A maintenance package is available as an option to keep on top of repairs, servicing and replacements for a lease car.

It can give you peace of mind when it comes to common wear and tear issues which can occur from normal use throughout your contract. But should you get a maintenance package with your deal? And how much will it set you back if you did? Read our guide below to find out all you need to know.

What is a maintenance package?

When you take out a lease deal on a car, most providers will give you the option to take out a maintenance package. This will be a set fee added onto your monthly lease payments or can be paid separately.

What's included with a maintenance package?

Each leasing provider will have its own versions of what’s included in a maintenance package. However, the most common features are as follows:

  • Servicing – check-up costs, along with anything that needs repairing or replacing, including exhausts, tyres, brakes and wipers, for example.
  • MOT – lease cars are new, so don’t require an MOT for the first three years, but after this they need to be tested once a year. A maintenance package covers the cost of having an MOT if your agreement is longer than 36 months.
  • Oil – checks and top-ups as and when they’re needed.
  • Breakdown recovery – 24-hour assistance for the duration of your contract.

Remember: If you are leasing a car for longer than three years and are taking the car for an MOT, be sure to check with your finance provider what garages are approved. Any repair work carried out by an unapproved garage will be a breach of your contract, meaning you’ll have to pay extra for the work to be carried out again.

What isn't included with a maintenance package?

While a maintenance package has you covered for wear and tear problems, servicing and MOT costs for your lease car, there are limitations which you should be aware of.

The following won’t be covered:

  • Repair work for damage caused by driver error or an accident.
  • Vandalised or stolen parts and accessories.
  • Damage caused by misfuelling.
  • Broken or missing items.
  • Body and paintwork damage which exceeds normal wear and tear.

What does Fair Wear and Tear mean?

Leasing providers and companies often refer to the BVRLA (British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association) Fair Wear and Tear Guidelines when inspecting their cars at the end of each agreement. You will most likely be given a copy of the guide as a reference alongside your contract when you lease.

While the guidelines don’t require the car to be in showroom condition, they do give you a clear picture of what is and isn’t acceptable when it comes to maintaining your lease car.

A maintenance package is designed to give you the option of guaranteed cover which will keep the vehicle in line with this standard.

This is where a maintenance package gets its appeal from. Most repair work needed on a car can be unexpected and as such it can be a nightmare to budget for. When it comes to returning your leased car, any excessive wear damage can be a financial headache which a maintenance package can take care of.

How much is a maintenance package?

There are certain factors within your lease agreement which will determine how much you spend on a maintenance package.

A high annual mileage cap, for example, will result in a more expensive cost for cover. This is because there’s more chance of wear and tear issues occurring when the vehicle is being driven more.

Also the type of vehicle you choose will affect the overall cost of a package over the course of your contract. For example, manufacturers such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes will have higher costs for repairs and servicing due to them having more expensive parts than more common brands.

Should I get a maintenance package for my lease car?

If you’re someone who has taken the maximum amount of mileage allowed on your car lease (usually 30,000+), then a maintenance package can be a sensible option. The more miles you do means there’s a greater chance of wear and tear on your new lease car. Because these deals tend to be the most expensive too, you’re protecting yourself from potential end-of-deal charges for damage, which could end up costing more than the maintenance option itself.

On the other hand, you may not be able to afford the extra cost on top of your monthly lease payments. If this is the case, and your contract is three years or less, then it’s probably not worth forking out for.

All new cars are covered by their manufacturer warranty, which will cover you for unexpected mechanical or electrical problems that may occur with your vehicle. So, if you follow basic maintenance procedures such as fuelling, occasional oil checks and driving in a manner which keeps the car damage free, a maintenance package might not be necessary.

Be sure to work out the cost of a maintenance package on top of your lease agreement for an idea of what your total monthly cost will be. You can then compare the price to servicing costs and common replacement parts from local garages to help you decide.

Remember: A manufacturer warranty in its most basic form will cover you for three years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first), so be sure to check that your vehicle and agreement falls within these boundaries if you don’t opt for a maintenance package.