What do I need to hire a vehicle?
We need to see all of the following documentation at the time of hire:
- Full UK or EU driving licence that you have held for a minimum period of twelve months.
- Recent Proof of Address dated within the last 3 months. This can be a recent utility bill, bank or building society statement or similar. A passport is not acceptable as it does not contain your address.
- Credit or debit card. This will be required for the hire charge, which will be taken to reserve the vehicle.
- Your National Insurance Number for the online DVLA License Check, Or you can obtain the Share your information Code by clicking here https://www.viewdrivingrecord.service.gov.uk/driving-record/licence-number
How old do I have to be?
For minibuses you must be aged between 25 and 65. For light vans and commercials you must be aged between 25 and 70.
What Can I Drive?
Your normal full UK/EU license allows you to drive up to 3.5 ton vehicles. This is anything from our smallest van, to our Box Luton vehicles. Drivers wishing to drive vehicles over 15 seats or more must have the D1 license. If you wish to check which vehicles you can drive, please check at https://www.viewdrivingrecord.service.gov.uk/driving-record/licence-number
What if I’m over 71?
We can probably still hire you a vehicle, subject to an insurance check. To avoid disappointment, we would advise you to call us well in advance for more information.
What if I have points on my license?
Our insurance allows a driver to have up to 6 points, dependent on the conviction codes applied to your license, but you may still be subject to an insurance check. To avoid disappointment, we would advise you to call us well in advance for more information.
What does the price include?
The prices we show, or quote, are inclusive of VAT. All prices do include your insurance, nationwide breakdown cover and unlimited mileage. There are no hidden extras.
How much is the deposit?
A £100 pre-authorised refundable deposit is payable at the branch upon collection. Payable on the card used to book the rental.
When do I get my deposit back?
Deposits are taken as a pre authorisation. Meaning Charters Hire Limited do not take the money from your account, but are given advance permission to take it by the customer to if required. Provided there is no other charges such as low fuel, lateness or damage, the deposit is released back to you. £100 does still need to be in the account used for a successful pre authorisation. The deposit usually clears between 7-10 days on visa cards and up to 30 days on Mastercard.
How much is the insurance excess?
All vehicles up to 3,500 kg GVW are comprehensively insured but have an insurance excess of £1000, the excess can be reduced down at an additional cost. Additional named drivers can be added free of charge, all Driving Licenses must be produced. You are responsible for any damage or losses sustained to the vehicle and are liable to pay the insurance excess in this event.
How can I pay?
By credit or debit card. All major credit and debit cards are welcome, including Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Switch and Solo cards.
Rentals to Ireland and Europe?
These rentals are available at our discretion and are subject to additional costs for Green Card Insurance and European 5* AA Cover. We recommend booking in advance by at least 24 hours. We will provide you with all the right equipment required for European driving laws and regulations.
What if I am late returning the vehicle, or I wish to extend the hire?
It is very important that you contact us and let us know. We can then advise you of any additional charges, or where to return the vehicle out of business hours.
What happens if I breakdown?
In the unlikely event of your vehicle breaking down, all Charters Hire vehicles come with full nationwide breakdown coverage.
What do I do when I come back?
It’s easy. Just return the vehicle to our depot, where you will be met by someone who will check the vehicle in with you, or you can use our 24 hour drop off. We recommend that vehicles are returned to us with the same amount of fuel as you took it with, as any fuel we dispense will be charged for. Any additional returned fuel cannot be refunded.
What about the fuel?
All of our vehicles are diesel. We recommend that vehicles are returned to us with the same amount of fuel as you took it with, as any fuel we dispense will be charged for. Any additional returned fuel cannot be refunded.
Can I return the vehicle out of hours?
Yes you can! We have an overnight drop box for you to safely deposit the keys and we can direct you where to leave the vehicle at the time of hire. If the hired vehicle is returned out of office hours, the hirer is responsible for the vehicle until the next working day.
What qualifications or special licences do I need to tow a trailer with your vans?
If you passed your driving test before 1st January 1997, you automatically have the right to tow a trailer. If you passed your driving test on or after 1st January 1997, you need the relevant licence to tow a trailer.
For full details of the driving licence you need to tow a trailer, please click here:
What happens if I get a parking ticket or a speeding fine?
Your payment card will be debited the cost of our administration charge to transfer the liability into your name, and the driver details will be forwarded to the relevant authority, who will then write to you directly. Once the fine is in your name, you will be able to either pay or appeal the fine with the relevant authority directly.
What happens if i cancel my booking?
Cancellations made with more than 48 hours notice are subject to a 25% handling charge during refund (or can be held in credit for 28 days).
Cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice are subject to 50% cancellation fee of the refund.
Bookings not collected with no notification are completely non refundable.
DAILY CHECKS
The Hirer is responsible for checking water, oil levels and tyre pressures daily.
COLLISION DAMAGE WAIVER (CDW)
Customers have the option to reduce the excesses applicable by purchasing Premium CDW. Premium CDW cover reduces or in some cases removes the excess applicable to the rental. Payment will be required at the commencement of the rental and the cost will vary dependent on the hirer and the vehicle hired, Premium CDW does not include cover for damage to the mirrors, aerials, tyres, loss of off pull-out-stereos, overhead damage to vans, fridge units and interior damage. Not with-standing this payment, you will remain responsible for paying the full daily rental charges until such time as the vehicle is either repaired or deemed a write-off or is considered to be beyond economical repair. This process can take up to a minimum of 25 days.