Lease car return with cosmetic damage - repair or take the hit?

[Minstadave]

Just coming up to the end of a 3 year lease and managed to scrape the bumper on my car catching the rear quarter and a small amount of the boot. Kicking myself currently.

First lease car so not sure the best way forwards, get it repaired myself/go through insurance or just leave it to the return assessment and take the hit. Arval's paperwork isn't really clear what it'd cost as it'll depend on whether it's paint only (looks really cheap) or a full bumper replacement (lol thousands).

Anyone have any experience/wisdon?

 

[Minstadave]

Check your lease return conditions. They generally have a quite easy to understand fixed charge schedule.

I did and unfortunately its unclear as if its paint only its cheap (<£100 a panel) but its its bumper replacement they have no cap.

 

[Minstadave]

So you can't tell yourself whether a new bumper would be required?

Not really, there's some trim thats slightly off but otherwise it doesn't look bad. Approved bodyshop will likely say a new bumper job (seems to be the norm). I'll take it in when I'm back from holiday to a local place.

 

[Minstadave]

Finally got the bill for this after many months, it was substantially cheaper and a lot less hassle just leaving it for the lease company to sort out.

My bill was £344 and quotes were anywhere from £600 to >£1000.