How to Break a Car Lease
You may opt to break a car lease for reasons such as changing financial circumstances, a job relocation, or even the need to drive a different car. Whatever the reason to break car lease early, you have to go through the entire process the right way to ensure that you don’t end up with penalties and obligations to make other payment combinations for the early termination. Some of the best ways to break your car lease are highlighted below.
Transfer Your Lease
This is probably the most popular way of breaking a car lease. It entails using a third party service to transfer your lease to another qualified individual who will complete the term of your remaining car lease. However, it is essential to note that you may still be liable for the car lease if the other person opts to stop making payments. The process also includes a transfer fee charged to you. If the car has a lot of mileage, you may also need to add an incentive to attract a new lessee.
Trade or Sell the Car
It is quite possible to buy the car from the company that is leasing it to you, at any time. An early buyout is a great option if you already have a buyer for the car. For this option, you should start by finding out the payoff amount of the vehicle from the leasing company. An early termination fee is usually included in the payoff amount. You have a good chance of breaking even after selling the car, especially if you had made a sizable down payment for your lease.
Lease Another Car with the Same Dealership
This method is only a great idea if your reason for breaking your car lease is to drive a new car. Of course, there are some hidden costs that you will have to incur, but you will end up with a new ride. Your car dealer will transfer all the outstanding balance from your current lease to the new one. You may end up owing them more for your new car, but it will probably be worth it.
Return the Car
You may also opt to return the car to the leasing company. This is an expensive option but usually works quite fast. You will be charged some penalties but will successfully terminate your lease contract without ruining your creditworthiness.