Never a single issue. It’s regulated now do they can’t take advantage. I’m sure it’s on the BCA website. With size of scratches/dents/kerbing that accepted as fair wear and tear.
edit... found it
https://www.bvrla.co.uk/resource/in...-industry-s-fair-wear-and-tear-standards.html
https://www.bvrla.co.uk/resource/in...-industry-s-fair-wear-and-tear-standards.html
For example... her GTD. Couple of kerb marks on the front diamond cut alloys and slight scuff on front bumper from a very very light touch in the snow. Charge... £0. Accepted as fair wear and tear.
GTI... absolutely horrific kerb mark on alloy after clipping kerb in snow (after owning 2 weeks).... honestly unrepairable to my untrained eye. Charge from VW.... £27. They send a picture instantly to a VW who come back with a price.... he joked he will be kind in the angle the picture was taken.
I think the assessors know when they turn up what they are getting. I treat them like my own cars. Immaculately presented for the assessment. I even identify the areas they may want to look at. As long as the car is serviced on time and has road legal none budget tyres on you have no issues. I do a quick video and a few pics just in case but never had any come back bet them assessing and collecting.
My mate did get stung by VW but he got chips away to repair a massive key mark down the near side rather than getting a proper job. Cost him £300... assessor got paint depth gauge out after noticing it wasn’t right. Same guy got done for £900 by merc but... all the diamond cut alloys were ruined, scratches from footballs hitting it and there was an issue with warranty claim on steering rack... he tried to be clever and it back fired.
In short. Look after it. Repair/service it when required and you will have ZERO issues.
It’s exactly the same when you hand back a car on a voluntary termination. I’ve heard they are ruthless when you do that.