When you plan and pick up your van hire it is really important that you ensure everything is taken care of and you have covered every base. Every company will have slightly different conditions and rules, so it is important that you are aware of all items when you book. Why not read our tips to help you on your way.

Planning your van hire

The most important thing to be aware of before you even start getting prices is to estimate how much you need to move around by van and how much it may weigh. It is vital that you get this right, as you could be over-paying for Van hire that is far too big for your needs or end up with something that is far too small and will mean you have to make numerous trips. Vans vary in size from a small van up to a 7.5 tonne truck as well as dropsides. If you are moving heavy items, a van with a tail lift may be better to help you with loading and unloading. Booking in advance may also save you money.

Compare like with like

When comparing prices, ensure you know what is included and what is excluded. Insurance can vary dramatically, so check what you are covered for with each supplier and do not assume that a cheap quote will include all the elements you need. Compare like with like and always go for unlimited mileage deals where you can. Ensure that you read the full terms and conditions before committing your booking and always ensure that you pay by credit/debit card if the transaction is over £100 in value.

Differences and comparisons to look for:

• Hire prices/rates.
• Insurance (collision damage weaver ).
• Excess in the event of an accident/damage to the vehicle.
• Excess reduction policy – how much does it cost to reduce the insurance excess and to what amount? For example at Central Self Drive customers can pay £15.00 per day to reduce the excess from £1000 to £375.
• Mileage restrictions/excess milage rate.
• Make / model of vehicles – mpg figures – if you are travelling some distance it may be worth taking into account the quality of the vehicles the hire companies rent and their mpg figures.
• Deposits held – why have large amounts of money tied up in a security deposit when you could be spending it yourself on what you want?

What is the difference between insurance (CDW) and the excess reduction policy?

CDW is the insurance on the vehicle. But like all insurances, there will be an excess to pay in the event of a claim, accident and/or damage.

Some hire companies allow you to pay extra to reduce the excess in the event of a claim. This is known as excess reduction.

For example, if you hired a vehicle from Central Self Drive, the price includes CDW. Which means that in the event of an accident Central Self Drive’s insurance would pay the majority of the cost of the claim, but the customer would have to pay the excess (usually £1000).

We also offer an excess reduction for £15.00 per day which will reduce your excess from £1000 to £375.

For any further information please contact our rental staff.

Don’t pay for the vehicle until the keys are in your hand.

Central Self Drive has a no booking deposits policy – we only take payment when you arrive to collect the vehicle and not a second sooner.

If you have not paid in advance and your dates or circumstances change then you will not be charged to cancel or change the date of the van hire.

Be aware of fake rental websites. Some organized internet crime groups have turned to create mock vehicle hire websites to get customers to pre-pay for vehicles and deposits. Customers find out later that the hire business does not even exist let alone have any vehicles.

What to take with you.

• Ensure that you take your driving licence with you. This must be your photo licence.
• Credit/debit card for your pre-authorised deposit and rental payment.
• Passport and two additional forms of I.D anything officials such as a bank statement, utility bill or phone bill, to show your home address matches your driving licence address.

Check the documents.

When you go to collect your vehicle check all of the documentation carefully. Be aware of any extras that you are being sold. Ensure that you need these, especially insurance cover which can easily add to the total cost.

How to spot damage/check your vehicle.

Before you depart, check the vehicle inside and outside for any damage, as this should be detailed on your agreement.

As per the BVRLA, we recommend customers start at the front of the vehicle, move around the vehicle clockwise scanning each panel. Once you have done one loop of the vehicle, take a few steps back and go around the vehicle a second time but anti-clockwise to get a wider angle. Extra attention should be given to the windscreen and tyres (chips, cuts, bulges). Finally, the loading area and driver’s cab should be checked.

Ensure that the mileage and fuel level’s are correct.

Make sure that you know what to do if the vehicle breaks down or if you have an accident – the last thing you will want to be worrying about is finding the emergency number to call.

Driving a vehicle is different.

If you are not familiar to driving vehicles, be aware of the size of the vehicle you have hired. It may be far higher, wider or longer than you are used to, so take some basic precautions to avoid hitting low bridges or scraping the sides in narrow gaps. Parking may also be more difficult than usual too, so pay attention when leaving the vehicle anywhere. You will also need to allow space to unload and load between you and other vehicles.

Dropping off.

When returning the vehicle, ensure you return the vehicle in the same condition as you collected it in. This includes making sure you return it with the correct fuel as agreed when you collected the vehicle. If you are returning the vehicle out of hours, check where you should leave the keys. Avoid returning late as this may incur extra charges.

And finally.

Check your credit/debit card statement to ensure that no additional charges have been made to the van hire. If there are any discrepancies, then ensure you take this up with your rental company.

To view our Terms and Conditions, please click here.