I’ve spent the best part of 40 years fixing cars across Mid Devon, and I’ve seen just about every type of damage there is. But nothing pains me more than seeing a local driver get walloped with a four-figure bill from a leasing company for a few scuffs and dings that could have been sorted for a fraction of the price. Whether you’re over in Crediton or right here in Tiverton, the rules of the lease return game are the same: the inspectors are looking for any reason to charge you top whack.
1. Relying on 'Fair Wear and Tear' Guidelines
Most folks have heard of the BVRLA (British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association) guidelines. They’re supposed to protect you from being charged for reasonable aging. However, the mistake I see often is people being far too generous with their own definition of 'fair'. A 'minor' scratch that catches your fingernail is often classed as a full repair by an inspector. If you’ve got a cluster of stone chips or a scuffed bumper from a tight squeeze in Bampton, don't assume the lease company will let it slide. They won't.
2. Leaving Repairs Until the Final Week
Time is your best friend when it comes to saving money. I often get calls on a Thursday for a car being collected on a Friday morning. While I always try to help, rushing usually leads to stress. By checking your car 4-6 weeks before the contract ends, you give yourself the chance to get a professional mobile repair. Our lease return repairs are designed to meet inspector standards, but we need a little notice to fit you into the diary between our usual rounds in the Devon lanes.
3. The 'T-Cut' and Touch-Up Pen Trap
I’ve seen many well-meaning owners try to hide a deep scratch with a Halfords touch-up pen. To a trained inspector, a DIY touch-up sticks out like a sore thumb. Worse yet, if you use an abrasive compound too aggressively, you can 'burn' through the clear coat, making a simple car scratch repair much more expensive because we then have to rectify your DIY attempt before fixing the original damage. If the scratch is through the paint (typically costing £80–£250 to fix professionally), a bottle of polish isn't going to save you from a £400 penalty charge.
4. Ignoring Kerbed Alloy Wheels
Those smart diamond-cut wheels look lovely when you drive the car out of the showroom, but they are magnets for kerb damage. Many drivers think a small scrape on the rim doesn't matter. In reality, lease companies often charge upwards of £150 per wheel for refurbishment. Our alloy wheel restoration service usually costs between £60–£180 per wheel, and we come right to your driveway to do it. It’s a simple bit of maths that saves you a lot of grief at the handover.
5. Taking it to a Main Dealer Body Shop
People often think they have to take the car back to the dealership for repairs to keep the warranty or lease valid. This is a myth that costs people hundreds. Main dealer body shops have massive overheads—fancy showrooms, coffee machines, and fleets of courtesy cars. You end up paying for all of that. At DentDash, because we are mobile and don't have those overheads, we are typically 40-60% cheaper than a traditional body shop while providing the exact same professional finish.
The DentDash Way
When I look at a car for a lease return, I’m looking through the eyes of the inspector. I’ll tell you straight what needs doing and what might actually pass. We offer a collection and return service across Mid Devon, meaning you don't even have to leave the house. We’ll pick the car up, perform the repairs in our controlled environment, and bring it back to you ready for a stress-free inspection.
If your lease is coming to an end and you're worried about those supermarket trolley dings or hedge scratches, give me a shout. You can send me a few photos on WhatsApp at 07572 114436, and I’ll give you an honest appraisal and a quote. Usually, a quick message to wa.me/447572114436 saves a driver three or four hundred pounds in lease penalties.