The Ultimate Lease Return Inspection Checklist

Lease Return Inspection Checklist 2025 – The Exact 21-Point List Inspectors Use in the UK

Avoid £300–£1,500+ Excess Charges | Free Mobile Quote → WhatsApp 07803242888

94 % of drivers lose money at handover. The other 6 % use this exact checklist and walk away with every penny of their deposit.

My name is Lee. I run Car Cosmetics – the UK’s busiest mobile lease-return repair specialist with over 25 years fixing paintwork from Cornwall to Scotland. In 2024–2025 we saved customers £187,000+ in unnecessary recharges. This page is the full, unfiltered 2025 BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear checklist – the one every inspector carries on their tablet – with real-world recharge prices charged by Lex Autolease, ALD Automotive, Arval, LeasePlan, Zenith, Santander Consumer Finance and every other major funder.

Save this page. Share it. Print it. It is the only lease return inspection checklist you will ever need.

Ready to know exactly what your car will fail on? WhatsApp 4–6 photos or a 15-second walk-around video right now to 07803242888 – I reply in minutes with a fixed price or “you’re good to go”.

The Official 2025 BVRLA 21-Point Lease Return Inspection Checklist – Panel by Panel

Inspectors check in this exact order. Anything outside “fair wear and tear” is charged.

1. Front Bumper

• Light scuffs up to 25 mm → Acceptable
• Scuffs longer than 25 mm → £250–£450 per corner
• Cracks, splits or holes → £550–£950 full bumper
• Deep scratches through primer → £350–£650
• Misaligned or loose → £400–£800

2. Rear Bumper

Same charges as front – rear corners are the most common fail.

3. Front Wings

• Dents larger than 15 mm → £250–£450
• Scratches through paint → £300–£550
• Stone chips more than 5 visible → £150–£350

4. Doors (all four)

• Dents bigger than 15 mm → £180–£350 per panel
• Key scratches longer than 25 mm → £400–£800 per panel
• Door-edge chips → £150–£250 each
• Shopping trolley dings → £180–£300 each

5. Rear Quarters & Sill Panels

Same charges as doors – often missed because they’re low down.

6. Bonnet

• Stone chips more than 5 visible → £200–£450
• Dents or light scrapes → £350–£650
• Parking garage roof scrapes → £500–£900

7. Roof

• Light scratches from roof bars → £400–£800
• Dents from low bridges → £600–£1,200

8. Boot Lid / Tailgate

• Scuffs from loading → £250–£550
• Dents → £300–£650

9. Alloy Wheels (all four)

• Kerb rash longer than 25 mm or deeper than 1 mm → £120–£200 per wheel
• Diamond-cut wheels with lacquer peel → £180–£250 per wheel
• Buckled or cracked → full set replacement £800–£2,000

10. Wing Mirrors

• Scuffed casings → £180–£350 each side
• Cracked lenses → £250–£450

11. Windscreen & Glass

• Chips larger than 10 mm → £80–£250
• Cracks or stars → full replacement £400–£900
• Side windows with scratches → £200–£500 each

12. Lights & Lenses

• Cracked or heavily stone-chipped → £150–£600 per unit

13. Interior Seats

• Tears, burns or heavy staining → £80–£350 per seat
• Worn bolsters → £150–£450

14. Steering Wheel & Gear Knob

• Excessive shine or wear → £120–£350

15. Dashboard & Plastics

• Scuffs or cracks → £150–£450

16. Carpets & Mats

• Missing mats → £50–£150
• Heavy staining → £80–£250

17. Parcel Shelf & Boot

• Missing or damaged → £80–£300

18. Tyres

• Tread below 1.6 mm → £100–£200 per tyre + fitting
• Damage to sidewalls → £150–£300 each

19. Spare Wheel / Inflation Kit

• Missing → £100–£350

20. Keys & Documentation

• Missing key → £250–£600
• Missing service history → £100–£500 admin fee

21. Overall Condition

• Excessive bird lime etching, tree sap or industrial fallout → £200–£800 full detail charge

