Take the stress out of your upcoming lease return inspection AND save money! 

We know what leasing companies will deem as 'excess wear and tear' at a return inspection.  To avoid being charged high dealership repair rates for these damages, come to us first. We will examine your vehicle, identify repair issues, and provide you with a FREE ESTIMATE for a pre-return repair strategy.

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Is it cheaper to fix a leased car before returning it?

Yes. Dealerships charge premium rates. Fixing cosmetic issues out-of-pocket at an independent Toronto auto body shop is almost always significantly cheaper.

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Will these repairs show up on a Carfax report?

Since self-pay repairs do not go through an insurance company and are typically minor cosmetic fixes, they do not trigger Carfax reporting.

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​What counts as 'excessive wear and tear' on a Toronto lease return? 

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• Dings, dents, scratches:

Any scratch, dent, or paint chip that you can feel with your fingernail and is larger than a credit card.

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​​However, damages aren't considered on an individual basis alone - while one small dent might be forgiven, several small dents appearing in multiple areas of the vehicle will usually be classed as excess wear and tear.

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​Additionally, depth matters: scratches that reach metal, even if they are smaller than a credit card, are nearly always deemed excess wear and tear (due to future rust development potential).

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• Bumpers: 

Bumper scuffs will usually be considered normal wear & tear and forgiven if they are surface level and contained to a small area.

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However, tears in the plastic, significant gouges, or signs of misalignment where the bumper pulls away from the fender will be considered excess wear and tear. 

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Additionally, the underside of bumpers will also be checked for hidden damage from contact with steep driveways, cement curbs, speed bumps, and parking barriers. 

 

• ​Windshields:

Any chip or crack in the windshield falling within the driver's 'critical viewing area' that's  larger than a loonie will be considered excess wear and tear.  As will any smaller chips if they are deemed to compromise the glass's overall structural integrity.

 

• Light covers:

Deep scratches or cracks in plastic light coverings are also considered excess wear and tear.  A cracked lighting unit can trap moisture and compromise its electronic integrity - which may necessitate replacing the entire light assembly in the future.  

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How to return a leased vehicle without paying too much? 

​Be strategic, plan in advance. Get a repair estimate 30-60 days before your return date.  This will allow enough time to source cost-saving after-market parts (if needed), and avoid a rental car on more extensive damages by scheduling repairs in stages (if needed).      

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Can I use an independent shop instead of the dealership's preferred collision centre?

​Absolutely. By law, you have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired. As a premium retail collision repair facility, we use factory-matched paint and OEM-quality materials to ensure our work flawlessly matches your vehicle’s factory standards, completely satisfying lease inspectors.

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Located just north of Dundas & Runnymede, we're conveniently positioned for customers in The Junction, High Park, Bloor West Village, Kingsway, Roncesvalles, & Stockyards neighbourhoods.

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