One of the biggest questions our clients have as their lease term winds down is “What happens at the end of a van lease?” It’s an important part of the leasing process, and understanding it can make the transition as smooth as possible. Whether you’re nearing the end of your first lease or you’ve been through this a few times, we’re here to keep everything simple for you.
Key Takeaways
- Returning A Leased Van Checklist
- Van Inspection
- What Happens If I’ve Damaged The Van?
- What If I Go Over My Mileage Limit?
- Arranging Collection / Drop Off
- Does The Van Need To Be In Perfect Condition?
- Can I Renew My Van Lease?
Returning A Leased Van Checklist
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove Personal Items: Make sure to take out all personal belongings from the van. Check all compartments, under seats, and the trunk to ensure nothing is left behind.
- 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. This check-up is to see if there’s any damage that’s 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 The 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, it’s good to understand what kind of damage leads to extra charges. This way, you can decide whether to fix it before returning the van or be prepared for the fees.
What If I Go Over My Mileage Limit?
Gone over your mileage limit? The first step is to get in touch with your van leasing company. They’ll talk you through what this means and how it affects your lease. Usually, going over the limit comes with penalty charges. 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. Each company has its own process for this, so ask about how to increase your limit and what the new costs might be.
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. Just reach out to us, and they’ll sort out the details to get your van delivered or collected without any hassle.
Does The Van Need To Be In Perfect Condition?
When returning your leased van, 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 lease 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 Vehicle Solutions, we have a range of new models for you to take a look at including the latest deals on Ford Ranger Raptors on lease. If you’re interested in upgrading, review the latest vans available and give us a call – it’ll be smooth sailing from there. We also offer 12 month van leases.
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 dedicated to providing 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, we’re committed to ensuring a smooth transition for you.
Choose First Step Vehicles Solutions for van contract hire.