Do you pay for maintenance on a leased car?

One of the main benefits of leasing a car is that it can make driving more affordable and can help you to budget more efficiently.   

Before you start a contract hire agreement, it's important to understand exactly what is included and whether there are any additional expenses such as damage or maintenance costs.  

In this guide:

• Does car leasing include maintenance?
• What does a maintenance package include?
• What is ‘fair wear and tear’?  
• Industry guidelines for wear and tear  
• What are examples of unacceptable wear and tear?
• What does a car warranty cover?

Does car leasing include maintenance?

Maintaining your vehicle helps to keep it in good working condition and ensures the safety of you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road. 

As standard lease agreements don't cover servicing and maintenance costs, you would need to cover the cost of replacement batteries, brake pads and tyres etc 

Maintenance packages are optional extras with your lease agreement that give you peace of mind that your vehicle is safe and secure. These packages vary, but they generally cover you for MOTs, your annual car service, and wear and tear items that need replacing. These packages don't include replacements or repairs required as a result of accidental damage - for example if you get a nail in your tyre.  

Adding a maintenance package can help you to spread the cost of maintenance out more evenly over the period of your lease agreement and avoids any unexpected costs.  

What does a maintenance package include?

Maintenance plans are the easiest way to keep your car in the best condition for the duration of your lease - you'll get regular services and checks, as well as fixes for any issues that arise too, helping you to solve any problems before they cause any major damage.  

Our maintenance plan takes all of the stress out of maintaining your car - we'll arrange everything and you can even book your services using our one-call booking service. 

Key benefits 

• Premium branded tyres replaced and fitted 
• Repairs on wear and tear items (bulbs, batteries, exhausts, cam belts, wiper blades, alternators & starter motors) 
• Mechanical and electrical repairs or replacements, including associated parts and labour due to fair wear and tear 
• Your car returned like new with a wash and vac 
• MOT tests are also covered 
• Courtesy vehicle upon request subject to availability 

What is ‘fair wear and tear’?

When you enter a contract hire agreement, you agree to look after the car and to return it in a condition matching its age and mileage.  

The car will be inspected for damage when you return the car at the end of the contract. Some wear and tear is permitted as you've been using the vehicle over a period of years, so there are bound to be some marks and scuffs. However, if the car has damage or excessive wear and tear, you might incur a charge.   

Industry guidelines for wear and tear

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has created fair wear and tear guidelines for finance companies to follow. The guide states that vehicles should be returned in a roadworthy and safe condition, along with all the relevant documentation, equipment and spare keys. It should also have been serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's service schedule, and car books should be stamped to prove this has happened.  

You can request a copy of the BVRLA industry standard from the association itself or from your leasing company. It's recommended that you take a detailed look at your vehicle around 10 to 12 weeks before you're due to return it to see if there are signs of unacceptable wear and tear. This will give you time to resolve any problems.  

What are examples of unacceptable wear and tear?

If there is damage or wear and tear to your vehicle outside of normal use, this is considered unacceptable wear and tear.  

Examples of this type of damage could include:  

• Windscreen holes, cracks or chips 
• Scratches in the driver's line of sight 
• Missing or cracked wing mirrors 
• Burns, tears or permanent stains in the upholstery 
• Scratches to the bodywork that expose the bare metal underneath 

In general, it's good to address any potential issues on an ongoing basis if you notice them. This can prevent them from getting worse and therefore save you money in the long term.  

When it comes to servicing, ensure that you do this in line with the manufacturer's schedule and at franchised dealers. You may find garages that offer cheaper rates, but if the services aren't carried out according to the manufacturer's standards, they may not be recognised and this could mean you incur charges at the end of your lease agreement.    

What does a car warranty cover?

Certain aspects of car maintenance will be covered under the car warranty provided by the manufacturer.  

This warranty offers protection for manufacturing or mechanical faults when a vehicle is purchased, and it will last for a specified period of time or mileage. Most lease cars are covered under this initial warranty. So, if your vehicle suffers a breakdown due to something related to its mechanics, such as engine failure, you may be covered for this and won't have to pay - as long as your car is still under manufacturer warranty. 

All cars provided by LeaseCar come with a manufacturer's warranty, usually ranging from one to five years. These warranties can include emergency breakdown and roadside assistance cover.

If you’re interested in leasing a car with a maintenance package, take a look at our latest deals. Get in touch with our friendly team today to discuss your options by calling us on 03447451818 or contacting us online.