Returning your vehicle
When your hire term comes to an end, one of our inspectors will visit to check the vehicle over before it's collected. A little preparation keeps the visit short and avoids charges you weren't expecting. Here's what to expect and how to get ready.
- Inspection
- 30–45 minutes
- Notice
- Call the day before
- Standard
- BVRLA fair wear & tear
- Collection
- Usually the same day
Four steps to a clean return
The process is the same for every vehicle, whether it's a single van or a full fleet.
-
We book the inspection
We agree a date with you as your term ends, and confirm where the vehicle will be.
-
You get it ready
Clean it inside and out, clear personal items and data, and gather the keys and paperwork.
-
The inspector visits
They'll call ahead, check the vehicle with photos, and ask you to sign the report.
-
We collect
Most vehicles go the same day. If not, we'll confirm a collection date separately.
What to check
The inspector won't be able to wait while a vehicle is cleaned, fuelled or charged — so please work through these beforehand.
Cleanliness & access
- Exterior cleaned, interior valeted
- Parked off-road with 2m clear all round
- All personal items removed
- Climate control switched off
Tyres & wheels
- At least 1.6mm tread all the way round
- No nails, cuts, cracks or bulges
- Matching pairs, correct size, correctly inflated
- Rims free from dents and holes
Windscreen
- No damage over 10mm in the driver's line of vision
- No damage over 40mm elsewhere in the wiper sweep
- Wiper blades clear the screen properly
- Any repair done professionally, with a warranty
Documents & servicing
- Serviced to the manufacturer's schedule
- Service book stamped, or invoices to hand
- Valid MOT and no outstanding recalls
- Personal details removed from paperwork
Electric & hybrid
- Charged to at least 90%
- All charging cables and bags in the boot
- Pre-heated on cold days, ready to drive
- Sat-nav, paired phones and apps cleared
Items to hand over
- Master key and any spares, keyrings removed
- Locking wheel-nut key
- Parcel shelf or load cover
- Spare wheel or inflation kit
What's normal, and what may be charged
Fair wear and tear is the everyday deterioration that comes from using a vehicle — that's never charged for. Damage is different: it comes from an impact, harsh treatment, neglect or a missing item, and it can be recharged on return.
Usually acceptable
Expected on a vehicle of its age and mileage.
- Small stone chips and light bumper scuffs
- Surface scratches that haven't reached primer or metal
- Very small, shallow dents on a flat panel with paint intact
- Light rim scuffing from normal use
- Even tread wear above the legal limit
- Light soiling that cleans off
May be charged
Recorded with photos, with a breakdown sent to you.
- Scratches through to primer or bare metal, and any rust
- Dents on an edge, swage line or roof, or with broken paint
- Kerb gouging, cracked or buckled wheels, missing trims
- Tyres below the legal limit, or cut, bulging or mismatched
- Rips, burns, heavy staining or smoke odour inside
- Missing keys, cables, parcel shelf, spare wheel or handbooks
- Livery or stickers not fully removed
This is a plain-English summary. The definitive standard — with sizes, examples and photos — is the BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear Standard, which is what your vehicle is actually assessed against. The guide below includes a detailed table of the common thresholds.
The full vehicle return guide
Everything on this page, plus the detailed fair wear and tear thresholds and a printable tick-box checklist to run through before the inspector arrives.
Dack Hire Vehicle Return Guide
Preparation steps, fair wear & tear thresholds and your return checklist.
Return FAQs
How much notice will I get before the inspection?
We agree the date with you in advance, and the inspector will call either the evening before or on the morning of the visit with an estimated arrival time. Times are subject to traffic, so treat them as a window rather than an appointment.
How long does the inspection take?
Around 30 to 45 minutes for most vehicles. The inspector will show identification, explain what they're doing, photograph their findings and ask you to sign the report. You'll get a copy shortly afterwards.
What if the vehicle isn't ready on the day?
The inspector can't wait while a vehicle is cleaned, fuelled or charged, and a dirty vehicle can't be inspected properly. If the vehicle isn't ready the visit may have to be rebooked, and a cancellation fee can apply.
Can I drive the vehicle after it's been inspected?
Please don't. Once the inspection is complete the report is fixed and a boot security seal is fitted — driving the vehicle again can invalidate the report. Most vehicles are collected the same day; if not, we'll confirm a collection date.
What happens to anything I leave in the vehicle?
Anything left behind after collection can't be returned, so please check thoroughly — sunglasses, dash cameras, chargers, documents and keyrings are the usual culprits. Clear your personal data too: saved sat-nav addresses, paired phones and any charging or parking apps.
Do I need a valid MOT?
Yes. The vehicle needs a current, valid MOT with no outstanding safety recalls — without one we may not be able to drive it away. You can check both free on gov.uk.
What if I disagree with a charge?
Any charge comes with a written breakdown and the photographic evidence from the inspection. If you don't agree with it, you can request an independent inspection — just get in touch and we'll talk it through.
Do I need to remove signwriting or livery?
Yes — any signage, livery or stickers must be fully removed before the inspection, including glue residue and paint shadowing where the vinyl has protected the paint underneath. It's worth having this done professionally and well ahead of the date.
Not sure about something?
Get in touch before your inspection date — it's far easier to sort a question out beforehand than on the day. Returns and inspections are handled by Leigh.