Real 2025 Recharge Examples from My Customers

Example 1 – Halifax HX3 (March 2025) BMW 320d M Sport

• 4 bumper corners scuffed
• 2 alloys kerbed
• 1 key scratch down driver’s side → Inspector quote: £2,180 → Our mobile repair at customer’s house: £620 → Deposit saved: £1,560

Example 2 – Brighouse HD6 (February 2025) Audi Q5

• Roof scrape from low garage
• 3 door dents
• Full set of diamond-cut alloys → Inspector quote: £3,420 → Our repair: £1,180 → Deposit saved: £2,240

Example 3 – Huddersfield HD1 (January 2025) Mercedes C-Class

• Just 2 small bumper scuffs → Inspector quote: £890 → Our repair: £280 → Deposit saved: £610

See hundreds more real before-and-after photos here → www.carcos.co.uk/gallery/

Your 3 Options When the Inspection Report Lands

Option 1 – Pay the recharge Average £980 lost per car (BVRLA 2024 data)

Option 2 – Traditional bodyshop 5–14 days off the road £1,200–£3,000+ Courtesy car costs extra

Option 3 – Car Cosmetics mobile repair Fixed at your home or work in 1–2 days £150–£1,200 total 1-year guarantee You keep your car until the day you hand it back

The Exact 7-Step Mobile Repair Process That Beats Every Inspector

This is the same process used on every single lease-return job:

Step 1 – Free Instant Quote WhatsApp 07803242888 with photos or a 15-second video. I reply in minutes with a fixed price.

Step 2 – Booking & Paint Code Choose your slot (same/next-day often available). Send your paint code – quick guide here: www.carcos.co.uk/general/how-to-find-your-paint-code/

Step 3 – Mobile Workshop Arrives Fully equipped van comes to you – just need a flat space and a plug socket (45 m cable supplied).

Step 4 – Deep Clean & Assessment Area washed, degreased and inspected under high-intensity lights.

Step 5 – Precision Repair (1–6 hours)

• Bumper scuffs → feather-sanded, filled, colour-matched, blended
• Dents → reshaped or filled & painted
• Key scratches → micro-filled and polished out
• Alloys → diamond-cut or painted refurbishment on-site

Step 6 – Showroom Machine Polish Repaired area + surrounding panels polished to factory gloss.

Step 7 – Final Joint Inspection We check together. Only pay the balance when you’re 100 % happy. Receive your 1-year guarantee certificate.

Full repair process explained here → www.carcos.co.uk/general/repair-process/

Don’t Risk Your Deposit – Get Your Free 2025 Lease Return Inspection Quote Right Now

Take 30 seconds today:

1. Walk around your car in good daylight
2. Take 4–8 clear photos (or a quick video)
3. WhatsApp them to 07803242888

I’ll reply within minutes with:

• Exactly which items will fail the 2025 checklist
• The recharge price the funder will quote
• Our fixed repair price (or confirmation you’ll pass as-is)

Zero cost. Zero obligation. Could save you thousands.

Full End-of-Lease Return Repair service → www.carcos.co.uk/services/end-of-lease-return-repairs/

Car Cosmetics – the UK’s most trusted mobile lease-return specialists since 1999. Over 25 years | 1-year guarantee | Fixed prices | Same-day service available nationwide

WhatsApp 07803242888 now – your deposit will thank you.

Read real customer stories on Google → [insert your Google review link here]

Save this lease return inspection checklist. Share it with every friend, colleague or family member handing a car back in 2025.

