Ending your Volkswagen lease can seem daunting, but Volkswagen Financial Services aims to make the process as smooth as possible. Understanding each step, especially concerning your Vw Payment Number and financial obligations, is key to a hassle-free vehicle return. This guide, as your expert resource from obd-de.com, will walk you through the essential steps, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your lease-end journey.
Assessing Your Volkswagen: Preparation is Key
Before you even think about turning in your VW, a thorough assessment is crucial. Just like maintaining your vehicle throughout the lease term is important, pre-return preparation can save you from unexpected charges.
- Review Your Service Schedule: Check your Volkswagen Service Schedule and ensure all recommended maintenance is completed. Addressing these proactively can prevent potential issues and maintain your vehicle in optimal condition.
- Warranty Repairs: If there are any outstanding warranty repairs, get them addressed before your lease concludes. This is crucial as warranty coverage typically ends with the lease term.
- Wear and Use Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with Volkswagen’s wear and use guidelines. This document outlines what is considered normal wear and tear versus excess wear and use, which could incur charges. Understanding these guidelines helps you anticipate potential costs.
Alt text: Volkswagen Service Schedule example, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance for vehicle longevity and lease-end preparation.
Scheduling Your Complimentary Vehicle Inspection
To get a clear picture of your vehicle’s condition and identify any potential excess wear and use charges, Volkswagen Financial Services mandates a complimentary inspection by AiM, a third-party inspection company.
- Contact AiM: Schedule your inspection by contacting AiM at +1 844 264 9704, available Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST, and Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. EST.
- Online Scheduling: For added convenience, you can schedule your inspection online at https://selfschedule.aiminspect.comOpens an external link at any time.
- Inspection Location: AiM offers flexibility by conducting inspections at your home, office, or even your Volkswagen dealership. Choose the location that best suits your schedule.
- Important Note: Volkswagen Financial Services exclusively accepts inspections performed by AiM for determining excess wear and use charges. Inspections from other providers will not be considered.
This inspection is crucial to understand potential financial implications at lease end. The report you receive will be valid for 90 days, giving you time to address any identified issues.
Making Necessary Repairs: Your Options
Following the AiM inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining any excess wear and use. At this stage, you have options:
- Authorized Repairs: You have the option to get the necessary repairs done at a Volkswagen Authorized Collision Repair Facility before turning in your vehicle. This allows you to control repair costs and potentially avoid higher charges on your final invoice.
- DIY Repairs Not Permitted: It’s important to note that you cannot repair the items yourself. Volkswagen Financial Services requires repairs to be completed by certified professionals to ensure quality and adherence to standards.
- Repair Receipts: If you choose to have repairs done at a Volkswagen Authorized Collision Repair Facility, ensure you email your receipts to [email protected] a mail link before vehicle turn-in.
- Receipt Requirements: Receipts must be detailed, showing the repairs performed, proof of payment, and clearly identifying your vehicle (VIN, make, model, and year).
- Post-Inspection Damage: Be aware that any damage occurring after the AiM inspection but before vehicle turn-in will also be your responsibility. To avoid charges, have any new damage repaired and submit the receipts as described above.
Alt text: Signage for a Volkswagen Authorized Collision Repair Facility, emphasizing certified repairs for lease returns.
Turning In Your Vehicle: Final Steps
With your vehicle assessed and repairs addressed (if any), the next step is to turn in your Volkswagen.
- Schedule Turn-in: Contact your original Volkswagen dealer or your preferred Volkswagen dealer to schedule a vehicle turn-in time prior to your lease-end date.
- Dealer Locator: If needed, find an authorized dealership near you by visiting the Find a Volkswagen Dealer page on the Volkswagen website.
- Original Dealer Responsibility: Your original leasing dealer is obligated to accept your vehicle return.
- Alternative Dealer Turn-in: While your original dealer is required to accept your vehicle, you may return it to another dealer. However, it’s advisable to contact the alternative dealer beforehand to confirm they can accommodate your turn-in.
Receiving Your Final Invoice: Understanding Potential Charges
After you’ve returned your vehicle, the final stage involves receiving and understanding your final invoice from Volkswagen Financial Services. This is where your “vw payment number,” or more accurately, your account number, becomes relevant for any potential payments or inquiries.
- Invoice Delivery: Expect to receive your final invoice within six weeks of the date Volkswagen Financial Services receives your Odometer Disclosure Statement. It will be sent both by mail and will be accessible online in My AccountOpens an external link under “Help Center” > “Document Center.”
- Invoice Contents: The final invoice may include charges for:
- Unrepaired inspection damage
- Excess mileage
- Outstanding obligations
- Applicable taxes
- A turn-in fee (if applicable to your lease agreement)
- Security Deposit: Your security deposit, if applicable, will be accounted for on the final invoice.
- Document Center: The Document Center in your My Account portal is your central hub. Here, you can download additional documents related to the end of your contract and review your invoice details.
- “VW Payment Number” Context: While the invoice itself won’t explicitly label a “vw payment number,” your account number associated with your Volkswagen Financial Services lease is crucial. This number is used for:
- Making Payments: If your final invoice includes charges, you’ll use your account number to make payments through Volkswagen Financial Services’ online portal, by mail, or phone.
- Inquiries: When contacting customer service regarding your final invoice or lease-end charges, you’ll need to provide your account number for identification and efficient assistance.
- Accessing Account Information: Your account number grants you access to your lease details, payment history, and documents within the My Account portal.
Special Notes for Specific States:
- Maryland Lessees: If you hold the title to your leased vehicle in Maryland, mail the title to Volkswagen Financial Services Attn: Title Dept. 3800 Hamlin Rd. Auburn Hills, MI 48326. Do not write on the title.
- California Lessees: After vehicle return, California lessees must complete the California Release of Liability FormOpens an external link. You’ll need:
- Last five digits of your VIN
- License plate number
- Mileage at vehicle return
- Return date
- New Owner Information: Owner: Volkswagen Financial Services, Owner Address: 401 Franklin Boulevard, Libertyville, IL 60048
- Selling Price: $0.00
- Seller Information: Your name and address
By understanding these steps and keeping your VW Financial Services account information, including what we’ve discussed as the “vw payment number” (your account number), readily available, you can navigate your Volkswagen lease end with confidence and clarity. This guide from obd-de.com is designed to empower you with the knowledge you need for a smooth and informed lease-end experience.
