Vehicle Inspection FAQ: Process, Reports & Preparation
3 mins
A thorough vehicle inspection helps Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), lessors, fleet and rental operators, dealers and remarketing teams understand and document vehicle conditions. Whether managing an off-lease return, evaluating a vehicle for Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) eligibility or preparing inventory for wholesale remarketing, a consistent vehicle inspection process helps support informed decisions.
Below are answers to common questions about the vehicle inspection process.
What makes a consistent commercial vehicle inspection process valuable?
At its core, a reliable vehicle inspection process combines standardized protocols, documented vehicle condition, images and reporting. Businesses handle off-lease vehicles, CPO inventory, and remarketing operations. A consistent process creates a dependable foundation to manage condition information and support vehicle transitions. Using the same commercial vehicle inspection checklist each time strengthens compliance and transparency.
Who needs commercial vehicle inspections?
OEMs, captive finance companies, lessors, fleet and rental operators, dealers and remarketing teams use vehicle inspections to understand a vehicle’s condition before it is returned, reviewed for compliance or prepared for sale.
What types of vehicle inspections are available?
Commercial vehicle inspections can include off-lease condition reviews, compliance reviews, and reporting that helps prepare vehicles for remarketing.
OPENLANE Inspections supports these commercial inspection needs, including:
- Off-lease and lease-return vehicle inspections for vehicles approaching lease return or remarketing.
- CPO compliance reviews to help OEMs and dealers verify that eligible vehicles meet the inspection and condition requirements of a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program.
- Vehicle remarketing inspections that document vehicle condition, equipment, damage and images to inform wholesale valuation and resale decisions.
What is included in a standard off-lease inspection report?
An off-lease vehicle condition report creates a detailed record. It tracks the car’s condition, equipment, and visible damage at the time of inspection. A standard report includes:
- VIN, odometer and equipment listing
- A survey of interior and exterior condition
- Visual inspection for body repairs or repaints, supported by digital paint-depth readings
- Listing and testing of optional equipment or value-affecting add-ons, such as a power roof, roof rack, DVD player or navigation system
- Engine start-up, bringing the engine to operating temperature and engaging the transmission
- Tire measurements and a check for matching brand, size and ratings
- At least 26 high-resolution digital images
Who is qualified to conduct a commercial vehicle inspection?
Vehicle inspections should be performed by experienced vehicle inspectors who follow a standardized vehicle inspection process and an approved commercial vehicle inspection checklist. OPENLANE Inspections uses experienced inspectors who document conditions consistently with photos, measurements and verified procedures.
How often should a commercial vehicle inspection be performed?
Inspection frequency depends on the program and purpose. Off-lease inspections typically occur near lease return, while CPO and remarketing inspections occur as vehicles are prepared for certification or resale.
Why are photos and condition documentation important in a commercial vehicle inspection?
Condition documentation gives commercial sellers and remarketing teams a more consistent view of a vehicle’s current state. High-resolution images, equipment details, tire information and documented interior and exterior observations can help establish a clearer vehicle record for downstream evaluation and sale preparation. This transparency supports arbitration and buyer confidence within the vehicle inspection process.
How should a vehicle be prepared before an inspection?
Before the scheduled inspection, prepare the vehicle by:
- Removing personal belongings and large objects
- Making both sets of keys available
- Including the owner’s manual
- Removing the cargo cover
- Reinstalling the original tires and/or winter tires, as applicable
- Including charging equipment for applicable vehicles
Taking these steps helps ensure the inspector can document the vehicle and its equipment efficiently.
How long does a vehicle inspection take?
An OPENLANE vehicle inspection varies based on the type of inspection. Appointments are booked within a two-to-four hour service window.
What information is needed to schedule a vehicle inspection?
To schedule an inspection, have the last eight digits of the vehicle identification number (VIN) and either the inspection ID or the Lease Account/Reference Number available.
How do I schedule an OPENLANE Vehicle Inspection?
Eligible customers can schedule, change or cancel an inspection and view a condition report on the OPENLANE Inspections Website.
I’m a dealer. How can I arrange inspections for trade-ins or wholesale inventory?
Dealers interested in inspecting trade-ins or other wholesale used-vehicle inventory for sale on the OPENLANE marketplace should contact their OPENLANE account representative. Dealers without an account representative can get started through the OPENLANE Help section.
Ready to schedule or manage a vehicle inspection?
Visit the OPENLANE Inspections Website to schedule an appointment, make updates, or view your condition report.