At Flex Fleet Canada, our fleet vehicles are made for tough work. This means there will generally be some damage to the fleet vehicles over time. Fleet wear and tear is something we definitely take into account. We never charge our clients for using them in the way they were intended. That being said, if there are major damages to the truck or van you’ve rented, you will be held accountable for the repair costs.
We realize that “damage” can sometimes be a subjective thing – it can be difficult to determine how much damage is too much and what is considered normal wear and tear. Therefore, we have created a set of standards to serve as general guidelines. In it, we define what is considered normal wear and tear, and what is not. This will help both parties to fully understand the damage charges, if any, at the end of the rental term.
Because our customers rent for varying lengths of time and the mileage driven during the rental period will differ, we will make adjustments when assessing damages. There are a few things we do not make adjustments for. They include:
- obvious abuse to the vehicle
- smoking
- tires
- water damage
- incomplete repairs performed or paid for by the customer
- alterations to vehicle which result in damage to the frame
- broken or cracked lenses or glass
Let’s take a look at the standard guidelines for fleet wear and tear.
Interior
The interior space of the car will be divided in three sections— the seats, the dashboard, and the roof and floor.
Seats
If there are stains on the seats that can be easily removed, that is considered normal wear. What counts as excessive wear and tear are mud-caked seats, burn marks, and holes from cigarettes and lighters, etc. Any kind of holes or cuts on the seats is also excess fleet wear and tear. If there are any stains that cannot be removed and the upholstery needs to be replaced, that also counts. We do not allow smoking in our vehicles – this is also considered excessive wear and tear.
Dashboard
Normal wear and tear on the dashboard of the truck would be the presence of dust and dirt.
Excessive wear and tear of the dashboard area would be burn marks, cuts and any tears in the material.
Roof and Floor
Normal wear and tear for the roof and floor would be small scratches and tiny dents from gravel or asphalt roads.
If there are any burn marks, mud-caked floors or holes, that will be seen as excessive wear and tear. Any kinds of cuts on the fabric and carpets will also be considered excessive. If there are any stains which cannot be removed and require the replacement of the carpet and upholstery, that is considered too much. Water damage to the carpet, the cab or any part of the interior also falls under the same category.
Exterior
The exterior of the truck is divided into five sections.
Hood, Fenders, Cab Roof, Doors, Quarter Panels Tailgate
The normal fleet wear and tear on these parts would be small scratches that can be buffed out. If there is a little bit of chipping in the paint from gravel and asphalt roads, it’s something which can be overlooked. If there are small dents that do not break the paint surface, that is also alright. Any dents and damage done to paint that can be repaired in under $100 is acceptable.
Any large scratches and damage which goes through the paint is considered excessive. Large chips of paint, individual dents larger than an inch in diameter that cannot be fixed under $100 are also in the same category. Punctures, cracks, and dents that breach through the paint surface are also the customer’s responsibility.
If there are any missing or broken parts on the exterior, it will be counted as excessive damage regardless of the cost. If there are easily visible sand grinding marks, excessive overspray or a bad color match after repairs done by the customer, it is considered excessive damage. Alterations that create holes inside the body of the car, and any other alterations that reduce the resale value of the truck also count as excessive damage.
Front Bumper, Grill, Rear Bumper, Air Deflector
Normal wear and tear can be anything from small scratches, dents smaller than an inch in diameter, and small chips coming off the chrome.
Dents larger than an inch in diameter, cracks or dents on the chrome grill, and bent bumpers are considered excessive damage. If the air deflector is bent or broken because of rough working conditions, it is also considered outside the realm of normal fleet wear and tear. Obviously, any damage to the front bumper also caused by the air deflector also falls under the same category.
Rocker Panels
Any tiny dents on the rocker bumper and small scratches are permissible.
Scratches breaking the paint come under the category of excessive wear and tear. If there is any part of the panel in the door jamb that has paint scratched or scraped away, it is considered excessive damage.
Truck Bed
Scratches through the paint and small dents are okay. It’s reasonable if there are small scratches on the rail protectors.
If there are any holes drilled into the bed for alterations, it will be considered excess damage. If harm is done to the bed such that it cannot be covered by a bed liner and crushed wheel wells, then this will also be counted as excessive fleet wear and tear.
Frame or Inner Structure of Vehicle
Any damage to the truck such that it compromises the structural integrity of the truck will count as excessive fleet wear and tear. If there has been such damage and the customer gets a poor repair job, it falls under the same category.
Final Thoughts
We at Flex Fleet Canada go out of our way to provide the most convenient rental service in the country. With all the leeway we give, it only makes sense that we also define the guidelines for excessive fleet wear and tear properly.
