# Should I repair damage before returning my lease car?

Often yes, but only if the repair meets three conditions: it is done to a professional standard, by a reputable repairer, with a warranty that transfers with the car. A repair that misses any of the three can be charged for again. Keep the invoice and the warranty and hand over copies at collection.

Last reviewed 13 November 2026. Published by Handback Check (https://damagereclaim.co.uk), an independent UK service that checks lease return bills. Canonical page: https://damagereclaim.co.uk/guides/repair-before-returning-lease-car/

## What the BVRLA says

You are allowed to put right damage that is outside the standard before the car goes back. The work has to be done to a professional standard by a reputable repairer who gives a transferable warranty. [1]

## When a repair has been charged again

- A customer paid for a smart repair to his alloy wheels. The inspection photos showed uneven rims and paint bleeding over the edge, the repairer offered no guarantee of standard, and there was no transferable warranty. The £195 charge stood. [2]
- A bill charged £160 a panel for paint contamination, runs and dull finish described as poor repair. The ombudsman accepted that obvious poor repairs are chargeable. [3]

## When repairing makes sense

| Damage | Usually worth repairing yourself? |
| --- | --- |
| Alloy scuffs just over 50mm | Often. A mobile refurbishment can cost less than a £60 to £80 charge per wheel, if it comes with a warranty. |
| One or two scratches over 25mm | Often, for the same reason. |
| A cut or cracked tyre | Yes. Replace it with the manufacturer's specification. |
| Many panels | Rarely. Get a quote and compare it with the company's published charges. |
| Marks inside the limits | No. They are not chargeable. |

## Timing

The BVRLA suggests appraising the car 10 to 12 weeks before return, which leaves time to get quotes and book work. [1] The ombudsman has pointed out in several decisions that customers had the chance to make repairs before collection. [4] [5]

## Paperwork to keep

1. The repairer's invoice, showing what was done and when.
2. The written warranty and confirmation it transfers to a new owner.
3. Before and after photographs.

## Quick answers

**Is a smart repair acceptable on a lease car?** Yes, if it is done to a professional standard by a reputable repairer and comes with a transferable warranty. Without those it can be charged as a poor repair.

**Will the leasing company tell me its charges in advance?** Many publish a charge list or a damage calculator. Lex Autolease and Ayvens both publish theirs. Ask your company for its list before deciding.

## Sources

1. [BVRLA, Returning your leased vehicle](https://bvrla.co.uk/resource/returning-your-leased-vehicle-new.html)
2. [Financial Ombudsman Service, decision DRN-5679986 (PSA Finance UK)](https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/decision/DRN-5679986.pdf)
3. [Financial Ombudsman Service, decision DRN-5794559 (Santander Consumer Contract Hire)](https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/decision/DRN-5794559.pdf)
4. [Financial Ombudsman Service, decision DRN-5714458 (Volkswagen Financial Services)](https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/decision/DRN-5714458.pdf)
5. [Financial Ombudsman Service, decision DRN-6223826 (ALD Automotive)](https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/decision/DRN-6223826.pdf)