Returning a lease car due to terminal illness

saffmonster

A wife is in a hospice with terminal cancer. She has a lease (possibly PCP) car which is for 4 years and the plan is now just over 2 years old. Husband has contacted the finance company who said he either returns the car now, pay for any damage plus £1100 due to not yet paying over 1/2 the finance or keep the car till August  and return it then (still have to pay for any damage). They want rid of the car as it hasn't been used for months.

I'm just wondering if the rules around returing the car are still the same with the ill wife not having much time left, having zero mental capacity now and the finance/agreement being in her name?
Thanks in advance

AdrianC

The main problem with her having no capacity is that, unless the husband has POA, there's nothing can be done until it's done by her executor... The financier shouldn't be talking to him without POA in place.

Apart from that, no, there's no magical get-out-free from the contract. The financier may have a "sensitive cases" team who could do some kind of goodwill surrounding the early termination fees, but I suspect even that would still require damage beyond fair wear and tear to be covered (which are hardly unfair).

saffmonster

Her health has declined quite rapidily recently but she did give permission for husband to speak to the finance company over the phone a couple of weeks ago. I'll get him to ask about the 'sensitive cases'. Thank you