Cancel an Informal Extension?

[JazzJPH]

Hi everyone,

I hope you're all coping with the current situation and making the best out of it.


My 27 month car lease with VWFS ended in January but I opted for an informal extension of 3 months.* Thing is, I don't need the car now.* As it was an informal extension is it within my rights to cancel my direct debit and leave the car on public land?* Payment is due to come out in 2 days for the final month of the informal extension.* Nothing was signed, not even a confirmation email.* It was all just done verbally as VWFS insisted.

I sent them an email earlier in the week.* I tried ringing today but I've been stuck on hold for ages.* Also tried contacting BCA directly but they are shut down.

Just wanting to know if cancelling my DD and leaving the car in a safe place is legally acceptable.

[R0b]

What does the terms say about extension or variation?

[JazzJPH]

Hi R0b, I hope you've been well.

All I can find on the agreement is:

The front sheet stating 23 rentals of £270, expiring January 2020.

The terms open with "We agree to hire to you, and you agree to hire from us, the Vehicle described on page 1 of this Agreement for the duration of the hiring period shown on page 1 ('the Hiring period') on the following Terms." (it then proceeds to list the terms)


I can't find anything at all in there about an informal extension. I can't even find anything on formal extensions. This agreement appears to strictly be just for the 23 month duration of the agreement. The informal extension was verbal and I scribbled down on my pad (which is at work, where I won't be returning for a while) what was said - I'm not certain but I seem to remember them saying I can extend for 3 months but let them know if it would be shorter...

It seems to be a grey area to just cancel my Direct Debit after sending them an email and two failed long phone calls listening to terrible hold music. I might just have to bite the bullet and pay that last payment.

[R0b]

Anything around variation of the terms or amendment to the terms of the agreement even if it says that the hire contract cannot be amended without consent or written consent etc.

If there's nothing in there around variation or amendments or extending the term of the hire then you could argue that the informal extension was a variation to the agreement particularly if you've already paid the first 2 months. If there are specific requirements to vary the contract then you might be able to get away with not paying, but that's a risk down to you.

[JazzJPH]

Fair enough thanks R0b I think I'll leave it. Only 1 month left on the contract.