Lease-End Process
State Of The Industry
The automotive industry (and yes, that includes us here at Ralph Honda), is definitely feeling the impact of a variety of circumstances happening in the U.S. and worldwide, such as:
- The microchip (chip) shortage and the resulting production cutbacks
- Port congestion and various transportation delays
- The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Staffing shortages
As a result of these issues the entire automotive industry is forced to find new and creative ways to do business.
For more information about the chip shortage, click here: RalphHonda.com/chip-shortage
There’s a Honda with your name on it
Although there is a shortage of vehicles in-stock, we still have hundreds of new Hondas available to choose from in addition to our selection of quality pre-owned vehicles. We have access to the Honda’s that are currently assigned to us and are in production at a Honda plant, as well as the Honda’s that have been built and are in-transit to our store. Every day we help our customers find the right vehicle and handle the logistics of getting the vehicle to the customer. Although the process may have changed, our experienced team are ready to assist you in your next vehicle purchase.
Lease customers
Planning in advance as your current lease comes to an end is important. It may require additional time to locate and secure your next Honda which can be done while you are still completing your current lease term. We suggest starting the process 3-12 months before your current lease maturity date to provide the best possible buying experience.
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Contact Us: End of Lease Options
Please contact us at 585.299.2313 to schedule an appointment with your sales consultant to discuss your end of lease options.
Interested in Purchasing Your Leased Vehicle?
Please contact a member of our business office:
Your Options
Return Your Honda & Lease a New One
We invite you to continue your Honda experience by returning your current leased vehicle and upgrading to the latest Honda. Follow these simple steps to return your Honda and lease a new one.
Six months before your final payment:
Research the latest models on Honda.com and explore current offers from Honda Financial ServicesSM (HFS). When you’re ready, schedule a test drive with Ralph Honda.
Two to three months before:
1. Contact the Lease Maturity Center to discuss the process for returning your vehicle and ask if you qualify for Honda Loyalty benefits.
2. We recommend obtaining a pre-termination inspection before returning your vehicle if it exceeded your contracted mileage or incurred more than normal wear and use 35. To schedule a free inspection with the licensed inspection company, call 1-800-340-4080 or click on the Schedule Inspection Online link. Please have your account number and VIN available.
One week before:
Make an appointment to return your vehicle to Ralph Honda 36.
At the appointed time:
Deliver your vehicle in clean condition to your Honda dealer. Please bring the following items with you:
• All keys to the vehicle
• Owner’s Manual and maintenance records
• Vehicle Return Receipt
• Vehicle Inspection Report (if applicable)
• Receipts for completed repairs
After you turn in your vehicle:
Contact the Lease Maturity Center at 1-800-708-6555 to inform us that you have returned your vehicle.
If all payments have been made, your call will initiate the completion process for your lease account, and you will no longer receive a regular monthly billing statement.
If you have payments remaining on your account, you are responsible for making them. If your dealer has agreed to make the final payments, follow up with your dealer to ensure they are made on time.
If any end-of-term liabilities apply, these items will be billed at a later time.
Purchase Your Leased Honda
If you decide to purchase your Honda vehicle, there is no need to have it inspected. Just follow these easy steps to make it your own.
Step 1:
Obtain a payoff quote online by logging in to your account or by calling our automated system at 1-800-708-6555. As a reminder, lease purchases are only available to the lessee or Ralph Honda.
Step 2:
Contact the Lease Maturity Center and notify us of your intent to purchase the vehicle.
Step 3:
Mail the full payoff amount (including state sales tax, if any) to the address below. If there is no outstanding balance on your account, the title will be mailed upon verification of final payment clearance. It is important to verify HFS has your current address on file to ensure you receive your title.
If you would prefer to finance your lease purchase through HFS, please contact your Honda dealer to determine eligibility for financing.
