Back to Learn
Can I Repair a Leased Vehicle by Myself?
Published 2/24/25
Read time: 4 minutes
TL;DR: If your leased car gets damaged, you might be wondering if you can fix it yourself or how to handle it when it’s time to return the car. Technically, you can repair it yourself, but it’s risky. Doing so could result in additional fees when you turn it in. The best move is to check your lease for repair guidelines, use approved shops, and consider a pre-inspection if you’re nearing the lease end. Or, if you’re really not into returning the car, there’s always the option of buying it out.
So, you’ve dinged your leased car. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or you bumped into a mailbox that definitely came out of nowhere, you’re probably wondering what your options are. Can you fix it yourself, or should you take it to an authorized repair shop? Let’s break it down and figure out the best way forward.
What Happens If I Damage My Leased Car?
First off, if you’re looking for a quick fix, we’re going to burst that bubble: most lease agreements only cover regular, predictable maintenance. That means things like oil changes and tire replacements are usually covered. But accidents and unexpected damage (like that random mailbox) are a different story.
If you do end up damaging your car, here’s the game plan:
- Call your insurance provider - The sooner, the better.
- Review your lease - Check for approved maintenance providers and repair guidelines. If you’re unsure, reach out to the dealership or lender for clarification.
- GAP coverage - If your car is totaled (yikes!), your lease’s GAP coverage will likely kick in to help you out.
Pro Tip: If your car’s been in an accident, you're going to be working with your insurance and the manufacturer to figure things out.
Can I Return a Leased Car with Damage?
Yes, you can technically return a leased car that’s been damaged. However, we wouldn’t recommend it. When you turn it in, the dealership will inspect it and hit you with wear-and-tear charges based on the damage. A scratch or a dent might seem small, but the cost to repair can add up quickly.
If you’re nearing the end of your lease and want to avoid nasty surprises, most dealerships will allow you to schedule a pre-inspection, so you can catch any damage before the final inspection. You can also check out third-party inspection services for an unbiased opinion.
Want to go the DIY route? Some manufacturers, like Ford, offer damage guides that let you perform your own pre-inspection. This will give you an idea of whether it’s worth fixing that dent yourself—or whether you can let it slide.
Where Can I Take My Leased Car for Repair?
Good news: the info you need is already in your lease agreement! Most lease contracts specify where you can have your car repaired, so it’s important to know those requirements. If you don’t, you might find yourself dealing with additional charges for non-approved repairs. Be sure to check the fine print or contact your dealer for the details.
Can I Repair My Leased Vehicle By Myself?
Can you? Sure, but it’s not exactly a great idea.
Here’s why: if you choose to go the DIY repair route, you run the risk of the dealership finding out. And trust us, they’ll be looking for any signs that you’ve done something under the radar. If they discover that the repairs were “mishandled,” you might end up paying for the same fix twice—once on your own and again when you return the car.
So while it’s possible to repair a leased car yourself, be prepared for a potentially hefty bill when the lease ends. The better option? Have an authorized service provider handle it.
Note: Not planning on turning your leased car back in? You’re not alone, and we can help you with that. Skip to the end of this article or call us at (888)307-5191 if you’re ready to start talking about your lease-end options that don’t involve a traditional turn-in.
Can You Change Parts on a Leased Car?
In short: No.
If you replace parts with non-OEM parts (that’s Original Equipment Manufacturer, like a Honda part for a Honda car), you could face penalties when you turn in the car. Stick to OEM-approved parts to avoid getting hit with extra fees.
What Does it Cost to Repair a Leased Vehicle?
The cost of repairing your leased car depends on two main factors:
- The type of damage - A minor scratch won’t cost as much to fix as a major collision.
- The severity of the damage - Minor issues might be covered by your lease contract or manufacturer’s warranty. But if it’s not covered, you’re paying out of pocket.
Who Pays for Damage on a Leased Car?
Expected maintenance, like oil changes, tire replacement, etc., is often covered by a lease contract, either as a standard term or as an additional purchase at the time of leasing, or by manufacturer warranty.
Repairs due to things like crashes, accidents, or accidental internal damage is usually not covered. These unexpected repairs shouldn’t cost you much more than they would on a car you own, the major difference being that, if you own the car, you likely have many more options on where you could get the issue addressed.
Again, to confirm this information for sure, make sure to check your leased contact.
Don’t forget that you can utilize your car insurance on your leased car more or less the same way you would on a car you own. If a repair is covered by your insurance, they may be able to help with the cost as well—just keep your deductible in mind.
Let's Wrap It Up: Can You Fix Your Leased Car Yourself?
The answer is, as always, “It depends.” Sure, you can attempt DIY repairs, but it’s a risky move. You might save a few bucks upfront, but come lease return time, you might end up paying for those repairs twice. The better option is to stick to approved repair shops and avoid penalties at the end of the lease.
But if you’re dreading turning the car back in—especially with some damage on it—there’s another option. You could always buy out the lease and keep the car for good! Lease End assists drivers who want to keep their leased car. If you’re looking to keep your leased car in your life, we can help you buy it out.
We’ll secure a loan to pay off and buy out your leased vehicle, and you can finance that loan to continue making payments on your car—except this time, it’s yours.
We don’t require vehicle inspections, so if you’ve got some damage you’d rather not deal with through the dealership (or if you’re over on your mileage allowance and trying to avoid those fees), you won’t need to fess up to us – or do. We won’t judge you.
Give us a call at (888) 307-5197 to have a no-pressure chat with one of our expert advisors about your lease-end options, or get started by entering your license plate or VIN below.
About the author
Sarah Williams
Sarah loves breaking down complex topics and making them accessible to everyday readers. With four years of experience writing in the fintech and auto industries, she’s helped shape Lease End’s voice and given consumers the confidence they need to tackle leasing topics.
Lease End's mission is to empower auto lease owners with the technology to easily exit their lease. If you'd like to learn more about the lease-end options available to you, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our expert advisors are always prepared to answer your questions and are committed to finding the right plan for your individual needs.
©2025 Lease End
©2025 Lease End
Give Us a Call:
(844) 902-2842