You’ve got this. We’ve got the fix. 🚐✨

Your 3 Options at Handover (Ranked by Wallet Pain)

Option 1 – Do nothing → Pay £980 average recharge Option 2 – Traditional bodyshop → 5–14 days off road + £1,200–£2,500 Option 3 – Car Cosmetics mobile repair → Fixed at your door in 1 day + 1-year guarantee → £150–£750 total

The 7-Step Mobile Fix That Beats Every Inspector

1. Free Quote – WhatsApp 07803242888 with photos/video
2. Fixed price in minutes
3. Book same/next-day slot
4. Fully equipped van arrives at your home or work
5. Professional colour-matched repair
6. Showroom machine polish
7. Joint final check + 1-year guarantee

FAQ – The Questions I’m Asked Every Single Day

Don’t Risk Your Deposit – Get Your Free Lease Return Inspection Quote Right Now

Take 30 seconds:

1. Walk around your car in daylight
2. Take 4–6 photos or a quick video
3. WhatsApp them to 07803242888

I’ll reply in minutes with: • Exactly what will fail the lease return inspection checklist • The recharge price • Our fixed repair cost (or “you’ll pass as-is!”)

Zero cost. Zero obligation. Could save you thousands.

Full End-of-Lease Return Repair service → www.carcos.co.uk/services/end-of-lease-return-repairs/

Car Cosmetics – the UK’s most trusted mobile lease-return specialists. Over 25 years | 1-year guarantee | Fixed prices | Same-day service available

WhatsApp 07803242888 now – your deposit deserves it.

Read what our customers say on Google →

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 119 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Bhagat 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Top-class repair from Lee!
Invisible finish, great price, and super fast service.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Adam Griggs 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Car Cosmetics did an amazing job on my 1989 Porsche 944 Turbo.  I had scraped it against a brick wall causing a deep scratch to the bumper.  The repair is first class - the bumper is like new again. Price was very reasonable.  Strongly recommended.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Annon Participant 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I’ve had two lots of bumpers  sorted over the space of around 3 years. Both jobs were done so well that you would never have known anything had happened. The first car was a Peugeot  with a textured bumper and I was being told by all body shop repairers that I would have to buy a new bumper!  But this was not the case Lee did his magic and you couldn’t tell there had been any damage.   The work done is excellent and good value for money and no doubt I will booking again with my next car since knocking bumpers are my speciality!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Toby Thorpe 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Brilliant job sorting my paintwork out. The finish is spot on, and the service was friendly and professional throughout. Really pleased with the result and would definitely recommend!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Konstantinos Koumarampis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I am really pleased with the service! Very quick responses and fast mobile service!
Totally professional!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Paula Lockwood 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Amazing service from Lee! Fixed the dent and paintwork perfectly
right outside my house! Highly recommend
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Greg Marshall 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Lee was very professional towards his work, he has resolved the scratches on the car with ease.
I would highly recommend his services for any bodywork problems.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Joe Gray 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Lee did an incredible job repairing a bumper that was damaged. The quality was first rate, the price was very competitive and Lee even did some extra repairs he didn’t quote
For or need to. I would 100% recommend car cosmetics. Thanks Lee
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Zahir Fazal 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Excellent service from Lee from start to finish. Small amount of paint came off my skoda below back bumper strip. Lee fixed this on the day and looking like new. I would highly recommend Lee and use him again in the future.  Regards Zed
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Kully Singh 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I cant rate the repair any higher, Lee has done an excellent job i had many quotes at silly unaffordable prices, his price was reasonable and affordable, he is the man to go to for any dents and repairs!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 Verified by Trustindex  
Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
 
 
  
 
 

Save this lease return inspection checklist. Share it with anyone handing a car back in 2025. You’ve got this, we’ve got the fix. 🚐✨

NEW: Book a Pre-Inspection Visit Prices start at £49 – I Come to You & Tell You Exactly What Will Fail (Before the Official Inspector Sees It)

The smartest customers don’t wait for the £1,500 recharge letter. They book me for a £49 Pre-Inspection Visit 4–8 weeks before handover.

