Frequently Asked Questions

How old do I have to be to hire a vehicle?

For our cars and light vans up to 3,500kg GVW you must be aged between 23 and 75.

For our MPV's and 7.5 Tonne Vans you must be aged between 25 and 70

What documentation do I need to hire a vehicle?

All of the following documentation must be presented when you come to collect your hire vehicle:

A driver's licence for each driver that you wish to be included on the rental agreement. The licence must be a full current licence and must have been held for a minimum of 2 years (i.e. you must have passed your driving test at least 2 years ago).

If you are renting an MPV, a 7.5 Tonne Van or you have a foreign licence you must have at least 5 years experience since passing your driving test. If you have the most recent 2-part UK photocard licence, we must see the paper part, which shows any endorsements and the vehicle categories that you are permitted to drive, as well as the card which contains your photograph.

If you do not have a 2-part licence then we will also require photo ID. A UK Passport is best as we do not accept over the counter documents such as bus passes which can be easily copied.

Two further forms of identification. These must show a local (East Yorkshire) area address. For example recent utilities bills, bank statements or credit card statements. NB. These are in addition to your Passport if used as photo ID as above. This is because your Passport does not contain your address.

If you are Self Employed we may also require proof of self employed status which we can photocopy.

Important! All of the documents presented must be originals. Photocopies are not acceptable. Driving licences must be presented every time you collect a vehicle. No licence = no vehicle!

How do I pay?

Unless you have a pre-arranged account with us you must use a credit or debit card. All major credit cards are welcome, including Visa, Mastercard and Switch. You should make sure that you have enough credit available to cover the hire charge and the returnable deposit. Although we do not remove the deposit from your card, the pre-authorisation procedure that we use 'freezes' the amount of the deposit, preventing you from using it until the vehicle is returned undamaged.

We may accept cash or a cheque by prior arrangement as payment for the hire charge but only if the deposit is authorised on a credit or debit card.

What does the price include?

The prices we advertise or quote include comprehensive insurance, 200 miles per day and VAT.

Any miles driven over 200 per day will be charged at an additional rate which will also be quoted.

How much is the deposit?

The returnable deposit is usually a minimum of £150.00 but may be more depending on your circumstances and driving record. Drivers with endorsements are often subject to larger deposits. It is a good idea to check before collecting your hire vehicle as the deposit as well as the rental charges are paid at the time of collection. We use the deposit to cover the insurance excess charge in the event of an insurance claim. We also use it to cover any additional charges due to late return, fuel shortages, excessive cleaning required or uninsured damage. You may be able to reduce the deposit by paying for Damage Liability Reduction at the time of hire, which will reduce the insurance excess.

How much is the Insurance excess?

The insurance excess is usually £500.00 but can be more depending on your driving record, your age, your occupation, the number of drivers named and other variables such as the type of vehicle being rented. If you need to know the exact amount you may need to come to our office and have an on-line test proposal carried out before you collect.

What is not covered by the insurance?

The following losses are not covered and will be charged to the renter

• Negligent damage to wheels and tyres
• Tyre repair or renewal due to puncture damage while on hire (unless tyre & windscreen cover has been paid for at the commencement of the rental).
• Theft of wheels and tyres including spares
• Damage to the underside of the vehicle because of off- road driving
• Overhead damage to the vehicle
• Any windscreen damage (unless tyre & windscreen cover has been paid for at the commencement of the rental).
• Contents of the vehicle belonging to the renter

What are Damage Liability Reduction and Tyre and Windscreen Cover?

Damage Liability Reduction reduces or eliminates the excess you will have to pay in the event that our vehicle is damaged while on hire to you. It can be taken out with an additional payment at the commencement of the rental.
The cost varies with the type of vehicle being rented.

Tyre and Windscreen Cover eliminates the cost of repairs or replacement of tyres or windscreen glass due to accidental damage while on hire to you.

Damage Liability Reduction and Tyre and Windscreen Cover do not cover you for the following:

• Negligent damage to wheels and tyres
• Theft of wheels and tyres
• Damage to the underside of the vehicle because of off road driving
• Overhead damage to the vehicle
• Fuel shortage charges
• Excess cleaning charges

What if I have points on my licence?

All visible 'in date' endorsements and convictions must be declared when we enter your insurance proposal. Your insurance risk score may be affected and the insurance excess and therefore the deposit are likely to be raised. In some extreme cases it may not be possible to go head with the rental. If you think that this may apply to you then please let us know as soon as possible before you require the vehicle so that we can obtain an on-line decision either way and allow you to make alternative arrangements if necessary...

NB. No one who is within the age specified for the vehicle, who has held a full licence for at least 2 years which is clean and can provide the identification specified and has a credit card will be refused a rental.

What are excess cleaning Charges?

We supply our vehicles fully valeted internally and externally and expect that through normal private or business use they will require valeting by ourselves again prior to being supplied to our next customer. Excess cleaning charges are only applied where unreasonable soiling of the vehicle has taken place, ie spillages of food or drink, vomit, oil, grease or any other cleaning of the passenger and load compartments which prevents us from re-hiring the vehicle within a reasonable time. Permanent stains or damage due to abuse to the vehicle requiring replacement of fittings or upholstery will also be invoiced to the renter in full.

What if I am late returning the vehicle?

You must contact us and let us know if you are going to be late so that we can extend your insurance cover. A charge will be made for this which will be collected from your deposit or you can pay on return.

We never book a vehicle in unless it is physically back on our premises and therefore continuous insurance cover is maintained.

Important! You must never risk the safety of yourself or other road users in order to return a vehicle on time.

If you would like to extend the period of hire, please let us know by phone or in person. We will be glad to make the necessary arrangements as long as your vehicle has not been pre-booked by another customer.

What if I breakdown?

All of our vehicles are covered for roadside assistance and recovery if necessary in the UK, usually under the manufacturers own scheme. Details are supplied with the vehicle documents.

All of the major servicing and safety inspections to our vehicles are carried out by external contractors to ensure that an independent assessment of the condition of the vehicle is made. These are carried out at a maximum interval of 6 months or 12,000 miles which far exceeds the requirements of most vehicle manufacturers.

Our 7.5 Tonne vehicles are independently inspected every 6 weeks.

We are therefore confident that breakdowns are unlikely and that assistance will be rapidly available if one does occur.

Can I take the vehicle abroad?

Not unless you have our written permission and all of the correct documentation for the country you are visiting. You need to give us at least 2 weeks notice so that we can apply for a VE103 'Vehicle On Hire Certificate' on your behalf and also obtain a green card insurance certificate. If the renter is not in possession of a VE103, the vehicle can be impounded by the authorities and if this happens we will invoice the renter for the full cost of recovering the vehicle, including repatriation to the UK. This cost can exceed the value of the vehicle. We also need to ensure that you are carrying any equipment which is legally required in the country you are visiting, that the vehicle complies with local requirements and also that breakdown cover applies. An additional charge will be made for these arrangements.

Do I need to re-fuel the vehicle?

All of our vehicles are supplied with a full tank of fuel for your convenience. If you need to re-fuel the vehicle please use only the correct grade of fuel as advised on the vehicle information sheet inside the vehicle. On your return we will re-fill the tank until it is full and charge you for the fuel you have used.

How do I return the vehicle?

When you return the vehicle to Skerne Road you will be be met by someone who will check the vehicle for damage. Please also show any fuel receipts to verify that the vehicle has been filled with the correct fuel.

Please report any maintenance items which require our attention.

The mileage reading from the vehicle will be entered into our system and a receipt will be issued to confirm that the vehicle has been returned in good condition.

As long as there are no re-fuelling, excess cleaning or insurance excess charges etc your pre-authorised deposit will be cancelled*.

Important! You must never return a vehicle by posting the keys through the office door as this will invalidate your insurance cover! The full cost of replacement of any vehicles lost due to theft from the yard in this way will be invoiced to the renter. If you are returning outside of normal office hours, please phone ahead to arrange for someone to meet you.

*The deposits on vehicles returned on a Saturday or Sunday may not be available until the following Tuesday due to your banks' IT schedule.