can you return a leased car with damage

[VonRhett]

Yes, you can return a leased car with damage, but you will likely have to pay for it. The cost depends on the type and extent of the damage, as outlined in the lease agreement's wear-and-tear guidelines. Most lease contracts include a section that defines acceptable wear versus excessive damage that you are financially responsible for. It's not about the car being perfect, but rather within the defined limits.

Standard wear-and-tear typically includes minor scratches smaller than a credit card or light stone chips on the hood. Excessive damage, which incurs charges, involves larger dents, deep scratches down to the bare metal, cracked windshields, or significant interior stains or tears. Lessors often use a third-party company to conduct a pre-inspection, usually 30-60 days before your lease-end date. This inspection gives you an itemized report of potential charges, allowing you to get your own repairs done beforehand, which can often be cheaper than the lessor's fees.

Common Wear-and-Tear Standards vs. Chargeable Damage	Typical Allowance / Chargeable Threshold
Dents & Dings	Up to 3-4 per panel, each under 2 inches. Larger dents are chargeable.
Scratches	Surface scratches under 2 inches are acceptable. Scratches to the primer/metal are chargeable.
Tire Tread Depth	Must be at least 4/32nds of an inch. Less than that requires replacement.
Cracked Windshield	Any crack in the driver's line of sight is almost always chargeable.
Interior Stain	Small, light stains may be acceptable. Large or permanent stains are chargeable.
Excess Mileage	Typically charged per mile over the allotted mileage in the contract (e.g., $0.25/mile).
Missing Equipment	Charge for missing keys, owner's manuals, or original equipment.

Consider getting competing quotes from independent body shops if the pre-inspection report shows costly repairs. Sometimes, paying out-of-pocket is cheaper than the lessor's fees. Also, check if your auto insurance covers lease-return damage, though filing a claim may affect your premiums.

[SanAlexandra]

You bet, but get ready for a bill. That lease agreement has a whole section on what they consider "normal wear and tear" versus "you broke it." My advice? Don't wait for the surprise. Call them up and schedule their inspection a couple of months before your return date. They'll give you a list of what needs fixing. Then you can shop around and fix it yourself for less than what they'd charge you. It’s all about avoiding that nasty final charge.

[ElianaAnn]

Absolutely, but it's a financial decision. The key is understanding the "wear and tear" guidelines in your contract. Things like small scratches from city parking are usually fine. But a dented door from a shopping cart? That'll cost you. The smart move is to be proactive. Get the official inspection done early. If the repair estimate from the leasing company is high, get a quote from a trusted local body shop. Paying for it yourself is often the more affordable path.