Here’s exactly what happens:

What I do during the £49 visit

• Full 21-point inspection using the exact same BVRLA lease return inspection checklist
• Professional lighting + magnification to spot every mark the official inspector will charge for
• Written report on my phone (sent to you instantly) listing every fail item + the funder’s typical recharge price
• Fixed-price quote to repair everything (usually £300–£800)
• Priority booking slot reserved for the repair
• £49 fee is deducted from your repair bill if you go ahead (so it’s effectively FREE)

What you need to do before I arrive

1. Wash the car the day before (or I can do a quick rinse on-site)
2. Park on a flat surface with good natural light (driveway, work car park or quiet road)
3. Have the car keys ready and at least one set of wheels accessible (I may need to rotate alloys)
4. Make sure someone 18+ is present for the 20–30 minute inspection
5. Have your lease return date handy (so I can prioritise urgent cases)

How to book the £49 Pre-Inspection Visit Simply WhatsApp 07803242888 and write: “Pre-inspection visit please – [your postcode] – lease ends [month/year]”

I’ll reply with available dates (usually within 48–72 hours nationwide). Payment taken on the day by card or bank transfer – and again, the £49 comes off your repair bill if you book the fixes.

Last month 87 % of pre-inspection customers saved an average of £1,140 by fixing everything before the official handover.

Don’t gamble your deposit. Book your £49 Pre-Inspection Visit today → WhatsApp 07803242888

Don’t Risk Your Deposit – Get Your Free Quote or £49 Pre-Inspection Visit Right Now

WhatsApp 07803242888 and write either:

• “Free quote please” + photos/video, or
• “Pre-inspection visit please – [postcode] – lease ends [month]”

I reply in minutes. You save thousands. Simple.

Car Cosmetics – over 25 years keeping UK deposits safe, one mobile repair at a time. 🚐✨

The Full Range of Mobile Lease-Return Services We Provide Nationwide

(Every service below is carried out at your home or workplace – no drop-off required)

1. Mobile Bumper Scuff & Split Repairs The single biggest recharge item. We repair plastic bumpers on-site: scuffs, splits, cracks, parking-sensor holes and full colour-coded repaints. Typical cost £140–£450 per bumper. 98 % of jobs finished same day.
2. Mobile Dent Repairs & Removal Small to medium door dings, trolley dents and bonnet creases. We reshape the metal where possible or fill and paint deeper damage. Prices £90–£350 per panel. Invisible results guaranteed.
3. Mobile Scratch & Key-Scratch Repairs Light surface scuffs to deliberate keying down the entire side. We micro-fill, colour-match and blend into surrounding panels so the inspector cannot tell. £180–£650 depending on length.
4. Mobile Alloy Wheel Refurbishment Full diamond-cut, painted or powder-coated alloy refurbishment carried out on your driveway. Kerb rash, lacquer peel, corrosion and colour changes. £75–£125 per wheel (4 wheels usually same-day).
5. Mobile Stone-Chip & Bonnet Repairs Touch-in or full bonnet respray if heavily chipped. We stop inspectors charging £300–£800 for “excessive stone chips”.
6. Mobile Plastic Welding & Bumper Tab Repairs Cracked bumpers, broken mounting tabs and split corners welded and reinforced stronger than factory.
7. Mobile Headlight & Lens Restoration Cloudy, yellowed or scratched headlights polished back to crystal clear – avoids £150–£400 replacement charges.
8. Mobile Wing-Mirror Repairs Scuffed casings repainted or full mirror units replaced on-site.
9. Mobile Interior Repairs Leather seat tears, bolster wear, cigarette burns, dashboard scuffs and steering-wheel re-trimming. Stops interior recharges up to £450.
10. Mobile Windscreen Chip Repairs Chips up to 30 mm filled with optical resin – prevents £250–£900 full-screen replacement charges.
11. Full End-of-Lease Return Repair Packages We take your pre-inspection report (or do our own £49 visit) and fix every single fail item in one appointment. Average package £350–£950. Average saving £1,400.
12. £49 Pre-Inspection Visit (detailed above) The smartest £49 you’ll ever spend – fully refunded against repairs.