damage to leased vehicle

[Buzzard]

Our leased truck recently suffered an unfortunate, slight mishap to the tune of $1400.00. I'm weighing the option of paying out of pocket, or insurance to fix it. I then got to thinking....what if I just brought it back that way? I never gave them a security deposit (waived=promo), so they cant keep that on me. If I did, I sure wouldnt have a problem with them keeping it to fix damage. Thing is, they didnt, so what would happen? The agreement says I would be subject to excess wear and tear charges, but, if you say naaah, here's your truck and the keys , what do they do? Would they be bothered to go through courts? Would it affect your credit? I'm more than likely going to pay out of pocket anyway, so dont bash me here for being morally corrupt! I'm just curious.

[BlackArcher101]

That's why you are required to have full insurance coverage when leasing. Either you can pay out of pocket now, or you can pay through insurance when they take it back.

[Vulcan]

I'd pay for it myself and take it to a reputable autobody repair. I'd guess the leaser will go over the truck with a fine tooth comb when you return it. This doesn't mean not to bargain with the autobody shop as they may charge less knowing you are paying for it out of your own pocket.

[snappyk]

The insurance agency's gouge the body shops, over the past few years the body shops I deal with have seen a huge increase of out of pocket customers coming in instead of going through insurance. The dealer will make you pay for it when you take it back, I'd get it fixed. A-1, Lou's Autobody, Concours, Hallmark, those are the biggest bodyshops in town.

[browna]

I had decent body damage (cracked some black plastic body work after parking over rebar), although it was underneath the front end, and no issue with it.
Either they considered that "regular wear and tear" or didn't see it.

Point being, they don't go over it with a fine tooth comb neccessarily when you return it...well, especially if you're leasing another one. If you'e turning it in and walking away (ie not giving that dealer another "sale" on a new lease), they will likely be more sticky.

Only risk you're running by returning as is, is that if they get you to fix it, you'll be forced to pay what that dealer and their body shop says, not the quote that you've already recieved.

That said, get a quote from that dealers body shop well in advance of the lease expired. Don't tell them that its a lease, or that you're thinking of returning it to this dealer.

If its high, try again at another dealer (you can return a lease to any of that manufacturers dealer, not only the one you bought it at).

If its reasonable, have it in hand in case they quote you something higher when you turn it in.

[BigBCalgary]

unless you purchased a program like Ford's wearcare and especially because it's an insurable repair you'll most certainly be expected to fix it or you'll be charged back for it from the manufacturer after you've returned or termed the lease. Says in the small print of the lease contract the customer is expected to bring the vehicle back in marketable condition. If you have any questions you really should contact your dealer.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Buzzard

The agreement says I would be subject to excess wear and tear charges, but, if you say naaah, here's your truck and the keys , what do they do? Would they be bothered to go through courts? Would it affect your credit? I'm more than likely going to pay out of pocket anyway, so dont bash me here for being morally corrupt! I'm just curious.

The deposit is just a way to hold money in advance; if you owe them money it's just easier for them to take it off your refund cheque. If the dealer says you owe them, and they do decide to sue you for it, if you are found responsible you would also have to pay for their costs. I would think that they would likely give you a certain length of time to pay, then send it over to collections. At that point, it will affect your credit. Bottom line is unsecured debt still has to be paid. (Once again, not trying to bust your chops, just giving an opinion.)

As for insurance, have you looked at all your options? One thing that a lot of companies have started offering this year is "accident forgiveness." I pay $25 per year and they will forgive my first accident. Now they may be offering me that because I have never had a fault accident on my Alberta license (or at least not one where we ended up getting anything fixed.)