Fair wear and tear at PCP return
Mileage and vehicle condition are separate return issues, and your lender’s standards ultimately control the assessment.
Returning a PCP vehicle can involve two separate checks: how far the vehicle has travelled and its physical condition. Staying within the mileage allowance does not automatically mean all damage is acceptable, and acceptable condition does not erase excess mileage.
What is fair wear and tear?
Fair wear and tear is deterioration consistent with normal use, age and mileage. It is different from damage caused by an accident, neglect, missing items or poor repairs. Finance providers may use industry guidance alongside their own contractual return standards.
Why check before collection?
BVRLA’s Return Ready information encourages drivers to identify concerns before return and compare them with fair-wear guidance. That gives time to understand the issue and, where appropriate, consider remedial work rather than discovering everything during collection.
Mileage is calculated separately
Your agreement normally states an allowance and an excess-mileage rate. The My PCP Check mileage tool projects a likely full-term mileage based on current pace, but the actual charge depends on the odometer at return and your agreement.
Photograph the vehicle
Before handover, it is sensible to keep dated photographs of the vehicle’s exterior, interior, wheels, mileage and supplied items. They do not replace the formal inspection but can help you retain your own record of condition.
Primary and consumer sources
Your signed agreement and current lender figures control contract-specific amounts.
Last reviewed: 5 September 2026