Leasing a vehicle is becoming increasingly popular as it offers a more flexible and affordable alternative to car ownership.

With leasing, you can drive a brand-new car of your choice, typically for a lower monthly payment than if you were to finance the purchase. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the depreciating value of the vehicle or selling it when you’re ready for an upgrade. Leasing allows you to simply return the car at the end of the lease term and pick out a new one.

Additionally, many leases include maintenance and repair costs as part of the agreement, which can help you save even more money.

But that’s where it can get confusing.

In this post, we’ll be looking at exactly what you’re responsible for when it comes to repairs on your lease car so that you’re not hit with an unexpected bill should the worst happen.

What’s covered by the warranty?

In the UK, the warranty on a lease car typically covers any manufacturing defects or issues that arise during the first few years of ownership. This can vary depending on the specific make and model of the vehicle, but most manufacturers offer a standard warranty of around three to five years from the date of purchase.

During this time, any repairs or replacements needed due to manufacturing defects should be covered by the warranty, which means you won’t have to pay for these costs out of your own pocket. Some warranties also include roadside assistance or other perks, such as free vehicle inspections or courtesy cars if your vehicle needs to be in the shop for an extended period of time. It’s worth checking with the manufacturer to find out exactly what the warranty covers.

It’s important to note that the warranty may not cover wear and tear or damage caused by accidents or misuse, so it’s important to take good care of your lease car and follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to avoid any issues. Additionally, you may be responsible for paying for routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes and brake pads, depending on the terms of your lease agreement.

What if I have an accident that is my fault?

If you have an accident in a lease car that is your fault, it is important to notify both your insurance company and the lease company as soon as possible and to follow their instructions for repairs or any other required actions.

When it comes to liability and costs, this would usually be covered by your insurance policy in the same way that it would if you owned the vehicle. If you have a fully comprehensive insurance policy, it should cover the cost of repairs to the lease car, up to the policy limit. However, you will likely be responsible for paying an excess or deductible as set out in your policy.

That being said, some lease agreements include an insurance policy as part of your costs although this is unusual.

What if the accident is not my fault?

If you have an accident in a lease car that is not your fault, the responsibility for repairs will depend on the terms of your lease agreement and the insurance policies involved.

In most cases, you will need to contact both your lease company and your insurance provider as soon as possible after the accident. It’s important to provide them with all relevant details, including the other driver’s insurance information and any witness statements, dashcam footage or police reports. Your insurance company will typically handle the claims process and communicate with the other driver’s insurance company to determine liability for the accident.

Assuming that the other driver is found to be at fault for the accident, their insurance company should cover the costs of repairs to your lease car. However, you may still be responsible for paying any excess or deductible associated with your lease agreement or insurance policy.

How to repair and look after your lease car

Bodywork

If your lease car needs any bodywork, always ensure that it is done by a professional and authorised repair centre to maintain the quality of the finish.

Tyres

Ensure that you check your tyres regularly for signs of wear and tear as well as punctures or damage. The tread depth should be checked at least once per month to make sure it is within the legal limit.

It’s also important to check your tyre pressure regularly – this should be done at least once per month, or more frequently if you drive a lot.

Finally, remember to rotate your tyres every 6 months or so to ensure even wear.

Diagnostics

If your lease car starts to show any signs of a fault, such as flashing warning lights, it is important to arrange for diagnostics to be carried out by a qualified professional. This will help to identify the cause of the problem and allow them to carry out any necessary repairs.

MOT and servicing

Having your lease car serviced regularly is essential to make sure it runs smoothly and safely. Depending on the terms of your agreement, you may be responsible for arranging and paying for regular servicing.

It’s also important to ensure that your lease car has a valid MOT certificate – this should be done every year as required by law in the UK.

Exhausts

The exhaust system is an important part of your lease car so it’s important to check it regularly for any signs of wear or damage. You should also have the system serviced every year, as this can help to reduce emissions and maintain fuel efficiency.

Brakes

You should check your brakes regularly for any signs of wear or damage, and have them serviced at least once per year.

Remember, if you ever have any doubts about the safety of your lease car, it is important to get it inspected by a qualified professional as soon as possible. This will help to ensure that your car is safe and roadworthy.

By following these steps and keeping your lease car in good condition, you can ensure that you remain compliant with the terms of your agreement and avoid any additional costs.

Summary 

In summary, your financial responsibilities concerning repair and maintenance will vary according to the terms of your particular lease.

In most cases, you will find that annual servicing and routine inspections will be covered as part of the lease agreement, although this may not be for the entire duration of the contract i.e it could be the first year only, so it’s worth checking your paperwork.

Any recalls or component defects will almost certainly be covered by either the warranty or lease agreement.

When it comes to accidents, these are handled by your insurance company regardless of fault. However, should you find yourself involved in a collision or accident it is recommended that you let the lease company know as well as your insurance company.

A simple thing to remember is that, at the end of the agreement term, the lease company will expect the vehicle to be returned to them in the same condition it was in when the lease began. You won’t necessarily have to take it back to the lease company for repairs and in most cases are free to use a body shop of your choice.

We hope this guide answers your questions and helps you out, and remember, anyone in Essex who requires flawless repairs on their lease vehicle can rely on the expertise of Southend Smart Repairs.

With over 45 years of experience, our team of technicians have the skills and resources to get your lease vehicle looking showroom worthy once more.

We offer a wide range of repair services, from minor scratches to full body shop repairs and accident damage, so get in touch today for a free quote!