Can I get compensation from Santander Consumer if the damage charges are fair?

Yes. An ombudsman awarded £200 for the way the end of an agreement was handled, while leaving the damage and mileage charges in place.

How do I dispute Santander Consumer Contract Hire end of lease charges?

Santander Consumer reduced or removed lines itself in both decisions we have read: a valet charge, a service history charge, and damage charges cut to £198. One bill also applied a £150 wear and tear allowance before charging. Check that yours has, and challenge valet and service lines with evidence.

Last reviewed 13 November 2026. Every figure links to its source.

How Santander Consumer Contract Hire handles returns

In one decision Santander Consumer's agent inspected the car at collection using striped reflection boards, which show paint defects that are hard to see otherwise.

The name on your paperwork. The agreement is with Santander Consumer (UK) plc. It also trades as Volvo Car Financial Services.¹

At a glance

Allowance	A £150 wear and tear allowance was deducted from one invoice²
Charges seen in decisions	£60 for a wheel and £160 a panel for paint refinishing²
Removed on complaint	A £50 valet charge and a £100 service history charge²
Compensation	£200 for the way the end of an agreement was handled¹

What to check on your Santander Consumer Contract Hire bill

Whether a wear and tear allowance in your agreement has been deducted.²
Paintwork lines described as poor repair. They stood at £160 a panel even though the customer said the marks were invisible.²
How the return was handled. Compensation was awarded for poor service even though the charges stood.¹

What the ombudsman has decided about Santander Consumer Contract Hire

Damage charges the firm had already reduced to £198, plus an excess mileage charge

Upheld

Santander Consumer (UK) plc, trading as Volvo Car Financial Services. Car hire agreement. The customer had until 3 March 2026 to accept the decision.

Full summary Decision DRN-6122650 (PDF)

About £1,020 after a £150 wear and tear allowance, mostly £160 a panel for poor paint repairs

Not upheld

Santander Consumer (UK) plc, trading as Santander Consumer Contract Hire. Car contract hire. The customer had until 21 October 2025 to accept the decision.

Full summary Decision DRN-5794559 (PDF)

For the full process and the deadlines, see how to dispute a bill, step by step.

Handback Check is independent and is not connected with Santander Consumer (UK) plc.

Quick answers

Does Santander Consumer apply a wear and tear allowance?: One bill we have read deducted a £150 wear and tear allowance before charging. Check your own agreement and invoice.
Can I get compensation from Santander Consumer if the damage charges are fair?: Yes. An ombudsman awarded £200 for the way the end of an agreement was handled, while leaving the damage and mileage charges in place.