Molthoff Fleetmanagement
Solution

Checking a lease car's final settlement

No surprises on return, damage and mileage reviewed

When you return a lease car, a final settlement follows: damage, excess or shortfall mileage and sometimes a residual value settlement. It is precisely at that moment that disputes and unjustified costs arise. Molthoff Fleetmanagement checks the final settlements independently, tests them against the contract and reasonable standards, and prevents you from overpaying on return.

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5–15%
savings with independent advice
50–5,000+
vehicles supported
100%
independent, no leasing interest

Key takeaways

  • The end-of-lease settlement is a known moment for unjustified costs: damage, mileage and residual value.
  • Not all damage is fair wear and tear, and not every mileage settlement is correct; a check pays off.
  • This concerns the return moment; for running rates and recalculations, see having your lease contract checked.
  • We test independently against the contract and the common standards.

Where does the final settlement go wrong?

The final settlement often comes last, when the car has already been collected and attention has moved on. That is exactly why mistakes and overly generous items creep in. Across a whole fleet, the sum can mount up considerably.

  • Damage counted as more than fair wear and tear.
  • The same damage charged twice or too high.
  • Excess mileage settled unfavourably or at the wrong rate.
  • Shortfall mileage not reimbursed or reimbursed too low.
  • Repair costs above a market-aligned level.

Fair wear and tear versus damage

A car driven for several years shows signs of use. Not all of that is damage you have to pay for. The difference between fair wear and tear and repairable damage determines the final settlement, and is precisely where the dispute arises.

What we check and prevent

  • Damage items tested against fair wear and tear and the contract.
  • Mileage settlement at the correct, agreed rate.
  • Repair costs at a market-aligned level.
  • Double or previously repaired damage removed.

How the check works

  • You provide the intake report and the final settlement.
  • We test the items against the contract and the common standards.
  • We dispute what is unjustified and substantiate it to the leasing company.
  • Structurally: we record the return agreements in advance in the car scheme.
How Molthoff helps

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Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about Check final settlement

Because it comes at the end, when the car is already gone and attention has lapsed. Damage, mileage and residual value are then assessed, and that is exactly where overly generous or unjustified items creep in. Across a whole fleet that adds up.

Signs of use that belong to normal use, such as light scratches and tyre wear within the standard. What exceeds that is repairable damage. We test the return invoice against the common standards and your contract, so you only pay for what is justified.

The final settlement concerns the return moment: damage, mileage and residual value on return. Checking the lease contract concerns the running contract: rates, recalculations and charges during the term. Both belong to a grip on your lease costs.

Yes. If the final settlement contains unjustified or excessive items, we dispute them with substantiation to the leasing company. For structural over-charging across several years, a Cost Recovery engagement can offer a solution.

Certainly. By recording the return agreements and the fair wear and tear standard in advance in the car scheme and contract, you prevent disputes and unjustified costs on return.

Curious what this can deliver for your fleet?

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