As lease terms wind down, one of the most common questions we hear is “What happens at the end of a van lease?”
It’s an important part of the leasing process and knowing what to expect will make things go as smoothly as possible. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know, whether you’re nearing the end of your lease or you’re just trying to get a clearer understanding of what’s involved.
- What should I do before returning a leased van?
- Van Inspection
- What Happens If I’ve Damaged My Lease Van?
- What Happens if You Go Over Mileage On a Lease Van?
- Arranging Collection / Drop Off
- Does My Leased Car Need To Be In Perfect Condition?
- Can I Renew My Van Lease?
- Can I Buy My Van At The End of The Lease?
- Hire Your Van From First Step
What should I do before returning a leased van?
When it’s time to return your leased van, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s a quick checklist to make sure everything is in order:
1 – Inspect the Exterior and Interior
Give your van a thorough once-over. Look for any dents, scratches, or other damages on the outside, and check the interior for wear and tear. It might be worth fixing these before returning them as you will likely be charged.
2 – Professional Cleaning
It’s always a good idea to have the van professionally cleaned before returning it. A clean van leaves a good impression and means you won’t have to pay for any mess or dirt left behind.
3 – Remove Personal Items
Take out all personal belongings from the van. Check all compartments, under seats, and the trunk to make sure nothing is left behind.
4 – Organise Paperwork
Gather all necessary paperwork such as the original lease documents, service history, and any maintenance records. Don’t forget to hand over all sets of keys!
Van Inspection
When you hand back your van, it gets a thorough check-up. They’ll look at the body for any big scratches or dents and check inside for stains or rips. They’ll also make sure everything like the engine and lights are working right. General wear from daily use is expected, this check-up is to see if there’s any damage that’s come from more than just normal use. Keeping your van in good shape means you’re less likely to face extra charges.
What Happens If I’ve Damaged My Lease Van?
If you find that your leased van has some damage, don’t worry, there’s a process to handle this. First, let your leasing company and insurer know right away. It’s important to be upfront about any issues. The leasing company can guide you on what to do next. Often, they have preferred body shops they work with for repairs. Using these recommended places can sometimes make things easier and quicker.
Remember, returning a van in poor condition could lead to penalty charges. These charges cover the cost of fixing the van so it’s ready for the next person. To avoid surprises, just be honest about what’s happened and you’ll be able to find the best solution.
What Happens if You Go Over Mileage On a Lease Van?
Gone over your leased van’s mileage limit? The first step is to get in touch with your leasing company. They’ll talk you through what this means and how it affects your lease. Usually, going over the limit simply comes with a charge. These are often calculated as a pence-per-mile cost, based on how much over the limit you are.
If you realise you’re going to exceed your limit before your lease is up, it’s worth discussing this with the leasing company. They might let you increase your mileage limit, which could adjust your monthly payments but save you from steeper penalty fees later on.
Arranging Collection / Drop Off
When it’s time to say goodbye to your leased vehicle, arranging collection or drop off is a breeze. All you need to do is contact the team at First Step. We’re ready to help you with the process. You can decide whether you want to drop off the van at a specific location or have it collected from your address. Whether it’s at your home, office, or a designated return point, our team will work with you to make it as convenient as possible.
Does My Leased Car Need To Be In Perfect Condition?
When returning your leased car, it doesn’t have to be in perfect condition, but it should be well cared for. Normal wear and tear are expected over the course of your lease. This means small scratches or dents, minor upholstery stains, and typical tire wear are usually acceptable. However, significant damage or excessive wear might lead to additional charges.
Can I Renew My Van Lease?
Absolutely, if you’ve grown fond of your leased van and aren’t ready to part ways, you can often extend your lease. This is a great option if you want to keep the same vehicle a bit longer.
Looking for an upgrade? That’s also an easy process. At First Step, we have a range of new models for you to take a look at. If you’re interested in upgrading, review the latest vans available and give us a call – it’ll be smooth sailing from there.
Can I Buy My Van At The End of The Lease?
Usually, you’re not able to buy your van at the end of the lease. The only exception to this is if you have a finance lease, where at the end you have the option to purchase the van by paying off the rest of its value in one lump sum.
Hire Your Van From First Step
Remember, whether it’s returning the van in good condition, considering an extension, or exploring new leasing options, First Step Vehicle Solutions is here to make the process seamless and stress-free.
We understand that the end of a lease can bring a mix of questions and decisions. That’s why our team is here to offer guidance and support every step of the way. From arranging the collection or drop-off of your current van to exploring lease renewal or upgrade options, you can count on our team at every turn.
And, if you’re ready to take out a new lease, just let us know! With the best selection of models from top manufacturers and flexible lease terms, including unbeatable 12 month van leasing deals, we’ve got you covered. Just give us a call to get started or explore our lease hire vans yourself.