Hiring a Car In The UK: Regulations and Rights

Car hire companies are commonplace across the UK, and you can rent cars online to be picked up from virtually any town or city. It’s often an inexpensive way of getting around, and it beats waiting around for a bus or train.

Shop Around For the Right Price

As with most things travel-related, the price you’ll pay to hire a car in the UK depends a lot on how you book, and often how far ahead.

Booking a Car Online

Because there are often good deals to be had if you shop around on websites, it’s a good place to start your search. Most well known car rental firms will have a web presence and you can be reassured that you’re dealing with a reputable company if you go for what you know. If you see a good deal on a website and you’re not sure of the company, here’s what to look out for:

• There should be a map and opening hours to arrange pick up
• The quote given should include all essential insurance
• The description of the car should give you a good idea of the car size and its capacity
• It should be clear about rates for additional drivers and other extras
• You shouldn’t be charged more for using a credit card.

If you’re not overly concerned about the make or model of the car, a budget site could be your best bet. There are many websites where you can actually dictate the amount you want to pay. Even though they are budget, don’t dismiss them out of hand as they can sometimes offer incentives like unlimited mileage to get your business.

Protect yourself

If you’re hiring a car from a reputable company, you will expect the quote to include all necessary insurances, but it doesn’t hurt to double check. When hiring a car, there are three legal insurance requirements:

• Third-party liability
• Collision Damage Waiver (or Loss Damage Waiver)
• Theft Protection

Check for excess if you’re buying insurance from the hire firm. An excess is the amount of money you have to pay towards any claim you make while driving the hire car. Car hire firms make a lot of money by offering ‘additional insurance’- usually at a daily rate, which means you don’t pay anything if you do have an accident.

Remember that you don’t have to take out the insurance offered by the car hire firm. It can be a lot cheaper to find a standalone policy from an insurance company not connected to the company. If you have a comprehensive motor insurance policy you might already have rental car insurance cover so don’t take the same cover out twice!

Other Considerations

• Age The minimum age at which you can legally rent a car is usually 21, but you’ll be charged more anyway if you’re under 25. For older drivers, the age limit is set around 75.
• Car type Don’t expect to get exactly the car you saw on the website, as any booking is usually for a ‘group’ such as ‘compact’, rather than a specific model.
• Mileage what is the arrangement for mileage on the car you’re hiring? Is there a limit to the mileage you can do or is it an unlimited deal?
• Fuel Check whether you will need to fill the tank up, or half fill the tank when you return the car.
• Extras Find out what’s included in the price and whether you’ll have to pay for accessories like child seats, or sat nav.

When You Pick The Car Up

Inspect the car before you drive off for any damage from previous renters. It’s also a good idea to check the lights, wipers etc so that you know whether they are working when you take the car.

Also check what fuel type the car uses: if you accidentally use the wrong fuel and damage the car, you’re unlikely to be covered by the insurance.

When You Take The Car Back

At the end of the hire period, don’t just drop the car off, watch them inspect it so that you don’t get the blame for any damage after you have returned the car. Make a record of the mileage, too. If you’ve had an accident, keep all the repair bills. And it goes without saying...always take the car back on time, or you could get a hefty bill for late return!