# How do I dispute Alphabet end of lease charges?

Both Alphabet decisions we have read went at least partly the customer's way. One wheel charge was removed because the photo was unclear, and a £368.97 charge for a torn driver's seat was refunded because the fault was probably there when the car was supplied. Ask for the photograph behind each line, and question interior damage that looks like a manufacturing fault.

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/leasing-companies/alphabet/

## How Alphabet handles returns

Alphabet assesses return damage against the BVRLA standard and publishes a summary of the limits for drivers, with links to the car and van guides.

**The name on your paperwork.** The agreement is with Alphabet (GB) Ltd.

## At a glance

| Point | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Published limits | Scratches 25mm, chips under 3mm, dents 15mm, alloy scuffs 50mm in total [1] |
| Goodwill | One decision records Alphabet halving a charge before the ombudsman removed a further one [2] |
| Credit file | Alphabet had to remove negative entries covering five months of a dispute [3] |

## What to check on your Alphabet bill

- Interior damage that could be a manufacturing fault, such as a seam that has split. [3]
- Wheel photographs. The ombudsman said Alphabet must clearly demonstrate that damage is outside the standard. [2]
- Your credit file, if payment was late because the bill was in dispute. [3]

## What the ombudsman has decided about Alphabet

- **Upheld** (DRN-4605998; the customer had until 14 May 2024 to accept it). Alloy wheel charges, one already halved by the firm as goodwill. Full summary: https://damagereclaim.co.uk/ombudsman-decisions/#DRN-4605998
- **Partly upheld** (DRN-4430513; the customer had until 5 December 2023 to accept it). Six damaged areas, including £368.97 for tears in the driver's seat. Full summary: https://damagereclaim.co.uk/ombudsman-decisions/#DRN-4430513

For the full process and the deadlines, see [how to dispute a bill, step by step](https://damagereclaim.co.uk/guides/how-to-dispute-end-of-lease-charges/).

Handback Check is independent and is not connected with Alphabet (GB) Ltd.

## Quick answers

**Can Alphabet charge for a fault that was there from new?** No. An ombudsman ordered a £368.97 seat charge to be refunded with interest because the tears probably came from a defect present when the car was supplied.

**Does Alphabet publish the fair wear and tear limits?** Yes. Its drivers' pages summarise the BVRLA limits and link to the car and van guides.

## Sources

1. [Alphabet (GB), Returning your vehicle and the BVRLA standard](https://www.alphabet.com/en-gb/drivers/managing-your-contract/returning-your-vehicle/bvrla-fair-wear-and-tear-guides.html)
2. [Financial Ombudsman Service, decision DRN-4605998 (Alphabet)](https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/decision/DRN-4605998.pdf)
3. [Financial Ombudsman Service, decision DRN-4430513 (Alphabet)](https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/decision/DRN-4430513.pdf)