On a lease, federal law requires disclosure of the vehicle mileage in connection with the transfer of ownership. You must submit a signed and dated Odometer Disclosure Statement and Title Release Information form. Your vehicle title cannot be released until we receive the Odometer Discloser Statement. Make your check payable to Honda Finance Exchange, Inc. and mail the check and completed Odometer Disclosure Statement to:
Honda Finance Exchange, Inc.
P.O. Box 70252
Philadelphia, PA 19176
If your payoff is submitted online, please fax the completed Odometer Disclosure Statement to:
Attn: Captive Client
Fax No.: 1-937-481-5307
Leadership Purchase Plans® do not require the Odometer Disclosure Statement.
Step 4:
Re-register your vehicle: State law requires that you transfer the title and vehicle registration into your own name and pay any applicable sales tax and/or fees. This can be completed at your local Department of Motor Vehicles.
Return Your Honda
We’d love to keep you as a returning customer, but if your decision is to turn in your Honda Leadership Lease, you will automatically lose your loyalty benefits. Follow these simple steps to return your Honda vehicle at the end of your lease.
Two to three months before your final payment:
Contact the Lease Maturity Center to discuss the process for returning your vehicle.
We recommend obtaining a pre-termination inspection before returning your vehicle if it exceeded your contracted mileage or incurred more than normal wear and use 37. To schedule a free inspection with the licensed inspection company, call 1-800-340-4080 or click on the Schedule Inspection Online link. Please have your account number and VIN available.
Your Honda Leadership Lease includes an Excessive Wear-and-Use or Damage Waiver; however, you will be responsible for any wear or use that exceeds the waiver. You will also be responsible for any outstanding payments, excessive miles, turn-in fee, and any other outstanding end-of-term obligations specified in your lease agreement 38. You will receive a Vehicle Inspection Report following the vehicle inspection. Read more about Vehicle Inspection and Wear and Use Guidelines.
One week before:
Make an appointment to return your vehicle to your Honda dealer. As a reminder, vehicles must be returned to an authorized Honda dealer if not purchased.
At the appointed time:
Deliver your vehicle in clean condition to your Honda dealer. Please bring the following items with you:
• All keys to the vehicle
• Owner’s Manual and maintenance records
• Vehicle Return Receipt
• Vehicle Inspection Report (if applicable)
• Receipts for completed repairs
After you turn in your vehicle:
Contact the Lease Maturity Center at 1-800-708-6555 to inform us that you have returned your vehicle.
If all payments have been made, your call will initiate the completion process for your lease account, and you will no longer receive a regular monthly billing statement.
If you have payments remaining on your account, you are responsible for making them. If your dealer has agreed to make the final payments, follow up with your dealer to ensure they are made on time.
If any end-of-term liabilities apply, these items will be billed at a later time.
Vehicle Inspection
If you choose to return your Honda Leadership Leasing® or Honda Leadership Purchase Plan® vehicle, you may need to arrange a vehicle inspection. HFS recommends obtaining a pre-termination inspection prior to returning your vehicle if it has exceeded your contracted mileage or incurred more than normal wear and use 39. The inspection should be completed in the last two months of your lease agreement. That way, you’ll have time to take care of any repairs yourself. Or, if you choose to have us make the repairs, you’ll understand exactly what you’re being billed for. The inspection is free and the inspector will travel to a location convenient to you.
How to Schedule an Inspection
To schedule a free inspection with the licensed inspection company, contact them at 1-800-340-4080 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., ET) or Schedule Inspection Online. Please have your Honda Financial ServicesSM (HFS) account number and VIN available.
Excessive Wear-and-Use or Damage Waiver
Honda Leadership Leases include a $500 Excessive Wear-and-Use or Damage Waiver. Loyal customers[6] who purchase or lease their next Honda vehicle may qualify for an additional waiver[7] and may be eligible to get their turn-in fee waived[8].
Making Repairs
If the vehicle requires repairs, consult the Lease Maturity Center prior to completing. If repairs are needed, we encourage you to use an authorized Honda facility to ensure that the vehicle is properly repaired with Genuine Honda Parts (as required by your lease agreement). Please be sure to save all repair receipts, as they will be required at vehicle return.
