Lease Return Checklist: How to Avoid Extra Charges

Lease Return Checklist: How to Avoid Extra Charges for Dents and Dings

Returning a leased vehicle?


Don’t let small dents and dings become big surprises. When your lease is up, your car goes through a detailed inspection—and anything outside the wear-and-tear allowance can come out of your wallet. At CD Dents, we help drivers avoid those unexpected fees with professional paintless dent repair and cosmetic touch-up services. Here's what you need to know before you turn in your leased vehicle—and how we can save you from writing an open check to the dealership.


What Happens During a Lease Turn-In Inspection?


When your lease ends, the dealership (or a third-party inspector) will assess the vehicle’s condition.

This includes: 

  • Exterior damage (dents, scratches, paint chips, and panel alignment)
  • Interior wear (stains, burns, upholstery tears)
  • Mechanical function (warning lights, tire condition, brakes, etc.)


Each manufacturer has its own wear-and-tear guidelines, but most allow only minor dings or scratches under a certain size, often around the size of a credit card.

The Problem: “Open Checkbook” Charges for Damage

If dents, dings, or paint damage are deemed excessive, the dealership won’t fix them at cost—they’ll often charge retail body shop rates or include blanket repair costs. This can quickly add up to hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.

Even worse? Once you’ve turned in the car, you have no control over the final repair invoice.


Before turning in your lease, follow this checklist:


Schedule a Pre-Inspection (2–3 months out)
Most lease companies allow you to get a free pre-inspection so you know what needs attention ahead of time.

Wash and Inspect the Vehicle in Bright Light
Dents, dings, and scratches are easier to spot on a clean car in good lighting.

Document Any Damage
Take clear photos of each panel. This protects you if there’s a dispute.

Check for:

Door dings and parking lot damage

Hail dents on the roof, hood, and trunk

Paint chips on the front bumper and hood

Curb rash on wheels

Cracked or chipped glass

Get Repairs Done Privately Before Turn-In
If the damage is outside of your lease allowance, it’s almost always cheaper to have it repaired yourself.


How CD Dents Helps You Avoid Lease-End Fees

At CD Dents, we specialize in paintless dent repair and premium paint chip touch-up—which means we can restore your vehicle without repainting or replacing panels, saving you money and preserving factory quality.

Here’s what we offer:

✅ Quick turnaround—most repairs completed same-day
✅ Cost-effective solutions—repairs for a fraction of dealer costs
✅ No paint, no bondo, no mismatched panels
✅ Package deals for dents and paint chip repair
✅ OEM-matched touch-up paint for a seamless finish



Turn In Your Lease With Confidence

Before you hand over the keys, stop by CD Dents for a free lease return inspection. We’ll walk your vehicle with you, point out what might get flagged, and give you an honest estimate for fixing it first. No pressure—just real savings and peace of mind.

Avoid the unknown. Skip the dealer markups. Leave with confidence.

📍 Located in Midland, MI
📞 Call or Text for Your Free Lease Inspection: 989-488-7960
📅 Schedule an appointment today!

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