# What happens at the end of a car lease?

> What to expect at the end of a car lease or hire, the return inspection, fair wear and tear, excess mileage, and your options for what to drive next.

Source: https://fasttrackleasing.co.uk/guides/what-happens-at-the-end-of-a-car-lease

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# What happens at the end of a car lease?

Updated October 2026 · 3 min read

**At the end of a lease or hire you hand the car back. The provider inspects it against a "fair wear and tear" standard, then charges for any damage beyond that plus any excess mileage. If the car is in fair condition and within its mileage, there is usually nothing more to pay, and you simply pick your next one.**

## The hand-back, step by step

A few weeks before your agreement ends, the provider gets in touch to arrange collection or return. On the day, the car is inspected, often with photos, and its mileage recorded. You will get a report showing anything charged for: damage beyond fair wear and tear, and any excess mileage. Clean, in fair condition and within your allowance, and there is typically nothing further to pay. Then you are free to arrange your next car.

## What "fair wear and tear" actually means

Fair wear and tear is the normal ageing you would expect from careful everyday use, light scuffs, minor stone chips, small wear to the seats. It is *not* damage: dents, scratches through the paint, cracked glass, kerbed alloys or missing parts. The industry benchmark most providers follow is the **BVRLA fair wear and tear standard** (from the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association), which sets out clearly what is acceptable and what is chargeable. Knowing it before hand-back is the best way to avoid a bill.

## How to avoid end-of-agreement charges

- [mileage](https://fasttrackleasing.co.uk/guides/car-lease-mileage-and-excess-charges)
- [electric](https://fasttrackleasing.co.uk/hire/electric)
- [flexible short-term hire](https://fasttrackleasing.co.uk/short-term-car-rental)
- [line the next one up](https://fasttrackleasing.co.uk/apply)
- [Check my options →](https://fasttrackleasing.co.uk/apply?niche=flexible-car-leasing)
- [Long-term hire (12–36m)](https://fasttrackleasing.co.uk/hire/long-term)
- [Flexible car leasing](https://fasttrackleasing.co.uk/hire/flexible-car-leasing)
- [Electric vehicles](https://fasttrackleasing.co.uk/hire/electric)
- [Car lease mileage & excess charges explained](https://fasttrackleasing.co.uk/guides/car-lease-mileage-and-excess-charges)
- [How to end a car lease early (UK)](https://fasttrackleasing.co.uk/guides/how-to-end-a-car-lease-early)
- [What is Personal Contract Hire (PCH)?](https://fasttrackleasing.co.uk/guides/what-is-personal-contract-hire-pch)