End-of-lease damage guidesFair wear and tear, in plain English, with real UK prices.

Finance companies judge a returned vehicle against fair wear and tear guidelines, then bill anything outside them from their own damage matrix. These guides explain where that line sits, what each item typically costs, and what to do before the collection agent arrives.

• What counts as fair wear and tear on a lease car?

  The size, depth and location rules funders actually use — panel by panel.

• How much will I get charged at the end of my lease?

  Real UK price ranges per damage type, plus worked examples.

• Will I be charged for kerbed alloy wheels?

  The 25mm rule, per-wheel refurb prices and when to fix it yourself.

• Are scratches, dents and stone chips chargeable?

  Where the line sits between acceptable and invoiced bodywork damage.

• What interior damage gets charged on a lease return?

  Seats, carpets, screens, smoke smell and missing items.

• How do I dispute an end-of-lease damage charge?

  The complaint route, evidence that works, and the Ombudsman stage.