What Happens at the End of a Car Lease?
Leasing is one of the easiest ways to drive a new car every few years without worrying about long-term ownership or resale values. But as your contract starts approaching its final months, many drivers begin asking the same question: what actually happens at the end of a lease?
The good news? It’s usually simple, flexible, and far less stressful than people expect. Here’s exactly what you can expect when your lease comes to an end.
1) You’ll Be Contacted Before the Contract Ends
Around 2–3 months before your lease finishes, the finance company or leasing broker will usually get in touch. This gives you time to decide what you’d like to do next and avoids any last-minute pressure.
At this point, you’ll normally be offered a few options for your next move.
2) Vehicle Inspection Takes Place
Before the car goes back, it will be inspected to check its condition.
This inspection looks at:
Bodywork damage
Wheels and tyres
Interior wear
Windscreen chips or cracks
Missing items like keys or parcel shelves
All leasing companies follow the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear guidelines, which allow for reasonable everyday use. Small stone chips or light interior wear are usually fine, but larger dents, deep scratches, or damaged wheels could result in charges.
Tip: getting minor damage repaired before collection can sometimes be cheaper than paying inspection charges.
3) Mileage Is Checked
Your lease agreement includes an agreed mileage allowance. At the end of the contract, your final mileage is checked.
If you’ve gone over the allowance, you’ll pay a pre-agreed excess mileage charge per mile. If you’re under, there’s usually no refund, but it means you used the car more lightly than planned.
4) The Car Is Collected
Once inspection arrangements are complete, the leasing company will schedule a free collection from your home or workplace.
On collection day:
The vehicle is checked over
Documents and keys are handed back
You sign confirmation paperwork
The car is driven away
And just like that, your lease officially ends.
5) Your Options After Lease End
At the end of your lease, you typically have three main choices.
Lease Another New Car
This is the most popular option. Many drivers simply move into a brand-new vehicle with a fresh contract, updated tech, and full manufacturer warranty again.
Extend Your Current Lease
Some finance providers allow short extensions if you need more time before choosing your next car.
Buy the Vehicle
With some lease types, you may have the option to purchase the car or arrange a third-party buyout. However, leasing is usually chosen specifically to avoid ownership responsibilities.
6) Planning Ahead Makes Everything Easier
The smoothest lease endings happen when drivers start planning early. Ordering your next car a few months before the current one ends helps avoid gaps without a vehicle, especially as factory lead times can vary.
Final Thoughts
Ending a lease is usually straightforward: the car gets inspected, collected, and you move on to your next set of wheels. No resale hassle, no depreciation worries, and no stress about selling your old car.
For many drivers, that clean reset every few years is exactly why leasing continues to grow in popularity across the UK.
And when your contract is nearly up, it might just be the perfect excuse to start looking at what you want to drive next. 🚗
And when your lease is coming to an end, that’s where Express Vehicle Contracts makes things easy. Whether you’re looking to step into a brand-new model, switch to electric, upgrade your space, or simply secure a better deal, our team handles everything from finding the right vehicle to arranging delivery straight to your door. No stress, no confusing jargon — just great lease deals and expert support from start to finish. So when it’s time for your next car, simply Say YES to Express and let us do the hard work for you.
📞 0121 427 9477
🌐 expressvehiclecontracts.co.uk
