The purpose of dehire damage charges are to protect the leasing company from excessive costs when the vehicle is returned in a below average condition which maybe classed as condition inconsistent with its age mileage.

Dehire damage charges are made for damage to vehicles which is considered to be in excess of fair wear and tear. Fair wear and tear is the degree of deterioration judged to be reasonable when a vehicle is returned, taking into account its age and mileage and covering its condition from the mechanics and electrics through to bodywork and upholstery.

Guidance on what constitutes fair wear and tear has been taken from the BVRLA. A summary of fair wear and tear and rechargeable damage is set out below. Should you require any further clarification please contact your Area Sales Manager.

     
Vehicle Exterior

Dents
Minor dents (up to 10mm) are considered fair wear and tear as long as the paint surface has not been penetrated so that bare metal is visible or corrosion has set in. Where multiple dents occur in a single panel or dents exist which are larger than this a recharge will be made.

Paintwork
Small areas of stone chipping, door edge chipping and light scratches (up to 25mm) are acceptable relative to the vehicles age and mileage. Scratches in excess of 2.5cm revealing primer or bare metal are rechargeable.

Bumper sections, rubbing strips and number plates
A limited amount of scuffing will be deemed fair wear and tear. Broken, cracked or deformed sections or strips will be rechargeable as will broken or missing number plates.

Window glass
Light scratches and minor chipping around the periphery of the windscreen is accepted as fair wear and tear. Cracks or damage within the driver's sight line which would cause failure to meet MOT standards is rechargeable.

Lamp glasses and lens
Minor scuff marks or scratches are considered fair wear and tear. Recharges will be made for holes or cracks in the glass or plastic covers of lamp units.

Badges and labels
Any damage caused by the removal of non-standard badges, labels or advertising fitted to the bodywork or glass of a vehicle is rechargeable.

     		   
     
Recharges
We maintain a consistent approach to costing vehicle repairs using the Thatcham Time System. Vehicles are classified as small, medium or large and the repair time is calculated as an average of a sample of vehicles in each category.
  • Components and materials are recharged using the Thatcham Parts Price Guides
  • labour is charged at a rate significantly discounted from retail bodyshop and insurance company rates
  • Labour is not charged for the fitting of missing components.

Where a charge is due you will be invoiced separately. Our terms for the payment of sundry invoices are 20 days.

If you would like any further clarification of our dehire damage recharge system you are welcome to meet with a representative from our Vehicle Sales Department or visit one of our dehire centres to view our inspectors at work your Area Sales Representative will be pleased to make the arrangements.

     
Vehicle Interior
Wear and soiling through normal use is acceptable. Visible burns, tears or permanent staining to the seats, headlining or carpets is rechargeable.

Any damage resulting from the removal of non-standard equipment such as car telephones or radios is rechargeable.

Missing or Damaged Items
Recharges will be made for missing items such as bumpers or door mirrors and also for radios, tools door trims, wheel trims and spare wheels.

Keys
A recharge will be made if the vehicle is returned without a full set of keys, remote locking or alarm key fobs (if applicable) and master key or red key which controls the vehicle’s engine management system.

Documentation and Servicing
The instruction book, full service record and any other documents relating to the vehicle equipment must be returned with the vehicle. Please note that where servicing has not been carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines an appropriate recharge may be made.

Mechanical Condition
Mechanical damage such as a seized engine is rechargeable where this has been caused by driver abuse, e.g. servicing not being carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines or engine oil not being checked regularly.