Leasing cars has become very common these days. There are various benefits associated with leasing, such as lower cost, no down payment, etc. The only problem is that once you return the car, you’ll have to pay off the entire amount. However, leasing cars comes with its risks. For example, if you don’t take care of your leased vehicle properly, you might get into trouble. This is why following these steps before returning your leased car is essential.

Before returning a leased car, you should consider the following things:

1. Wear And Tear 

It’s essential to check for wear and tear on your car before returning it. If there are any damages or scratches, mention them in the rental agreement so the company can repair them. The wheels and tires will also need to be checked for damage. You may want an estimate from a mechanic about how much it would cost to repair the damage. If you find any problems with your leased car, make sure you contact the dealer right away. They might not charge you for repairs unless you fail to do so within a reasonable time frame.

2. Paintwork 

If you notice any difference in the color of your leased car compared to the one you had at the beginning, then there’s a good chance that the dealer will charge you for repainting. If this happens, ask them about the charges and how much they would be. You can also check out our guide on how much it costs to repair a car.

3. Check For Any Damage Or Scratches 

Look at all parts carefully when checking out the car. Look for any damage or scratches. Make sure to scrutinize the interior of the vehicle. Look at the seats, carpeting, dashboard, steering wheel, etc. Inspect all parts of the car thoroughly. If anything seems damaged, take pictures of it and send them to the company. If there are any, then mention them during the inspection process.

4. Get A Loan To Pay Off The Lease Contract 

Once you’ve returned the car, you may want to use the money saved to pay off the lease contract. However, you could always take out a loan to cover this expense if you don’t have enough money. For example, you can apply for a personal loan through a bank or credit union.

5. Keep All Documents Safely 

This includes the original bill of sale, the lease contract, the insurance certificate, and other documents related to the car. These documents are critical when dealing with the company. These include the title, registration papers, insurance policies, etc

6. Contact The Company On Time 

If you plan to return the car within 30 days, contact the company immediately after returning the vehicle. They might ask you to extend the period. Also, ensure you know what charges you’ll have to pay. Also, make sure that you understand the terms and conditions of the lease contract.

7. Clean It Inside, Too

Inspectors will typically charge extra for stains or dirt inside the car. After returning the car, clean it inside too. Use cleaning products provided by the company. Also, make sure to vacuum the interior thoroughly. You may also use the car detailing kit available when cleaning.

8. Modifications

You must remove all modifications made to the car. It’s best to double-check with the company regarding the list of changes done to the vehicle. Some companies allow some modifications while others do not.

9. Excess Mileage

If you exceed the maximum number of miles allowed by the lease agreement, you may be charged extra fees. So it is advisable to keep track of how many miles you drive each month and avoid exceeding this limit. You can do so by using an odometer reading device or simply counting the number of miles on your trip log. If you’re unsure about the exact number of miles you’ve driven, you can always contact your leasing company for clarification.

Conclusion

If you follow these steps, you should be able to get your car back without paying any additional costs. Also, remember that you need to be careful when inspecting the vehicle before returning it. This is because sometimes people overlook minor details such as scratches or dents. Always check everything carefully.