Can you negotiate your mileage allowance after signing a lease agreement?

Leasing a car is a popular option for many individuals who are looking for a way to drive a new car without having to purchase it outright. One of the benefits of leasing is that it comes with a mileage allowance, which is the number of miles that the lessee is allowed to drive the car each year. However, what happens if you signed a lease agreement and then find out that you need more miles than what your allowance covers? Can you negotiate your mileage allowance after signing a lease agreement?

The short answer is that it is possible, but it is not always easy. Generally speaking, the mileage allowance that is established at the beginning of a lease is set in stone and cannot be changed. However, there are a few things that you can do if you find yourself in a situation where you need more miles than what you were originally allowed.

The first thing that you should do is reach out to the leasing company and explain your situation. It is possible that they may be willing to work with you and provide you with additional miles, particularly if you have a good payment history and are close to the end of your lease term. Additionally, if you can provide evidence that your driving habits have changed since the time that your lease was signed – for example, if you have taken on a longer commute or have started to travel more frequently – this may be helpful in negotiating with the leasing company.

Another option that you have is to purchase additional miles upfront. Most leasing companies will allow you to do this at the time of signing the lease, and it is often less expensive to purchase the additional miles in advance than it is to pay for them at the end of the lease term. Keep in mind that if you do this, you will have to pay for the additional miles regardless of whether or not you end up using them, so it is important to estimate your anticipated needs as accurately as possible.

Finally, if you find that you need more miles near the end of your lease term, you may be able to negotiate a lease extension or renewal. This can be advantageous if you need more time to pay off your current lease but also need additional miles. However, it is important to read the terms of the contract carefully to make sure that the new contract meets your needs and is cost-effective.

In summary, negotiating your mileage allowance after signing a lease agreement is possible but may not be easy. It is important to reach out to the leasing company as soon as you realize that you may need more miles, and to provide evidence of your changing needs if possible. Purchasing additional miles upfront or negotiating a lease extension or renewal may also be options, but it is important to carefully read the terms of the contract to ensure that you are making a smart financial decision.