End of contract vehicle? Together we can ensure a smooth process
Many drivers suddenly realise that they still have a few things to take care of when the end date of their leasing contract approaches. This is perfectly normal: during the term of the lease contract, most people are not really concerned with the various formalities they have to comply with when returning the car.
Nevertheless, the car's return is an important moment when the vehicle contract between Arval and your employer comes to an end. That's why we have here listed the main things you need to take into account.
- How should you return your car?
For a quality inspection to be carried out, the interior and exterior of your car must of course be clean. This means it is best to go to the carwash, remove or have stains removed and vacuum clean your car.
Also don't forget to make sure all official documents, keys (and spare key(s)!) and the original options and accessories (such as charging cables, a rear shelf and fire extinguisher) are in the vehicle.
Finally, you should also reset the vehicle's entertainment and infotainment systems to ensure your personal details, GPS history and Bluetooth connections are deleted.
- Inspection
When you return your car, it will be inspected for any potential damage. You can indicate that you want to be present at this inspection this will depend on the option you select in order to return your car (see further below for details regarding this point).
Of course, it is logical that since your vehicle has been in use for several years that it can therefore no longer be classified as ‘new’. Make it a habit to always report any accident - however minor - during the term of your contract and (after Arval's approval) have it repaired.
If you don't want any surprises down the road, you can consult the Renta guidelines, which show what damage is considered acceptable and unacceptable and our damage cost assessment, which is updated on a yearly base. This practical price grid overview (also available on My Arval) shows you all possible additional costs (and their tariffs) for when the car is due to be returned.
You should also consider inspecting your vehicle yourself in advance. Make sure to take a close look at your bumpers, wheels, doors, sides s and hatchback, as these are the areas where we note to come across most undetected damage.
If you want to attend the inspection yourself, simply choose the ‘remote’ return option, which is explained in more detail below.
- The return options
Arval has three different return options: classic, remote and drive-in. You are free to choose one of these three options.
- Classic
You or your fleet manager need to inform us at least five business days in advance on what date, at what time and where (at your home, at your place of work or at a garage) the vehicle is to be collected. This is an as-of date, which means that, depending on our schedule, we can come and collect the vehicle from that point onwards. We will arrange the definite collection date and time together with you and our partners. The inspection takes place at the site of our partner Belcar.
- Remote
You or your fleet manager need to inform us at least five business days in advance on what date, at what time and where (at your place of work or a garage) the vehicle is to be collected. Our partner Belcar will then contact you to schedule an appointment to assess the vehicle's condition and arrange the transport of the vehicle.
This check will therefore take place in your presence, after which you will be asked to sign a Car Condition Report. This report shall be immediately binding. The vehicle's final inspection is then carried out in the professional environment of our operational partner.
- Invoicing
After the inspection, our external partner will prepare a detailed inspection report, which you will be asked to sign and return. Based on this document, we will prepare the final invoice, which we will send to your employer (or fleet manager). Your lease contract will be permanently terminated once this invoice has been paid.
- Purchasing your car
You, your partner, friend, colleague, neighbour, etc. are very welcome to buy the car at the end of the lease contract. As the car's driver, you know all about the vehicle, the mileage, its maintenance history and how the vehicle was used and driven. To purchase the car, please contact our B2C Remarketing team via the form below, call to +32 (0)2 240 01 99 or send an email to usedcar@arval.be well in advance, preferably four weeks or more before the car's return.
