Smart Protect

Help keep your lease vehicle looking its best

Small scratches, supermarket dents and kerbed alloy wheels are all part of everyday driving. While they might seem minor, cosmetic damage can lead to repair costs or end-of-lease charges if left unattended.

AA Lease Smart Protect helps you maintain the appearance of your leased vehicle throughout your agreement by covering eligible cosmetic repairs to bodywork and alloy wheels.

Unlike your motor insurance, Smart Protect is designed specifically for the everyday cosmetic damage that can happen during normal driving.

Smart Protect is a service contract and is not an insurance policy.

Why choose Smart Protect?

Protect against everyday cosmetic damage

From scratches in a car park to scuffed alloy wheels against the kerb, Smart Protect helps cover the cost of eligible cosmetic repairs before they become a bigger issue.

Convenient repairs

Repairs are carried out using SMART (Small to Medium Area Repair Technology) techniques wherever possible, helping restore your vehicle quickly and professionally.

Help reduce end-of-lease charges

Lease vehicles are expected to be returned in line with the BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear Guidelines. Repairing cosmetic damage during your lease may help reduce potential charges when you return your vehicle.

What's included
What's not covered

Your Smart Protect programme includes:

Cosmetic bodywork repairs

Cover for eligible scratches and dents up to 30cm on a single body panel, including:

Doors
Bumpers
Wing mirrors
Side panels

Repairs are completed using SMART repair techniques where suitable.

Stone chip repairs

Treatment for eligible stone chips up to:

3mm diameter
1.5mm depth

Please note that repaired stone chips may remain slightly visible.

Alloy wheel refurbishment

Cover for up to 10 alloy wheel repairs or refurbishments during your agreement for damage caused through normal day-to-day driving.

Eligible wheel finishes include:

Painted
Powder coated
Diamond cut
Matte finish

Where an eligible alloy wheel cannot be repaired, a contribution towards replacement may be required.

Bodyshop contribution

If damage falls within the covered limits but cannot be repaired using SMART repair techniques, we'll contribute towards the cost of a bodyshop repair (subject to programme limits).

Repair guarantee

All authorised repairs are guaranteed for as long as you lease the vehicle.

Smart Protect is intended for minor cosmetic damage and doesn't replace your comprehensive motor insurance.

It doesn't cover:

Road traffic accident
Fire or theft damage
Mechanical faults
General wear and tear
Corrosion or oxidation
Neglect or lack of maintenance
Damage larger than the programme limits
Cracked bumpers or torn body panels
Chrome-plated or aftermarket alloy wheels
Commercial vehicle use

Please refer to the full Terms and Conditions for complete exclusions and eligibility.

How to make a repair request

If your vehicle suffers eligible cosmetic damage.

1

Contact the claims team

Report the damage as soon as possible and within 30 days of it occurring.

2

Obtain authorisation

Repairs must be authorised before any work begins.

3

Arrange the repair

An approved repairer will carry out the repair at a convenient time.

FAQs

Is Smart Protect the same as car insurance?

No. Smart Protect is a service contract that helps pay for eligible cosmetic repairs to your vehicle. It doesn't replace your motor insurance and doesn't cover accidents, theft or fire damage.

What is a SMART repair?

SMART stands for Small to Medium Area Repair Technology. These repair techniques allow minor cosmetic damage to be repaired without replacing large sections of the vehicle.

Will this help when I return my lease vehicle?

Potentially. Keeping your vehicle in good cosmetic condition throughout your lease may reduce the likelihood of repair charges when your vehicle is inspected at the end of the agreement.

Can I claim more than once?

Yes. Multiple repairs can be carried out during your agreement, subject to the programme limits and terms.

Do I need to get approval before arranging a repair?

Yes. Repairs must be authorised before work begins. Repairs completed without prior approval won't be covered.

When should I report damage?

As soon as possible and no later than 30 days after the damage occurs.