Van hire tips From Reward

Cheap van hire London

Here you will find some of the most important and useful tips to a successful van rental.

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1. Planning Your Hire

When planning your hire, start by estimating how much space you require and the weight of the items you shall be carrying. Also, work out the distance you are expected to be travelling.

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If you are travelling a short distance you may be able to do multiple trips with a smaller vehicle, however a long distance trip may need to be done in a single trip. It may however be cheaper to rent a large van for a single trip than to rent a smaller van for multiple trips when considering fuel costs.

If you plan on travelling through London or any motorways, make sure to take in to consideration toll roads and Congestion Charge. Finally, make sure you are able to park at the location of your trip.

2. Price Comparison

We recommend searching around for the best prices available, however be aware the prices you are quoted online may not always be the price you pay.

There are many possible price additions that are not made clear at booking, these include:

  • Mileage
  • Insurance
  • Excess Waivers
  • Credit Card Fees

All additional fees should be found in the Terms and Conditions.

3. Documentation

You will need to provide the correct documentation and identification. Most companies will require your full licence (which will consist of both the photocard and counterpart), at least one proof of address and either a credit or debit card.

Again, reading the Terms and Conditions should be clear on what you require.

The company will provide you with a rental agreement for your hire, we recommend you read the agreement in full and confirm that all the details regarding yourself are correct. Also, confirm the registration of the vehicle is the same registration as the vehicle you drive away.

4. Checking the vehicle

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Once you have been issued a rental agreement, you will be required to inspect your vehicle. Most companies will bring a damage report sheet to mark down existing damages. If you have a camera (or camera phone) take your own pictures of any damage.

If the company has a policy for returning the fuel at the same or a preset level, take note of this level before departing. Also, take note of any contact numbers in case of emergency such as a breakdown.

5. Driving the vehicle

Most vans will be larger than your standard car and most likely larger than the vehicle you currently drive. If this is the case, you should be especially careful and take extra consideration when driving.

If you are entering any location with a height restriction (e.g. parking lots and tunnels) or a location with low trees, be wary of the height of the vehicle. The additional length should also be considered when both reversing and parking and also when turning corners. Sharper corners should be taken as wide as possible and when available, we recommend you have a banksman to guide you while parking.

6. Returning the vehicle

Vehicles should be returned in the same condition as when they were taken, with the fuel level returned to the level agreed on the day of hire.

If you are returning out of hours, you should have been shown the procedure used. Please be aware most companies will continue liability of the vehicle outside of business hours.

The vehicle should always be returned on time as per the terms of the hire. If you need to extend the hire, you should do so during the agreed hire period as the vehicle may not be available for extended periods.