If you prefer, you may instead return the vehicle without making repairs, in which case you will receive a bill for the cost of excessive wear-and-use or damage after your vehicle is turned in. Again, no charges will be made to your account until the vehicle is turned in.
How the Inspection Works
Vehicle inspectors will not drive, but they will need the keys to start it and test all electrical functions. Upon completion the inspector will print an inspection report and review the results with you.
We recommend that you be present for this inspection. If you are present, the inspector will give you a copy of the report following the inspection. Shortly thereafter, you will also receive a Preliminary End-of-Lease Statement that outlines the estimated costs of any excessive wear-and-use or damage, excess mileage, etc. No charges will be made to your account until after the vehicle has been turned in.
Prior to the Inspection
- The vehicle is as clean as possible, inside and out, but detailing is NOT necessary.
- All items are removed from the vehicle, including child car seats. Inspectors will not move or remove any items from the vehicle.
- All keys, manuals, original accessories, and any service or maintenance records are present.
- There is adequate space and light for the inspection process.
FAQs
Can someone else purchase my leased vehicle?
We are unable to conduct third-party sales. In accordance with the HFS lease agreement, lease purchases are only available to the lessee or authorized Honda and Acura dealers. Leased vehicles not purchased must be returned to an authorized Honda or Acura dealer.
Why can’t I just have my dealer perform the inspection on my vehicle?
Only authorized agents can provide an End-of-Lease inspection. You can schedule your lease inspection online by clicking the Schedule Inspection Online link or calling 1-800-340-4080. Please have your account number and VIN available.
Can I schedule my lease inspection online?
Yes, you can schedule a free lease inspection online by clicking the Schedule Inspection Online link. Please have your account number and VIN available.
Do I have to be present during the inspection?
While it’s tempting to hand your keys to the inspector and let the inspection proceed without you, we encourage you to take a few minutes to witness it. Since you’ll be asked to sign the report, you’ll want to be present as the inspector looks at the vehicle. Additionally, you’ll receive a copy of the report for your records. If you simply can’t be present for the inspection, enlist someone who knows your vehicle well to be there.
If I decide to purchase my vehicle for the payoff amount, when will I receive my title?
If there is no outstanding balance on your account, the title will be mailed upon verification of final payment clearance. It is important to verify Honda Financial Services has your current address on file to ensure you receive your title.
On a lease, you must submit a signed and dated Odometer Disclosure Statement and Title Release Information, as federal law requires disclosure of the vehicle mileage in connection with the transfer of ownership. Your vehicle title cannot be released until we receive the Odometer Disclosure Statement. You can mail the completed Odometer Disclosure with your payoff check to:
Honda Finance Exchange, Inc.
P.O. Box 70252
Philadelphia, PA 19176
If your payoff is submitted online, please fax the completed form to:
Attn: Captive Client
Fax No.: 937-481-5307
Leadership Purchase Plans® do not require the Odometer Disclosure Statement.
When will I receive my security deposit after my lease ends?
If your lease included a security deposit, it is generally released upon receipt of payoff if there is no outstanding auto lease balance or pending property taxes due on your account.
Is my payoff, end-of-term purchase price negotiable?
No, this amount is determined at the beginning of your lease or Leadership Purchase Plan, is included in your contract, and is used to determine your monthly payments.
Why doesn’t the estimated payoff on my auto lease statement decrease by the amount I pay each month?
Your payment consists of depreciation and a rent charge (which is the cost of having a lease) and possibly taxes. Only the depreciation amount is applied to your payoff.
Can I finance my lease purchase through Honda Financial Services (HFS)?
Please contact your local Honda dealer to determine eligibility for financing your lease purchase with HFS. HFS is an indirect lender, so all finance contract negotiations should be made with your dealer.
Am I responsible for sales tax and property tax at the end of my lease?
