How to Turn in a Leased Car When the Lease Is Up

Leasing banks may differ slightly on lease-return requirements. Most lessors send out mail that details your end-of-lease options and offers instructions for the return procedure. Many banks also offer or require an inspection process, free of charge to you. The bank will provide you with a number to call to arrange an inspection so you'll have time to repair or service the vehicle before the end of your lease. Unless your car is in perfect condition, consider completing an inspection to ensure you won't pay end-of-lease fees for excess wear and tear.

Instructions

1

Contact your leasing bank several months before the end of your lease to inquire about the lease-end process. You might be instructed to sign into your lease account at the lessor's website to print forms and receive instruction. If you don't want to use the online option, ask to have documents and an explanation of the process mailed to you.

2

Ask your lessor if it provides a free vehicle inspection. If so, contact the inspector and make arrangements to have your vehicle inspected at your convenience. Some inspectors come to your home or work, or you may have to meet at a dealership.

3

Fix any issues suggested by the inspector. Body damage might require an insurance claim or you might need to take your vehicle to a service shop to complete required maintenance, such as tire replacement. If you don't take advantage of the inspector's suggestions, you'll likely owe your leasing bank money for excess wear and tear fees.

4

Complete any forms required by your bank before returning the lease. Call a dealer to make an appointment for the return and clean out your vehicle completely. Wash and detail the vehicle before your appointment.

5

Arrive at your appointment with your paperwork and any items that came with your vehicle, such as extra keys, accessories and the owner's manual. Provide your completed paperwork to the person handling your lease return. Sign additional paperwork with your dealer representative, such as an odometer statement and a statement documenting the items returned with the vehicle.

6

Ask the dealer representative to make copies of any documents you signed so you may keep them for your records. Check your vehicle over one last time to ensure you removed your belongings. Remove your insurance cards from the glove compartment and make sure you didn't leave any original lease paperwork in the owner's manual.

7

Remove your license plates from the vehicle and leave the car behind. Save the copies of your signed documents for several months after the lease return in case the leasing bank makes an error, such as charging you over-mileage fees or for an extra set of keys.