Most car manufacturers require you to schedule a lease inspection 60 to 90 days before you turn in your leased car. The purpose of this inspection is to make sure that the vehicle is in good condition before it is returned and to let you know what (if any) lease end penalties will be assessed.
Typically, the manufacturer will reach out to you to arrange for a third-party inspector to come to your home of office. The inspector will give you a copy of their report and you will be given the option to repair any damage yourself or pay the applicable charges. There is no charge to the consumer for the lease inspection.
What does the inspection include?
Lease inspectors are looking for any damage beyond normal wear and tear. BMW, for example, provides the guidelines below on what level of tire wear, dents, and scrapes is considered to be normal usage:
Lease end inspectors will typically look for:
- Tires with less than 1/8″ of tread remaining
- Heavily dented wheels
- Scratches, dents and gouges greater than 2″
- Improperly completed body repair work
- More than three dings on a single body panel
- Windshield chips greater than 1/8″
- Upholstery tears or burns
- Excess carpet stains
- Damage to convertible top (if applicable)
- Service indicator lights turned on
How do I schedule a lease end inspection?
Typically, the manufacturer will contact you to set up your inspection; if you would prefer to schedule it yourself, you can find your brand below (information is correct at the time of writing, but may be subject to change). You will need your VIN number to schedule the inspection.
Acura
Acura lease inspections can be scheduled through SGS at (855) 237-1504
Audi
Audi lease inspections can be scheduled through SGS at (855) 237-1504
BMW
BMW lease inspections can be scheduled through AutoVIN at (800) 556-2811
Buick
Buick lease inspections can be scheduled through AutoVIN at (800) 556-2811
Cadillac
Cadillac lease inspections can be scheduled through AutoVIN at (800) 556-2811
Chevrolet
Chevrolet lease inspections can be scheduled through AutoVIN at (800) 556-2811
Chrysler
Chrysler lease inspections can be scheduled through Chrysler Capital Allegiance at (855) 383-0558
Dodge
Dodge lease inspections can be scheduled through Chrysler Capital Allegiance at (855) 383-0558
FIAT
FIAT lease inspections can be scheduled through Chrysler Capital Allegiance at (855) 383-0558
Ford
Ford lease inspections can be scheduled through Alliance Inspection Management at (888) 253-9026
Genesis
Genesis lease inspections are optional and can be scheduled by calling (855) 463-5378
GMC
GMC lease inspections can be scheduled through AutoVIN at (800) 556-2811
Honda
Honda lease inspections can be scheduled through SGS at (855) 237-1504
Hyundai
Hyundai lease inspections are optional and can be scheduled by calling (855) 463-5378
Infiniti
Infiniti lease inspections can be scheduled through Alliance Inspection Management at (888) 253-9026
Jaguar
Jaguar lease inspections are optional and can be scheduled by calling (877) 370-3506
Jeep
Jeep lease inspections can be scheduled through Chrysler Capital Allegiance at (855) 383-0558
Kia
Kia does not currently offer lease inspections
Land Rover
Land Rover lease inspections are optional and can be scheduled by calling (877) 369-8455
Lexus
Lexus lease inspections are optional and can be scheduled through AutoVIN at (800) 556-2811
Mazda
Mazda lease inspections are optional and can be scheduled by calling (877) 506-1198
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz lease inspections can be scheduled through AutoVIN at (800) 556-2811
MINI
MINI lease inspections can be scheduled by calling (866) 646-4463
Porsche
Porsche lease inspections can be scheduled through SGS at (855) 237-1504
RAM
RAM lease inspections can be scheduled through Chrysler Capital Allegiance at (855) 383-0558
Subaru
Subaru lease inspections are optional and can be scheduled by calling (866) 401-9743
Toyota
Toyota lease inspections are optional and can be scheduled through AutoVIN at (800) 556-2811
Volkswagen
Volkswagen lease inspections can be scheduled through SGS at (855) 237-1504
Volvo
Volvo lease inspections can be scheduled through AutoVIN at (800) 556-2811
Whether or not you’re returning a leased vehicle, Cartelligent can help you get a great deal on the new car you want. Call our team of car-buying experts at 888-427-4270 or get started today.