# 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. 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/santander-consumer/

## 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

| Point | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Allowance | A £150 wear and tear allowance was deducted from one invoice [2] |
| Charges seen in decisions | £60 for a wheel and £160 a panel for paint refinishing [2] |
| Removed on complaint | A £50 valet charge and a £100 service history charge [2] |
| Compensation | £200 for the way the end of an agreement was handled [1] |

## 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

- **Upheld** (DRN-6122650; the customer had until 3 March 2026 to accept it). Damage charges the firm had already reduced to £198, plus an excess mileage charge. Full summary: https://damagereclaim.co.uk/ombudsman-decisions/#DRN-6122650
- **Not upheld** (DRN-5794559; the customer had until 21 October 2025 to accept it). About £1,020 after a £150 wear and tear allowance, mostly £160 a panel for poor paint repairs. Full summary: https://damagereclaim.co.uk/ombudsman-decisions/#DRN-5794559

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 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.

## Sources

1. [Financial Ombudsman Service, decision DRN-6122650 (Volvo Car Financial Services)](https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/decision/DRN-6122650.pdf)
2. [Financial Ombudsman Service, decision DRN-5794559 (Santander Consumer Contract Hire)](https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/decision/DRN-5794559.pdf)