As your van lease comes to an end, you might be wondering, “What happens next?”
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and knowing what to expect can make the process much smoother. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know – whether you’re approaching the end of your lease or just want a clear picture of what’s involved.
What should I do before returning a leased van?
Before returning your leased van, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s a quick checklist to make sure everything is in order:
1 – Inspect the inside and outside
Give your van a thorough once-over. Look for any dents, scratches, or other damages on the outside, and check the interior for wear and tear. It’s worth fixing these before returning them as you will likely be charged.
2 – Professional cleaning
It’s always a good idea to have the van professionally cleaned before returning it. A clean van leaves a good impression and means you won’t have to pay for any mess or dirt left behind.
3 – Remove personal items
Take out all personal belongings from the van. Double check all compartments, under seats, and the boot to make sure nothing is left behind.
4 – Organise paperwork
Gather all necessary paperwork such as the original lease documents, service history, and any maintenance records. Don’t forget to hand over all sets of keys!
Van inspection
When you hand back your van, it gets a thorough check-up. They’ll look at the body for any big scratches or dents and check inside for stains or rips. They’ll also make sure everything like the engine and electronics are working properly.
Don’t worry, general wear-and-tear is expected – this check-up is to see if there’s any damage beyond just normal use. The bottom line is, keeping your van in good shape means you’re less likely to face extra charges.
What happens if I’ve damaged my lease van?
If you find that your leased van has some damage, don’t worry, there’s a process to handle it. First, get in touch with us straight away. It’s important to be upfront about any issues. We’ll talk through your next steps, like our preferred repair garages and expected costs.
Remember, returning a van in poor condition could lead to penalty charges. These charges cover the cost of fixing the van so it’s ready for the next person. To avoid surprises, just be honest about what’s happened and you’ll be able to find the best solution!
What happens if you go over mileage on a lease van?
Gone over your leased van’s mileage limit? Just like if you damage a vehicle, the best thing to do is get in touch! We’ll talk you through what this means and how it affects your lease. Usually, going over the limit simply comes with a charge. These are often calculated as a pence-per-mile cost, based on how far over the limit you are.
If you realise you’re going to exceed your limit before your lease is up, it’s worth discussing with us in advance. We may be able to adjust your monthly payments to save you from steeper penalty fees later on!
Arranging collection and drop-off
When it’s time to say goodbye to your leased vehicle, it’s a simple case of arranging collection or drop off.
All you need to do is contact the team at First Step – we’re ready to guide you through the process. You can decide whether you want to drop off the van at a specific location or have it collected from your address. Whether it’s at your home, office, or a designated return point, our team will make the handover as convenient as possible.
Does my leased car need to be in perfect condition?
No, your leased car doesn’t need to be perfect >when you return it, but it should be well cared for!
Normal wear and tear is expected over the course of your lease, so any small scratches, dents, minor stains and typical tyre wear are usually fine. However, significant damage or excessive wear might lead to additional charges.
Can I renew my van lease?
Absolutely! If you’ve grown fond of your leased van and aren’t ready to part ways, you can often extend your lease. This is a great option if you want to keep the same vehicle a bit longer.
Looking for an upgrade? That’s also an easy process. At First Step, we have a range of new models for you to take a look at. If you’re interested in upgrading, have a look at the latest vans available and then give us a call – it’ll be smooth sailing from there!
Can I buy my van at the end of the lease?
Usually, you’re not able to buy your van at the end of the lease. The only exception to this is if you have a finance lease, where at the end you have the option to purchase the van by paying off the rest of its value in one lump sum.
Hire your van from First Step
Remember, whether it’s returning the van in good condition, considering an extension, or exploring new leasing options, First Step Vehicle Solutions is here to make the process simple and stress-free.
We understand that the end of a lease can bring a mix of questions and decisions. That’s why our team is here to offer guidance and support every step of the way. From arranging the collection or drop-off of your current van to talking through options for your next, you can count on our team at every turn.
And, if you’re ready to take out a new lease, just let us know! With the best selection of models from top manufacturers and flexible lease terms, including unbeatable 12 month van leasing deals, we’ve got you covered. Just give us a call to get started or check out our cheap lease hire vans yourself.