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      01-16-2014, 01:06 PM   #1
enright
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Lease Return - Minor Damage Advice

Howdy. I'm about 60 days away from the end of my lease and have some very minor damage - a small warping of the housing around the left headlight from a 5 mph bumper to bumper love tap.

Took it to a GEICO damage adjuster who confirmed that there is no hidden structural / bumper damage and recommended against proceeding with a claim.

However, it's right on the line of something that might result in a fee, according to the little circle size estimator thingy BMW sends you in the mail.

So I moved up the BMW end of lease inspection to ASAP (next week) in the hopes of giving myself enough time to correct an issue if they decide to hit me with a big fine.

Here's my question - has anyone else been in this situation? Is this the right sequence - inspection first, then fix if needed - or should I just assume the worst and fix it prior to the inspection? Final question, is there any chance the inspector will clear me, but then BMW still decides to fine me when I turn the car in?

Thanks in advance!

John
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      01-16-2014, 01:23 PM   #2
cheshirecat79
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Post a pic.
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      01-16-2014, 01:31 PM   #3
gregthegr8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by enright View Post
Howdy. I'm about 60 days away from the end of my lease and have some very minor damage - a small warping of the housing around the left headlight from a 5 mph bumper to bumper love tap.

Took it to a GEICO damage adjuster who confirmed that there is no hidden structural / bumper damage and recommended against proceeding with a claim.

However, it's right on the line of something that might result in a fee, according to the little circle size estimator thingy BMW sends you in the mail.

So I moved up the BMW end of lease inspection to ASAP (next week) in the hopes of giving myself enough time to correct an issue if they decide to hit me with a big fine.

Here's my question - has anyone else been in this situation? Is this the right sequence - inspection first, then fix if needed - or should I just assume the worst and fix it prior to the inspection? Final question, is there any chance the inspector will clear me, but then BMW still decides to fine me when I turn the car in?

Thanks in advance!

John
Don't fix it first. Usually, the general rule of thumb is if the damage (scratches, dents, dings, etc.) is smaller than the size of a credit card, you won't get charged. So save your money and see what they say after the inspection.
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      01-16-2014, 02:28 PM   #4
dailowill
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gregthegr8 View Post
Don't fix it first. Usually, the general rule of thumb is if the damage (scratches, dents, dings, etc.) is smaller than the size of a credit card, you won't get charged. So save your money and see what they say after the inspection.
+1.

Remember to be extra nice to your inspector. It might save you hundreds...
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      01-16-2014, 02:41 PM   #5
rking117
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also take photos of the rest of the vehicle. Just in case they get picky later.
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      01-16-2014, 03:58 PM   #6
Overpar56
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If they ding you for it, tell them you'll do a lease buyout, but want a discount because it's damaged.

Yeah, we need pics. Any paint damage?
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