Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Editorials

Beware of the fine print in car leases

I wish to inform your readers of a situation, which although not illegal, I believe to be immoral.

My husband leased a vehicle from a local car dealer; technically, the lease was from a lending company but arranged by the car dealer.

The lease agreement was lengthy and in the proverbial fine print.

Only three months after signing the lease, my husband died. I erroneously believed that his death would nullify the lease. I offered to take over the lease, but that is not permitted. His lease was terminated and I would need to take a new lease on the vehicle.

Death is considered early termination of an automobile lease and there is a several thousand dollar penalty involved. I was informed that I was not responsible to pay the penalty; however, my husband's estate would have to pay. So actually I was penalized for a lease I never signed.

Ann Boutcher, Conway

This story was originally published June 15, 2016 at 10:31 AM with the headline "Beware of the fine print in car leases."

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER