At Car Leasing Made Simple, we’re here to make leasing easy and hassle-free—including what happens when your contract ends. Unlike owning a car, there’s no stress over selling it, depreciation, or trade-ins. You simply hand the car back and decide what’s next.
But what are your options? What happens if you’ve gone over your mileage or there’s some wear and tear? Here’s everything you need to know:
What Are My Options at the End of a Lease?
When your lease ends, you have three easy choices:
- Upgrade to a new lease – Choose a brand-new car and start a fresh lease.
- Extend your current lease – Some providers let you extend at a lower monthly rate.
- Return the car – If you no longer need a vehicle, just hand it back.
Before returning your car, it’s important to check for excess mileage or damage beyond fair wear and tear—otherwise, you might face extra charges.
Please review our Fair Wear & Tear Guide for everything you need to know before returning your vehicle.
To help, we’re answering some common end-of-lease questions, so you know exactly what to expect!
1. What If I’ve Exceeded My Mileage Allowance?
Every lease comes with an agreed mileage limit. If you go over it, you’ll be charged an excess mileage fee, typically between 5p–15p per mile.
For example, if your excess mileage charge is 10p per mile and you go 1,000 miles over, you’ll pay an extra £100 when returning the car.
How to avoid excess mileage charges:
- Keep track of your mileage throughout the lease.
- If you’re close to your limit, check if your provider allows a mileage extension.
- Consider a higher mileage contract on your next lease.
2. Do I Need to Get My Car Inspected Before Returning It?
Yes, your leasing provider will inspect the car when you return it to check for any damage that goes beyond Fair Wear & Tear.
Fair Wear & Tear includes:
- Light scratches under 25mm
- Small stone chips
- Minor interior wear
You may be charged for:
- Dents bigger than a 10p coin
- Deep scratches exposing the metal
- Stains, rips, or burns on the interior
It’s often cheaper to fix minor damage yourself before returning the car rather than paying the lease company’s repair costs.
3. Can I Upgrade to a New Lease?
Absolutely. One of the biggest benefits of leasing with Car Leasing Made Simple is how easy it is to upgrade to a brand-new car.
Why upgrade?
- No need to worry about selling or trade-ins.
- Drive the latest models with new technology and better efficiency.
- Adjust your contract – if your needs have changed, switch to a car with more space or a higher mileage allowance.
If you’re looking for a new lease, we have exclusive offers waiting for you.
4. What Do I Need to Do Before Returning My Car?
Returning your lease car is simple, but a little preparation can help avoid any unexpected charges. The BVRLA also provides an industry standard guide to the standards for leasing companies to inspect vehicles at the end of contract
Final checklist before return:
- Check your mileage – Make sure you’re within the limit.
- Inspect for damage – If there’s anything beyond fair wear and tear, consider repairs.
- Clean inside and out – A well-presented car makes a better impression.
- Remove personal belongings – Check under seats, glove compartments, and boot spaces.
- Have spare keys and documents ready – This includes your V5C, service history, and leasing paperwork.
Once everything is sorted, handing your car back is easy—and if you’re upgrading, we’ll help make the switch seamless.
Ready for Your Next Lease? We Make It Simple
At Car Leasing Made Simple, we’re all about making leasing hassle-free. Whether you’re upgrading, extending, or returning your car, we’re here to help every step of the way.
If you’re looking for your next car, check out our latest leasing deals today.