What is the Fair Wear and Tear Guide?

The BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide sets an industry-wide standard for a vehicle's condition at the end of its lease. It covers every aspect of wear and tear that can occur under normal usage when considering natural deterioration for the age and mileage. It excludes damage as a result of misuse, neglect or road collisions.

Any customer of a lease vehicle should request a copy of the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide and become accustom with it. But they should also be aware that it is just a guideline and the funder of their lease deal may have their own documentation outlining any other requirements specific to any lease cars returned to them.

The guidelines outline all aspects of the vehicles condition including windows, windscreens and lights, interior upholstery, exterior paintwork, wheels, tyres and trim. This is in addition to mechanical condition, documentation and equipment (including keys).

Please use the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear guide for advice on how to best maintain your lease vehicle. As well as learning what, if any, damage will be chargeable at the end of your lease if returned without repair.

The BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide

Please see the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear guides for cars and vans below.

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Key considerations for employers 

Charges – Charges may be applied for any damage that exceeds what is deemed acceptable within the Fair Wear and Tear Guide. Documentation produced by Corparison will outline who is responsible for those reinstatement charges, be that the employer or employee.

Supplementing charges – As the employer, you can choose if fair wear and tear charges are recharged to employees in all circumstances, if a vehicle has been allocated to a driver or is part of a pool fleet, or only if the costs exceed a certain cost.

Key considerations for employees

Preventative vehicle maintenance - Your employer may wish to include preventative vehicle maintenance plans and road safety measures that you could be required to complete on a daily or weekly basis.

Follow manufacturer guidance – From maintenance advice to fuel recommendations, maintain vehicle performance by following the advice provided by your manufacturer.

Don’t wait – Avoid delaying any repairs or damage. Take timely action and ensure any damage is repaired before your vehicle is returned. Any major repair work will need to be approved by your finance or service provider. Ensure they are contacted before any work is carried out.

Best practice to avoid end of term charges

Check the vehicle after it has been cleaned and dried – You are advised to carry out an appraisal on your vehicle between 10 to 12 weeks before the end of your lease term. Give yourself the best chance of identifying any scuffs or damage by thoroughly cleaning and drying the vehicle before your inspection.

Viewing a clean vehicle in good lighting will ensure that nothing goes unnoticed and you avoid any unexpected costs.

Objective opinions – When the risk of potential penalty charges are involved, it can be easy to overlook scuffs and scratches. Once you have cleaned your vehicle, it is imperative you judge your vehicle’s condition objectively.

If you’re in any doubt, ask a friend or family for their opinion and check the condition against the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide.

Be thorough – Take the time to examine every angle of the vehicle, even those where you need to crouch or kneel down to see those difficult to spot corners. Check every interior button and technology controls to ensure everything is working as expected.