Assuming you are referring to leased vehicle damage that is not caused by an accident but by say a neglected oil change that caused engine damage here are a few things that could happen:
At the very least you will be charged for the damages that were caused by your neglect. For example if an oil change would have cost $100 and you caused $2000 in engine damage you will be responsible for the $2000.
You could also be charged a penalty for breaking the lease agreement. This penalty is typically called a disposition fee and is charged by the leasing company when you turn in the car. The fee can be a few hundred dollars or a couple thousand depending on the company.
Another possibility is that the leasing company could sue you for the cost of the damages. This is more likely to happen if the damages are particularly bad or if you have a history of not taking good care of the car.
Ultimately it is in your best interest to take good care of a leased car like it is your own. This means keeping up with regular maintenance not driving too aggressively and not putting too many miles on the car. If you do damage a leased car be prepared to pay for the repairs yourself.
If you get in an accident and damage a car that you’re leasing what happens?
You are still responsible for making your lease payments even if the car is damaged.
You will also be responsible for paying for repairs.
Will my insurance cover the damage to a leased car?
Not necessarily.
It depends on your insurance policy.
You may need to purchase additional insurance to cover damage to a leased car.
If I damage a leased car can I return it early?
No.
You are still responsible for making lease payments until the end of the lease term.
Do I have to get the repairs done at the dealership?
No.
You can take the car to any repair shop that you choose.
How do I know how much the repairs will cost?
The repair shop will give you an estimate of the repairs.
What if the repairs cost more than the car is worth?
You are still responsible for making your lease payments and for paying for the repairs.
Can I cancel my lease if I damage the car?
No.
You are still responsible for making lease payments until the end of the lease term.
What if I can’t afford to pay for the repairs?
You are still responsible for making lease payments and for paying for the repairs.
What if I don’t want to pay for the repairs?
You are still responsible for making lease payments and for paying for the repairs.
Can I stop making lease payments if I damage the car?
No.
You are still responsible for making lease payments until the end of the lease term.
What if I can’t afford to make my lease payments and pay for the repairs?
You may be able to negotiate with the dealership or leasing company to make lower payments for a period of time.
What if I don’t want to make the repairs?
You are still responsible for making lease payments and for paying for the repairs.
Can I return the car to the dealership if I damage it?
No.
You are still responsible for making lease payments until the end of the lease term.
What if the car is totaled in an accident?
You are still responsible for making lease payments until the end of the lease term.
What if I want to get out of my lease early because I damaged the car?
You may be able to negotiate with the dealership or leasing company to get out of your lease early but you will still be responsible for paying any early termination fees.
