our team will first assess the damage. Whether it’s a small scratch, a dent, or interior wear, we’ll help you identify what needs attention. Minor wear and tear, like light scuffs or shallow scratches, may fall within your lease agreement’s acceptable standards. However, major exterior or interior damage will likely need repairs to avoid additional fees at the end of your lease.
Step 2: Understanding What Counts as Wear and Tear
When leasing, there are guidelines for what’s considered normal wear and tear versus excessive damage. For example:
Normal Wear: Small scratches, minor dings, or slight interior wear.
Excessive Damage: Large dents, deep scratches, torn interior, or damaged bumpers.
At Birchwood, we’ll review these standards with you so you’re fully aware of where you fall based on the leasing guidelines.
Step 3: Handling Major Damage
If the damage goes beyond normal wear and tear, our team will guide you on the next steps. We can help you arrange repairs at one of our trusted repair facilities to ensure the work meets the leasing standards. Whether it’s exterior damage, windshield cracks, or interior issues, we’ll ensure you know your options.
Step 4: Insurance and Repairs
If the damage is significant, or you were in an accident, you may need to file an insurance claim. Our team can help you understand your coverage and guide you through the claims process. We’ll also recommend repair options, whether you choose to handle it through insurance or pay out of pocket. All repairs completed at our facilities are manufacturer-approved, ensuring your leased vehicle is returned in excellent condition.
Step 5: Preparing for Lease Return
When it’s time to return your leased vehicle, it will go through an inspection to evaluate its condition. If there’s any damage present that hasn’t been repaired, you may face additional fees to have it repaired. At Birchwood, we can conduct a pre-return inspection to identify any remaining issues, giving you the chance to address them before the final inspection.
How Birchwood Makes It Easy
Expert Guidance: We’ll explain what is considered excessive damage and what steps to take.
Repair Support: We’ll connect you with trusted, certified repair facilities to handle everything from dents to interior fixes.
Pre-Return Inspection: Ensure your vehicle is in top condition before the final lease inspection.
Stress-Free Process: From insurance claims to final repairs, we’re here to make it as simple as possible for you.
Read more: What to Do When Your Vehicle Lease Is Ending
Read more: How To Trade-In a Leased Vehicle
Avoid Future Damage Fees
If you’ve damaged your leased vehicle, it’s a great time to evaluate how to avoid future fees. Birchwood can help you understand the details of your lease agreement, so you know what’s covered, what isn’t, and how to better protect your vehicle moving forward.
Don’t let vehicle damage add unnecessary stress to your lease. When you bring your leased vehicle to Birchwood, you can rest easy knowing we’re here to help you get everything sorted quickly and professionally. Visit us today, and let’s get your vehicle back in top shape!
