Guide to returning your vehicle

Returning your Arval vehicle

As you approach the end of your contract with Arval, we want to help you avoid unnecessary charges, so we’ve put together this guide to returning your vehicle.

It outlines the returns process as well as what is expected of you, in line with our policy.

To ensure we treat all our customers fairly and consistently, we use the industry standard guidelines provided by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association’s (BVRLA) to determine whether any charges should apply. You’ll find more on this below.

We've created a video so you know exactly what to expect when your vehicle is collected.

 

Handing your vehicle back - what you need to know

1.

We’ll contact you several months before the end of your contract, to discuss your options. So please make sure your contact details are up to date and if anything has changed, contact your Arval representative to let us know.

2.

As you near the end of the contract, you’ll need to contact us to arrange a date for inspection and collection. We don’t automatically collect the vehicle at the end of your contract - you have to contact us to arrange collection. You can choose a date that suits you, as long as it’s a weekday and you’ve given us at least 5 working days’ notice.

3.

Vehicles can be collected at any time between 8am and 6pm on the collection date, so you’ll need to be available throughout. If you need to cancel the appointment for any reason, you must notify Arval before 3pm on the day prior to the collection. If you don’t notify us within this timeframe, you will be charged.
Request a vehicle collection

4.

Before the collection date, go through the steps below (‘What you need to do before collection’) to help prevent unnecessary charges.

5.

On collection day, an inspector will carry out a thorough independent assessment of the vehicle to check for damage. This usually takes around 40 minutes. At the end, you’ll be asked to check and sign the report to confirm that the vehicle has been inspected and collected. We will then take the vehicle away.

6.

We aim to review the inspector’s report and get back to you with a copy of the damage report and any charges due within 48 hours, and then we will issue your final invoice.

What you need to do before collection

 

9 essential steps you need to take to avoid aborted collection and supplementary charges

1

Make sure the vehicle is in good working order.

This includes ensuring:

  • It’s cleaned inside and out.
  • The service history is up to date, with receipts as evidence if you’ve organised the servicing yourself.
  • It has a valid MOT certificate. This can be a paper copy, or recorded digitally. If you’re not sure, you can check the MOT status of a vehicle here.
  • No lights are illuminated on the dashboard (including low fuel (see Step 9), oil pressure, or engine management).
2

Make sure the bodywork and trim are in a good condition.

Full details of exactly what is and what is not acceptable (including measurements and charges) are included in the Guide to returning your vehicle, the Car damage matrix, and the Van damage matrix, so please check these thoroughly. Please note that any repairs you choose to carry out before vehicle collection must be completed to a professional standard, with transferable warranties.

3

Make sure the interior is in a good condition, and that there are no holes, burns, odours, scratches, tears or dents.

Full details of exactly what is and what is not acceptable (including measurements and charges) are included in the Guide to returning your vehicle, the Car damage matrix, and the Van damage matrix, so please check them thoroughly.

4

Make sure the tyres meet the minimum UK legal requirements.

Full details are outlined in the Guide to returning your vehicle PDF.

5

Make sure all glass on the vehicle is free from chips and cracks.

Full details of exactly what is and what is not acceptable (including measurements and charges) are included in the Guide to returning your Vehicle, the Car damage matrix, and the Van damage matrix, so please check them thoroughly.

6

Make sure there are no missing items (both sets of keys, parcel shelf, charging cables, headrests and handbooks must be returned with the vehicle).

Full details of exactly what is and what is not acceptable (including measurements and charges) are included in the Guide to returning your vehicle, the Car damage matrix, and the Van damage matrix, so please check them thoroughly.

7

Make sure all personal belongings are removed from the vehicle and remove any personal data, including payment card information, from multimedia devices, vehicle applications and in-car entertainment systems.

Arval are not responsible for any personal data or belongings left in the vehicle.

8

Check your final mileage and see how this compares to your contracted mileage.

For excess mileage, every mile over your allowance will be multiplied by the pence-per-mile charge - as shown in your contract

9

Ensure the vehicle has at least 50 miles of fuel or 100% of battery charge if it’s electric and that the fuel light is not illuminated.

Further information and in-depth guides

Download our quick guide to returning an Arval vehicle (PDF)

 

Car damage matrix

Updated May 2024

This document is designed to give a clear understanding of acceptable and unacceptable damage to cars returned.

Download our car damage charge matrix (PDF)

 

Van damage matrix

Updated May 2024

This document is designed to give a clear understanding of acceptable and unacceptable damage to vans returned.

Download our Van damage charge matrix (PDF)

 

BVRLA guidelines

BVRLA Car guide

BVRLA Van guide

BVRLA Minibus guide

 

If you have any questions about the returns process, or anything else relating to your leased vehicle, please contact your Account Manager, email vehiclereturn-operations@arval.co.uk or call 0345 266 5287 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5.15pm).

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