Can I Make Modifications to My Lease Car?

So you’ve got your lease car but with a few modifications it would be your dream car. Where do you stand regarding making modifications to your car?

This article answers all the questions you’re likely to have as a driver who wants to make modifications to a lease car.

While making modifications to a lease car is generally not permitted, most funders will allow modifications to a lease car as long as they do not leave permanent damage or marks to the vehicle when you hand it back at the end of the contract.

By returning your car to its original state, you should be in the clear, however it is worth noting some important points outlined below.

What are Classed as Lease Car Modifications?

Lease car modifications are changes that alter a leased vehicle’s appearance, performance, or functionality, ranging from basic cosmetic updates such as adding decals, to more complex alterations, like upgrading the engine.

The purpose of these modifications is usually to enhance the car’s performance or to add a particular feature, make it stand out from others or to add a personal touch.

What Types of Modification Can I Make?

As long as a vehicle can be returned to its original state without making any damage or marks to the vehicle, the modification is usually deemed acceptable. However any changes that require drilling or cutting into the car’s bodywork should be avoided, as they will likely not be permitted.

Examples of modifications normally deemed acceptable include:

Vehicle Signage

Most businesses choose to add signage to company vehicles in order to raise awareness of the brand or advertise a particular product or service they provide. Some companies refer to it as signwriting, vehicle graphics, or vehicle signs. Different types of vehicle signage include car decals, a type of sticker generally made of vinyl with images, logos, words or patterns generally printed on them. Car and van wraps are also popular and cover more of the car than a decal does. Magnetic vehicle signs are another option. These are particularly easy to apply and remove compared with other options.

Lease vehicles will need to have any signage that has been applied removed before they are returned to the funder. In general graphics and signage will not usually damage your vehicle provided they are professionally applied and removed if you need to take them off the vehicle. However, if you do not use the correct tools or someone untrained attempts to add or remove signage, damage to your paintwork can result.

If you are using small decals or only wrapping part of the vehicle then when the time comes to remove the signage you might see a slight discrepancy in colour as a result of the wrapped paintwork not fading in the sun. This may result in a fine when you return your vehicle at the end of your lease.

Alloy Wheels

This  is a popular modification which is usually allowed by leasing companies. If the wheels are not too big for the vehicle and don’t affect the drive, and the original wheels are replaced before the car is handed back there is usually no objection by lease companies to adding alloy wheels to your vehicle.

Dashboard Camera

A dashboard camera may be installed to the front of the car to record the view through your vehicle’s windscreen subject to permission by the finance provider. 

Vehicle Tracker

In order to help recover a vehicle in the event of theft, vehicles may be fitted with a vehicle tracking device subject to approval by the finance provider.

Black Box

A  ‘black box’, installed by your insurance company to track your driving activity may be fitted subject to permission by the finance provider.

Remapping a Car

Remapping a car is a popular modification as it can improve both the performance and the economy of a vehicle whilst easily being reversed. You will need to have the work approved by your lease provider and carried out by a professional, ensuring the process is reversed at the end of your lease.

Roof Box

If a roof box is a must-have for your lease car then it is worth asking whether roof racks can be accommodated at the start of your lease or leasing a car that already has a roof rack in place. Roof bars can leave permanent marks on a car’s bodywork.

Tow Bar

Tow bars can leave marks and cause damage which you can be fined for at the end of your lease. If you are planning to use your leased car for towing, you will need to enquire whether this is allowed before agreeing to your vehicle lease.

What Steps Should I Take if I Want to Modify My Vehicle?

There are several steps you should take if you want to modify your lease car:

1. Ask your lease company if the modification is acceptable and the conditions that need to be met.

2. Speak to your insurance company and obtain their permission for carrying out the modification.

3. Ensure a trusted technician who is experienced in carrying out reversible modifications to leased vehicles carries out the work.

4. Ensure any original parts are kept that will need to be reapplied to the vehicle when the work is reversed prior to the end of your lease.

5. Ensure the work is reversed in good time before your lease comes to an end and that there is no change or damage to the vehicle as a result.

Is There Anybody I Need to Inform if I Modify My Lease Car?

Yes, as outlined in the steps above, you should discuss the modification with your leasing company beforehand as they may have reasons that they don’t approve a particular modification. They can provide you with valuable advice regarding whether the modification you’re considering is generally completely reversible without affecting the vehicle’s original condition or causing damage to the vehicle. It is also worth noting that your leased car must be fully insured so these modifications must also be reported to your insurance company.

Can I Be Fined for Making a Modification to My Lease Car?

Your lease funder will not fine you but you may be charged when you return the vehicle at the end of your lease, as it will be assessed to ensure any modifications have been reversed without causing any changes or damage to the vehicle.

Just as with any car, illegal modifications are not allowed and if you are stopped by the police and found to have modifications that mean your car is no longer legally roadworthy then you may also be fined. 

Will Modifications Affect My Car Insurance?

Any modifications need to be declared to your insurance company. If you do not declare a modification, should you need to claim on your insurance you may find your policy is invalid if you fail to declare anything that is then found at a later date.

Lease Car Modification FAQs

Why Can’t I Make Any Modifications I Want to My Lease Vehicle?

When you lease a vehicle you don’t own it, the finance provider does. Upon its return it must meet the market value they calculated your lease costs based on. Modifications can alter that market value. Any modification made to the vehicle will be at your own risk and may also invalidate the vehicle warranty.

How Do I Know if a Modification is Allowed?

Usually reversible modifications will be allowed by your lease company but it’s always advisable to check any particular modification with them first to see if it’s allowed.

Are Irreversible Modifications Allowed to My Lease Car?

You can always ask your lease company however almost always the answer is no.  Irreversible modifications are not allowed since they do not allow the car to be returned to the lease company in its original state.

Can I Leave a Modification to My Lease Car if it Adds Value?

No you cannot leave a car with a modification you have made during the course of your lease, even if you feel it has added value to the vehicle, unless by prior permission to leave the modification in place by the lease company.

Can I be Charged for Not Removing Modifications Before I Hand the Car Back?

Yes. If you fail to remove any modifications you may be charged as per the terms of your contract.

How Much Will I be Fined if I Leave a Modification on My Lease Car When I Return It?

The amount you will be fined will depend on the type of modification and how much it is likely to cost the lease company to remove it or the adjustment to the market value it has caused.

When Do I Need to Remove a Modification from My Lease Car?

You need to remove the modification before the end of your lease. In case you encounter any issues removing the modification before the end of your lease agreement it is best to plan the removal well in advance of the end of lease date.

Can I Add Floor Mats?

Personalising the interior of your leased car by adding features such as seat covers, floor mats, and decorative accessories is permitted as long as they don’t mark the vehicle or permanently affect the interior in any way once removed.

Can I Add a Spoiler to my Lease Vehicle?

Avoid adding a fixed modification such as an aftermarket spoiler even though it could technically be removed, since installing one would require drilling holes into the car.

 

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