Frequently asked questions
Questions about booking
Here you will find the practical points customers typically need to check before they arrange self-drive vehicle hire.
Checking drivers, cover and vehicles
The answers below give a general picture. For the exact terms that apply to your vehicle, date, driver and journey, a call to the booking team is still needed.
Questions about booking, cover and more
Is insurance included in the rental price?
Yes. The vehicle hire includes standard rental insurance. Before the booking is agreed, the team will explain the excess, the driver requirements and any optional collision damage waiver. Goods carried inside the vehicle are not covered by the standard vehicle insurance.
Do you charge extra for mileage?
Unlimited mileage is included on most rentals, subject to the fair-use policy confirmed before booking. Courier work is excluded, and larger commercial vehicles may carry their own monthly or pro-rata mileage limits, so always check the mileage terms for the vehicle you choose.
Can you deliver the vehicle to a location I request?
Yes. Delivery and collection can usually be arranged across the UK mainland. Before the vehicle is dropped off or picked up, the team will confirm the address, timing, access, identification and driver checks.
Can I use the vehicle in Europe?
For eligible hires, European cover can be arranged if you request it before you travel. This is an optional extra and may come with additional charges and restrictions. Vehicles must not leave the approved area unless the booking team has agreed to it.
Is one-way vehicle hire available?
Many UK mainland bookings can be set up as one-way rentals where the route and type of vehicle permit. One-way hire is not available to offshore islands or into Europe, and the cost and return point must be confirmed before you book.
Can I get zero insurance excess?
No. A zero-excess option is not offered as standard. You may be able to reduce your excess liability with a collision damage waiver, and the booking team will explain which options apply to the vehicle you select.
How can I book?
Every hire is arranged over the phone, so ring the booking team during opening hours and have the vehicle type, hire dates, delivery or collection details, driver information and journey requirements to hand.
What deposit will I need to pay?
A deposit is usually taken when the vehicle is delivered or collected, covering items such as fuel, fines, parking tickets and damage costs. You will be told the exact amount and how the refund works before the hire is agreed.
Should the vehicle be refuelled before it is returned or collected?
Yes. The vehicle should normally come back with the agreed level of fuel. Any shortfall can be charged or taken from the deposit, in line with the hire terms confirmed before you book.
Can I pay for a booking by credit card?
Credit cards may be accepted alongside other business payment methods, such as corporate purchasing cards and BACS transfer, where approved. Certain payment methods may need to pass checks before the booking is confirmed.
What information do I need to book a vehicle?
To book, the team needs your preferred vehicle or size, how long you need it, the delivery or collection date and time, details for the driver and any additional drivers, your contact information, address details and the relevant postcodes. If you are not sure which vehicle would suit, they can help you narrow down the choice.
What licence requirements apply?
Every driver must present a valid driving licence. You will usually need to have held it for at least one year, although two years is preferred. Provisional and expired licences are not accepted, and larger minibuses, trucks and specialist vehicles can involve extra entitlement checks.
How up to date are the vehicles?
The fleet is regularly maintained and updated, with the aim of providing modern, reliable vehicles. The exact make, model, age and specification will depend on what is available when you book.
Is it possible to take the hire vehicle abroad?
Travel to approved EU countries may be possible if European cover is arranged before the hire starts. EU travel is not permitted by default, additional charges can apply and one-way European rentals are not allowed.
Is a satnav or GPS available to hire?
A satnav may be offered as an optional extra. Mention it to the booking team when you arrange the vehicle so they can confirm whether one is available and what it costs.
Which vehicle sizes am I allowed to drive?
It depends on the vehicle's weight or seating capacity and the categories listed on the back of your driving licence. A standard UK category B entitlement usually covers vehicles of up to 3.5 tonnes and up to 9 seats, though larger minibuses, trucks and specialist vehicles may require additional entitlement.
Car Hire questions
How old must drivers be to hire a car?
The rules on driver age, licence history, deposit and excess differ between car groups. When you ask for a quote, give the named driver's details so the correct terms can be checked.
Van Hire questions
What size of van do I need?
Choose the van to suit what you are carrying. Small vans work well for tools and boxes, medium and long wheelbase vans for furniture or trade equipment, and Luton vans are better for bulky house-move items. Confirm height, payload and loading access before you book.
Minibus Hire questions
How old do I need to be to drive a 15 or 17 seat minibus?
To drive a 15 or 17 seat minibus, you will usually need to be 25 or over and must hold the correct D1 entitlement on your licence. Requirements can differ for smaller people carriers and minibuses, so driver age and licence details have to be checked before booking.
Are the licence rules the same for every minibus?
No. The larger 15 and 17 seat minibuses may involve different checks on age, licence and D1 entitlement. Before choosing a vehicle, confirm the driver, the number of passengers and the luggage needs.
What minibus seating options can I choose from?
Typical choices are 7, 9, 12, 15 and 17 seat vehicles. Whether one is available depends on the dates, driver eligibility, luggage space and local fleet availability.
Truck Hire questions
Do I need an operator licence to hire a truck?
Business use of some commercial vehicles can require an operator licence. You may not need one for personal use, but the intended use, vehicle weight, driver details and operating arrangements must all be confirmed before booking.
Is mileage unlimited on truck hire?
A separate fair-use mileage policy can apply to truck hire, commonly on a monthly or pro-rata basis. Check the route and mileage before you book, particularly for commercial or long-distance work.
What truck sizes can I ask for?
The usual categories include 3.5 tonne, 7.5 tonne, 18 tonne, 26 tonne and 44 tonne vehicles. What you can hire depends on availability, licence checks, operator licence requirements and the load being carried.