Returning the vehicle

Yes it does seem a long time off but the day will come when it is time to return your vehicle and hopefully get a new one through Staffcars.  It is know as the de-hire process.  Obviously this process doesn't not apply if you have bought your vehicle for cash or by another method of finance. 

At the end of your contract the finance company / leasing company that owns your vehicle will arrange collection.  Rental costs are calculated based on vehicles being returned in good condition.  When this doesn't happen de-hire charges may apply to cover the additional drop in value due to the vehicle not being returned in good condition.  Generally leasing companies do not seek to charge customers for end of contract damage unless necessary. 

Here are a few tips to make sure you avoid any charges.

Routine Maintenance

If you didn't take out the maintenance option on your vehicle, a full maintenance and servicing  record must be available for inspection on it's return. As part of your agreement vehicles need to have been maintained in accordance with manfacturer guidelines.  Routine servicing should be undertaken at regular intervals by authorised agents and care should be taken to ensure that the vehicle's service record is stamped every time.  Any additional checks and procedures described in your vehicle's maintenance guide should also be conscientiously observed.  Also you need to report any odometer alterations.

De-hire charges will apply if:

• A vehicle has not been maintained in accordance with your agreement
• A vehicle's service record is missing or incomplete and an alternative record is not available
• Any component has deteriorated as a result of negligence on your part

Documentation

All vehicle documentation including the operation manual, service book and any other documents relating to vehicle equipment must be intact and available.  All documents must be in the vehicle on its return including details of all audio equipment security codes.

Appearance

The vehicle's exterior should be sufficiently clean to allow a brief inspection.  The inside should ideally have been cleaned and cleared of all rubbish.

Tax Discs

On collection of your vehicle, please ensure that your Road Fund Licence (tax disc) remains in the vehicle.  If the vehicle is returned without the tax disc, the leasing company reserves the right to invoice you for the remaining months.  In the event that you receive a tax disc shortly after your vehicle has been returned, please ensure it is forwarded to:

Tax Disc Reclaims
Staffcars Limited
157 Lammack Road
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB1 8LA

Keys and fobs

All keys and fobs supplied with the vehicle must be returned, including any spares. Special attention must be paid to 'master keys' or 'red keys' for engine management systems as the cost of replacing these is significant.  End of contract charges will be applied if any of the above are not returned with the vehicle.  Charges will be based on individual manufacturer prices.

Did you know?

The cost of an incomplete service history for vehicles on non-maintained contracts could be anywhere between £150 and £300 depending on the engine size.  The average cost of a missing spare key is in excess of £100 although it can be significantly more.

Missing items

Ensure that and items missing from the vehicle are replaced.  This includes things like aerials, items of interior trim and any wheel trims.

These are just general guidelines.  As Staffcars use a number of different finance companies each have their own guidelines on fair wear and tear and end of contract damage charges.  If you want to see a full guide for the company your vehicle is financed through please contact us giving your name and registration and we will send you a copy.  You can contact us on 0844 225 2368, e-mail infostaffcars.co.uk or by our web chat facility.