After terminating your lease contract, you may be liable for the current year’s property tax bill. Property tax treatment varies by state and can take up to two years to receive the tax bill from the taxing jurisdiction. As per your lease contract, you are liable for paying all due taxes.
What do I do if I want to keep my plates at the end of my lease?
You will need to contact the Lease Maturity Center at 1-800-708-6555 for a letter advising that you may keep the license plates.
Do I have to take care of the repairs before I turn in my vehicle?
You may return your leased vehicle without making repairs, however you will receive a bill for the cost of excess wear and use. Contact the Lease Maturity Center before making any repairs, as some damages may be covered by your Excessive Wear-and-Use or Damage Waiver. Keep in mind that the use of Honda Genuine parts is a requirement of lease agreements.
What if something happens to my vehicle between the time it’s inspected and I turn the vehicle in?
Your vehicle is subject to a final inspection after you turn it in, so if a problem arises after your preliminary inspection, you may still be liable for it. Sometimes damage or malfunctions can’t be detected during the inspection, or an unexpected condition arises after your vehicle is inspected. If you receive a bill for charges with which you’re not familiar, contact an End-of-Term Bill Payment representative at 1-800-351-6510.
Do I have to do anything with my plates when turning in my leased vehicle to the Honda dealership?
Some states require proof of license plate cancellation or transfer at the end of a lease. If you live in the states of VA, CT, RI, KY and MA, you must provide proof of cancellation or plate transfer. This is required to stop the assessment of property taxes on the leased vehicle.
How long does the end-of-lease inspection take?
In general, about an hour or less, assuming your vehicle is free of excessive damage.
I have a leased vehicle. When should I have my vehicle inspected?
The inspection should be completed in the last two scheduled months of your lease contract. That way, you’ll have time to take care of any repairs yourself if you want to make them. Or, if you choose to have us make the repairs, you’ll understand exactly what you’re being billed for.
Can I pay my final (end-of-term) bill with a credit card?
Yes, unlike a regular monthly payment, you may pay your end-of-term bill with a credit card. Contact an End-of-Term Bill Payment representative at 1-800-351-6510 for more information.
How can I get a payoff quote for my leased vehicle?
Payoff quotes are available online by logging in to your Honda Financial Services (HFS) account or by calling our automated system at 1-800-708-6555.
Note: The automated system cannot provide quotes on lease accounts in which the vehicle is garaged in IL or OH, or if certain conditions require that you speak with an HFS Customer Service Representative. You may contact a representative Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. local time.
Will any of the charges on my final (end-of term) bill be waived for loyalty?
Yes, as a loyal customer¹, you can take advantage of an additional $500 Excessive Wear-and-Use or Damage Waiver² on the vehicle you are turning in (up to $1,000 total waived) and a waiver on the turn-in fee for your current vehicle.
What charges may I expect on my final (end-of-term) bill?
Wear-and-use or damage, outstanding payments, excessive mileage, turn-in fee¹, and any other outstanding obligations specified in your vehicle lease agreement.
1 Refer to the Lease-End Inspection Guide for information about excessive wear-and-use.
2 In accordance with the lease agreement, lease purchases are only available to the lessee or authorized Honda or Acura dealer. Vehicles must be returned to Honda or Acura dealers if not purchased.
3 Refer to the Lease-End Inspection Guide for information about excessive wear-and-use.
4 The turn-in fee amount depends on your state. See your lease contract for details. The turn-in fee, outstanding wear-and-use or damage charges, and excess mileage may be subject to applicable sales tax.
5 Refer to the Lease-End Inspection Guide for information about excessive wear-and-use.
6 A loyal customer is one who purchases or leases another new Honda or Acura automobile within 30 days prior to or after the turn-in date.
7 Total amount waived not to exceed $1,000.
8 The turn-in fee amount depends on your state. See your lease contract for details. For specific benefit information on your current HFS lease contract, please log in to your HFS account and select End-of-Term.