The default path at lease end, and the bill that comes with it

What happens if you just... don't buy out your lease? There's a default path, and it has a bill. Here it is, in under a minute.

Do nothing, and you're returning the car: inspection scheduled, wear and mileage measured, disposition fee applied, and the keys go back.

The bill: excess wear charges, mileage overage at your contract's per-mile rate, and the disposition fee. And any equity in the car transfers to the leasing company.

Doing nothing is fine — when it's chosen. Check your equity and compare the return bill to the buyout before the calendar decides for you.

Champion Auto Finance helps you run that comparison and coordinates financing if keeping wins, subject to lender approval, across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. championautofinance dot com.