What's your experience with this? Is there a fee? I have my wife's 05 VW Jetta to turn in. There are a few dings and the shotgun's door handle from the outside doesn't open the door (bad slim jim job). I know I should do it a few months before turning it in.

 

Sorry, I don't know about VW's lease return inspections, but this is what Acura does. It might be similar as I've heard they both use SGS Automotive for the inspection.

Anyhow, a couple months before the return, you make an appointment with the inspection company. Don't wait till the last minute because it can take 3 to 4 weeks for them to fit you into their schedule. When they do, they will look at the car (you should have all keys, service records, and manuals) and check for common things including dings, chips, windshield cracks, curb rash on wheels, and tire tread. After the inspection is completed, they give you an itemized list showing what needs to be fixed. You then have time to fix the listed items, or pay for them on the return.

Kudos to Acura, they give a $1500 allowance ($500 per incident). If your damages are under the amount, you're good to go. If they're over, you gotta pay the difference.