End of Contract Guide
Everything You Need to Know to Return Your Vehicle
What are my options at the end of the contract?
Whether you're returning your vehicle, exploring your next lease, or simply want to understand what to expect, this page has everything you need.
The sections below will help you check your vehicle's condition, review the BVRLA fair wear & tear guides, and arrange your vehicle return with confidence.
Click Here to View Your End of Contract Options
Fair Wear & Tear Guidelines
We understand that vehicles naturally show signs of use over a typical contract period. We apply the BVRLA (British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association) fair wear and tear guidelines, which is the industry standard used across the UK. This means every assessment is fair, consistent and transparent.
If the vehicle has damage beyond fair wear and tear, repair/replacement costs may apply. The guides below will help you understand what to expect.
We recommend reviewing the relevant guide at least 8 weeks before your return date, allowing you time to arrange any necessary repairs or service and maintenance work.
Vehicle Return Checklist
Interior & Exterior
- Ensure the interior and exterior are clean. The interior upholstery and trim must be clean and odourless with no burns, scratches, tears, or dents
- Bodywork free from dents, scratches or chips which is beyond fair wear & tear
- Windscreen and glass free from damage which is beyond fair wear & tear
- Ensure no warning or service lights are illuminated
- All tyres, including any spare must meet the UK legal limit requirements
- Ensure all signwriting is removed
Keys & Accessories
- Any accessories supplied on delivery must be returned
- Two sets of keys
- Alloy wheel security key (if applicable)
- EV charging cables (where provided)
- Remove all tracking devices
Documentation
- Vehicle operating manuals
- Manufacturers Service book
Please ensure the vehicle is returned on or before the contract end date
Arrange My Vehicle Return
Ready to return your vehicle? Please see your options below:
- Replacement arranged with us
You don't need to do anything, we will coordinate the return alongside delivery of the new one. - Vehicles not replaced - Northern Ireland
To arrange the return of a vehicle and end of contract appraisal at our premises in Mallusk, click here. - Vehicles not replaced - Mainland UK
To arrange the return of a vehicle, please contact our business support team at least 2 weeks prior to the end of contract date.
02890 849777 or bst@fleetfinancial.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
My vehicle has some damage, what should I do before I return it?
If before the vehicle's return date you have any queries regarding the condition of a vehicle, please feel free to contact us on 02890 849777 or operations@fleetfinancial.co.uk and we can advise you on the best course of action before the vehicle returns to us.
If you find damage that falls outside of fair wear-and-tear you may need to arrange for it to be repaired before the vehicle is returned. Damage not repaired could result in a charge.
I have a customer-maintained contract and maintenance work is required, what should I do?
For customer-maintained contracts, you’re responsible for maintenance and repair costs. Your vehicle must be serviced and maintained at a franchised dealership following the manufacturer’s guidelines. If your vehicle requires maintenance work e.g. a service, tyres, MOT, warning lights on the dashboard etc. before the end of contract date, please ensure the necessary work is completed before the vehicle is returned or it could result in a charge.
What should be returned with my vehicle?
Check out our 'Vehicle Return Checklist' above.
What should I do about my personalised registration number?
If you are replacing the vehicle with us, let your Account Manager know at the time of order and they will arrange for the registration to be transferred to the new vehicle. If you are not replacing with us, please contact us at least one month prior to end of the contract and we can arrange the transfer of the registration number for you.
Service History
When returning your vehicle to Fleet Financial, it is essential the complete service history from the manufacturer’s franchised centre is left inside the vehicle.
Missing documentation may delay the processing or incur additional fees. Missed servicing will have a detrimental impact on the vehicle value and will result in additional charges which will be dependent on make and model.
Signwriting and Vinyl Wraps
Please have all signwriting removed by a professional prior to return. We need to remove all signwriting from vehicles before they can be sold and there will be a charge for this service if the vehicle is returned with signwriting still in place.
Can a driver buy the vehicle at the end of the agreement?
If a driver is interested in buying the vehicle, a purchase price can be provided at the end of contract.
Please contact us on 02890 849777 or operations@fleetfinancial.co.uk to discuss options to purchase the vehicle.
Is it possible to keep using my vehicle after the end of the contract?
If you have a replacement vehicle on order with us, we will keep you mobile until the replacement vehicle is available for delivery. Otherwise, the vehicle should be returned on the end of contract date.