AVOIDING PENALTY CHARGES FOR EXCESS WEAR AND TEAR
Every year the car leasing market faces a £120m bill for end of contract penalty charges. A large chunk of this is for excessive wear and tear. According to the latest research for FN50, 37% of returned cars incur a fair wear and tear recharge averaging £231. Lease-end penalty charges are most commonly for
- stains, rips, tears and burns on seats
- scratched or scuffed paintwork
- chips and dents on the bodywork
- damage to wheels and trims.
- 1. Start preparations early - Order a copy of the BVRLA (British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association) Fair Wear and Tear Guide at least 8 weeks before the end of your lease.
- 2. Clean and dry your car thoroughly - You need to give your car a good clean first before conducting the assessment so that you can see any damage. You will incur penalty charges for returning a car with excessive dirt, stains or odours, so it will require cleaning anyway.
- Consider having your car valeted professionally, especially if you haven’t invested much time in cleaning it over the lease period.
- When assessing your car make sure the weather is good. The car should be dry and assessed in good daylight. If the car has raindrops on it, finding paint imperfections and dents will be nearly impossible.
- Be objective in your evaluation and take the opportunity to put right what could cost you more at lease-return. A good checklist is essential for accurate evaluation. A printable checklist can be found at Clean Image.
- 3. Rectify damage – Any damage on your car that exceeds fair wear and tear as outlined in the BVRLA guide should be rectified. Do not be tempted to try your luck with the inspector. There are simple and cost-effective solutions available for most car damages.
- 4. Consider using a lease return specialist – There are companies that offer specialist lease-end services such as inspections, valeting and SMART repair. By using these companies you will benefit from
- comprehensive cleaning services including odour removal
- expert wear and tear assessment to the same standards as those used by lease-end inspectors
- smart repair techniques that work out cheaper than replacement parts and body shop repairs
- 5. Keep your inspection report – After the official lease-end inspection keep a copy of the inspection report. Much like a no claims bonus in car insurance, a favourable lease-end inspection report can reduce the cost of subsequent lease contracts. A large proportion of the cost of leasing is based on the uncertainty of the condition of the car at lease return. Some of this uncertainty can be removed by providing a favourable inspection report as proof of good car care history.
Ultimately, the only way to avoid penalty charges at lease-end is to take better care of your car from the start. Always maintain your lease car along the guidelines provided in the owner’s manual from the manufacturer.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
AVOID PENALTY CHARGES WHEN USING A MOBILE PHONE WHILST DRIVING
Under the Road Safety Act, from Tuesday 27 February 2007, motorists using hand-held phones at the wheel will face a stiffer penalty – £60 – and three points on their licence. We have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions that users of mobile phones and hands free car kits have asked.
THE MOBILE PHONE LAW – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. What does the ban mean?
It is a specific offence to use a hand-held phone when driving. A hand-held device is something that “is or must be held at some point during the course of making or receiving a call or performing any other interactive communication function.” A motorist can regard driving as meaning a vehicle with the engine running. In simple terms you can use a mobile as long as you don’t hold the phone and you can’t use a hand-held phone if the engine is running.
2. How much is the fine if you get caught using a hand-held mobile when driving?
The fine is £60 and 3 penalty points. Motorists can take the matter to court where the maximum fine is £1000. (£2,500 for drivers of goods vehicles). Penalty points will also be imposed in courts from 27 February.
3. Can I use a hands free kit while I’m driving?
Yes, but you can only use it if it can be operated without holding the phone. Therefore mobile phones should be placed in cradles which are attached to the dashboard. Pushing buttons is permissible while the phone is in a cradle or on the steering wheel and you don’t hold the phone.
4. Can I use a Bluetooth car kit?
Yes, provided it is operated by pushing a button attached to the dashboard or via voice activation. You must not pick up your handset.
5. Will I still get stopped by police if I am using a hands free kit when driving?
If you are stopped by police and you are using a hands free kit while driving, you can face prosecution under other motoring laws. The police can charge you with driving without due care and attention, not being in proper control of the vehicle or even dangerous driving.
6. Can motorists use navigation equipment, personal digital assistants (PDAs) or other computer equipment that sends or receives data?
In theory yes – providing it is not a hand-held device. The Government guidelines state that use of devices other than mobile phones is only prohibited if the device performs an interactive communication function by sending and receiving data. If the device does not perform this type of function, you can use the device without breaching the regulations.
7. Can I use a hand-held phone when I am stationary in traffic?
No, the regulations state that driving includes time when stopped at traffic lights or during other hold-ups, so you can’t use a hand-held. However, if there was an accident on a motorway, for example, and you are sure you won’t move, then you could turn the engine off and then use the phone legally.
8. Can I make emergency calls?
There is an exemption for making 999 calls to the emergency services where it is unsafe or impractical to stop.
9. Who do the regulations apply to?
The regulations apply to drivers of all motor vehicles, including, cars, motorcycles, goods vehicles, buses, coaches and taxis. They also apply to anyone supervising a learner driver, while the learner is driving.
10. Are employers guilty of an offence if their employees use a hand-held phone while driving?
The regulations apply to anyone who causes or permits any other person to use a handheld phone while driving. Under Department for Transport guidelines, they consider that employers would not be liable just because they supplied a telephone or because they phoned an employee who was driving. However, employers would probably be liable if they required their employees to use a hand-held phone while driving and might also be liable if they failed to forbid employees to use such phones on company business. Increasing concern about corporate manslaughter and the likelihood of the Health and Safety Executive becoming involved in cases where a business driver has a fatal accident means that many companies are becoming tough on drivers who use mobile phones. Some are even banning the use of hands free phones by employees.
11. What are the insurance implications if motorists are caught using mobile phones when driving?
In theory, an insurance company could refuse to pay for damage to your own car if you were breaking the law at the time of the accident (this could include using a mobile phone). The effects on your insurance if you have an accident could include loss of no claim bonus which would result in an insurance premium increase by at least 50 per cent. Some insurance companies increase premiums for drivers with penalty points. From 27 February this means that breaking the mobile phone law will not only cost a fine and points, but could also increase your premium.
A number of convictions, such as drink driving and dangerous driving may result in cover being refused or a significant financial penalty being applied.
12. The police do not bother to enforce the law, and many, many people break it – I see them on every journey. Do I really need to comply?
That is your choice. But Car Communications would point out that in the first year of the law 77,000 drivers were caught and fined. The three points will hurt drivers more than a fine, and we know that with the points will come a whole new enforcement approach
