So…18 days after I brought my leased truck home from the out of state dealer (Utah), a box spring flew off the back of a truck and hit me at 70mph.
Cracked windshield, damage to passenger side doors and glass, small dent on front fender, paint scratches.
My insurance agent pal said don’t tell the dealer, it’s none of their business, and the other guys insurance quickly paid for all repairs at a professional shop and the truck is in great shape now.
Well my lease is up in 6 months and we want to get out of the lease early and get a Tundra. And it just dawned on me that I didn’t tell the dealer and that could complicate my situation.
The local Toyota dealer that has done regularly scheduled maintenace immediately saw the VIN attached to the truck was in a reported accident. I assume the Toyota dealer in Utah will know too.
I don’t want to hide anything but I don’t know how much I have to share. Please help with your experience or expertise.
Thank you!
This one of the biggest unspoken benefits of leasing. You don’t say anything, you just turn it in and walk away.
If it is in your lease that you have to disclose it, disclose it. Not doing so could cause you hardship in the future.
If it isn’t in your lease, don’t.
If the work was done at a Toyota dealer or reputable body shop, it’s going to be reported on CarFax and the Toyota website, anyway. Even if it’s not on CarFax, the dealer mechanics will know. It’s easy to spot a replacement windshield or body panels most of the time.
Either way, don’t worry about it. When your lease is up, it’s up.