Note: costs mentioned below are given in US dollars as a general point of reference — actual prices vary by country, currency, and local market.
Lease-end inspectors grade tires, glass, paint/body, wheels and interior against a written "normal wear" standard, and charge for anything beyond it — typical excess-wear fees run $50-$150 per small dent or chip and up to several hundred dollars for a cracked windshield or badly worn tire. Book a pre-return inspection 60-90 days before lease end (most leasing companies offer one free) so you have time to fix cheaper items yourself instead of paying the leasing company's marked-up rates.
At a glance: normal wear vs. chargeable damage
| Item | Usually normal wear | Usually chargeable |
|---|---|---|
| Tires | Even wear down to legal tread minimum | Uneven wear, below legal minimum, mismatched brands |
| Windshield | Very light pitting | Any crack or chip in the driver's sightline |
| Body panels | Small dings under ~1 inch, no paint break | Dents with paint damage, mismatched touch-up paint |
| Wheels | Light curb scuffing | Cracked or bent wheels |
| Interior | Light seat wear, faint stains | Burns, tears, odors (especially smoke) |
What this checklist covers
This page accompanies the Lease Return Inspection Checklist — a printable walk-around sheet to use 60-90 days before your lease ends, matched against the leasing company's written wear-and-tear standard (usually available on their website or in your lease packet). Doing this early gives you time to fix cheap items yourself instead of paying dealer-marked-up fees at drop-off.
Step-by-step: your own pre-return inspection
- Request or download the leasing company's official 'normal wear and tear' standard — every major lessor publishes one.
- Wash the car and inspect panels in daylight for dents, scratches through the clear coat, or chips.
- Check all four tires for tread depth and even wear; compare against the legal minimum in your area.
- Inspect the windshield for chips or cracks, especially in the driver's direct sightline.
- Check wheels for curb rash, cracks or bends.
- Inspect the interior for stains, tears, burns or persistent odors, and check all electronics function.
- Schedule the leasing company's free pre-inspection if offered — it gives you a written list of chargeable items before the actual return.
Fixing items before return vs. paying at drop-off
| Issue | DIY/independent repair cost | Typical lease-end fee |
|---|---|---|
| Small paintless dent | $75-$150 (mobile dent repair) | $100-$300 |
| Worn tire replacement (one) | $100-$250 depending on tire | $150-$400+ plus a disposition-style charge |
| Windshield chip repair | $50-$100 | Can trigger a full replacement charge if cracked at return |
| Curbed wheel refinish | $75-$150 per wheel | $150-$300 per wheel |
Excess-mileage charges are separate from wear-and-tear fees and are almost never negotiable — they're written into the lease contract per mile over the allowance. Check your odometer against the contracted mileage well before the return date; buying extra miles in advance from the leasing company is usually cheaper than paying the per-mile overage at drop-off.
At the actual return appointment
- Bring both sets of keys, the owner's manual, and any accessories that came with the car
- Remove all personal items and toll transponders
- Ask for a signed, dated condition report at drop-off, not just a verbal assessment
- Take dated photos or video of the car from all angles as your own record before handing over the keys
Buying out the lease as an alternative
If the car has more wear than the standard allows, or you simply want to keep it, compare the lease's buyout price against the car's current market value — sometimes buying out the lease and either keeping or privately selling the car costs less than the accumulated excess-wear and mileage fees.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I inspect my lease car before returning it?
Are excess-mileage fees negotiable at lease end?
What counts as normal wear and tear on a lease?
Is it cheaper to fix damage myself or let the leasing company charge me?
Sources & further reading
Figures, prices and policy details were current at the last-updated date above. Automotive pricing, incentives and regulations change frequently — verify time-sensitive details with the linked primary sources. Read our editorial policy and fact-checking standards.
