Drivers warned over sky-high lease return charges as 76-plate season begins

• Nearly half of motorists returning a leased vehicle this September could face unexpected damage charges averaging more than £400, according to industry data.
• Average End-of-Lease Damage Fees hit £421 in 2025 and have risen by 50% over the past 10 years.
• September proves to be the most popular month to finance new cars due to the introduction of the updated Number Plate system.

With the introduction of the new 76 plate in September, thousands of motorists and fleet operators will be replacing their current vehicles to take advantage of the latest registration. But many could be caught unaware by significant increases in End-of-Lease Damage charges which have grown by over £140 since 2015 figures, hitting £421 on average in 2025 according to the FN50 Report.

Drivers could avoid these unexpected expenses by repairing the vehicle prior to their return date. SMART repairs can often cost significantly less than end-of-lease recharges, helping motorists avoid unnecessary penalties when returning their vehicle. Getting your fleet or personal vehicle assessed can significantly reduce and even eliminate unexpected fines from finance and leasing companies for the most minor of damage.

“Seeing unexpected fees relating to your old vehicle can really dampen the excitement of collecting a new car”, commented Mark Llewellyn, CEO of Revive! Auto Innovations, the UK’s leading Mobile Cosmetic Repair Brand. “48% of all vehicles incur damage charges when they are returned to leasing companies. These costs can come as a real surprise to motorists, particularly when the damage involved is minor and may have gone unnoticed during day-to-day driving”.

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) provides an insight into what it deems ‘Fair wear and tear’ on their website which provides information for both consumers and businesses on what acceptable and unacceptable damage includes.

What counts as fair wear and tear?

• Paint chips up to 3mm (provided they are not rusted)
• Dents up to 15mm
• Scratches and scuffs up to 25mm

What may result in charges?

• Damage to wheel spokes or wheel fascia
• Corrosion or rust on wheels
• Excessive body damage

View the full list via the link below https://issuu.com/bfwsn67/docs/bvrla_fair_wear_and_tear_standard_-_cb6bf45bb50403?e=2001091/30897824

 “Knowing that 1 in 2 cars will be subject to substantial End-of-Lease damage fees, it is particularly important that fleet managers and drivers perform their own assessments on their vehicles and get any damage taken care of prior to returning them to their providers.” Added Mark.

September sees thousands of vehicles returned as drivers transition to the latest registration plate, making it one of the busiest periods of the year for lease inspections and vehicle handovers.

In 2016 just over a third of vehicles incurred damage fees, this rose dramatically to 50% in 2018 and has remained at a similarly high level since. Several leasing industry guides suggest that customers who do incur charges commonly face bills in the £300 to £800 range, depending on the severity and number of defects, with average costs sitting at an all-time high.

Revive! recommends that anyone looking to upgrade to a 76-plate vehicle should assess their existing vehicle for damage before getting in touch for a free no obligation quote for a repair. Revive!’s team of specialist IMI accredited repairers work with car dealerships, fleet and lease companies, insurance companies and the general public, with all work carrying a lifetime ownership of the vehicle guarantee.

 For more information about Revive! and its market-leading Smart Repairs service, visit: https://revive-uk.com/.