Wear and Tear
Also known as: Excess Wear Charges, Lease Wear and Tear, Normal Wear and Tear
Wear and tear charges are fees assessed at lease return for vehicle damage that exceeds what the leasing company considers normal use. Typical excess wear charges range from $500 to $2,000 or more.
How Wear and Tear Works
Every lease contract defines what constitutes "normal" wear and tear versus excess damage. Normal wear includes minor scratches under a certain length, small door dings, and reasonable tire wear. Excess wear includes dents, cracked windshields, interior stains or burns, curb-rashed wheels, and tires below minimum tread depth. The leasing company inspects the vehicle at return and bills you for any excess wear. Most manufacturers publish wear-and-tear guidelines — review them before your lease ends. Some manufacturers offer prepaid excess wear protection plans ($300-$500 at lease signing) that cover up to $5,000-$7,500 in damage at return.
Example
At lease return, the inspector notes two dents ($250 each), a cracked windshield ($400), and curbed wheels ($150 each x 2). Total excess wear charges: $1,200. Had you purchased the $400 wear protection plan at signing, these would have been covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as normal wear and tear on a lease?
Normal wear and tear typically includes minor scratches under 2-4 inches, small door dings without paint damage, slight interior wear from regular use, and tires with at least 4/32" tread remaining. Each manufacturer publishes specific guidelines — Toyota, BMW, and others have detailed booklets outlining what they consider acceptable.
How much are excess wear and tear charges on a lease?
Excess wear charges typically range from $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on the damage. Common charges: dents ($150-$300 each), cracked windshield ($300-$500), curbed wheels ($100-$200 each), interior stains or burns ($100-$300), and tires below minimum tread ($100-$200 per tire).
How can I avoid excess wear charges at lease return?
Get the vehicle repaired before returning it — third-party repairs are often cheaper than the leasing company's charges. Schedule a pre-return inspection 4-6 weeks early so you know what needs fixing. Some manufacturers offer prepaid wear protection plans at lease signing that cover $5,000-$7,500 in damage for $300-$500.
Related Lease Terms
A disposition fee is a charge (typically $300-$500) assessed by the leasing company when you return a leased vehicle at the end of the lease term.
Lease-End InspectionA lease-end inspection is a vehicle condition assessment conducted before you return a leased car, identifying any excess wear or damage that may result in charges.
Lease Buyout PriceThe lease buyout price is the amount you can purchase the vehicle for at the end of the lease, typically equal to the residual value plus any remaining fees.
See Real Lease Deals
Compare verified lease payments from real buyers. Know what a good deal looks like before you sign.