Hiring a car when you know nothing about cars
Looking to hire a car and don't know your Peugeot from your Prius? Learn the essentials in our guide.
Here at MVH Rental, we pride ourselves on being a friendly bunch. Got a question? We're more than happy to answer – and we don't believe there's any such thing as a stupid question.
Nevertheless, we're saying that in the face of a widespread belief among non-motorists and people who just don't know much about cars. The perception is that car people can be, well, a bit judgmental.
We get it. That's why we treat all our customers equally – from motorway veterans to people who've just passed their test and everyone in between.
The fact is that you shouldn't let a lack of knowledge about the world of cars get in the way of a successful hire experience. You just need to do a bit of homework and ask as many questions as you please when talking to the rental firm.
So, without further ado, here are some key things to keep in mind when hiring a car – when you know nothing about cars. We hope it helps.
Are you old enough to hire?
First things first, did you know there's an age restriction on car hire in the UK?
This varies from firm to firm. In most cases, the minimum age is 21 or 23.
If your dreams depend on a rental car and you've not yet hit the required age, all is not lost. In some cases, you can still hire a car – you'll just need to pay a Young Drivers Surcharge. This can vary in cost, so make sure to shop around before you commit.
Do you have the right documents?
Ah, paperwork. For every person who loves it, there are enough to fill Wembley Stadium who hate it. Nevertheless, you need to be on top of your paperwork before you approach a rental firm about a car.
First off, you'll need an in-date, valid UK driving licence. On top of this, you'll need another form of ID. This could be a passport or birth certificate, but different firms have different options. You'll also need proof of address and the card you intend to use to pay for the rental.
These are the documents that will get you on the road. Once there, it's advisable to carry with you a copy of your travel insurance and your car hire excess insurance. If you're travelling abroad in a car registered in the UK, you'll need a VE103 (vehicle on hire certificate).
Paperwork done, it's time to pick your wheels. And if you're new to the world of cars, this can be a daunting prospect.
How do I choose the right car for me?
You walk into the forecourt or look at a hire firm's fleet
online. There are cars. Lots of them. Some are red. Some are blue. Some cars are bigger than others. Some cars' mirrors are bigger than other cars' mirrors. But leaving aside the price, aren't they all pretty much the same?
If you're not a car lover, your priorities in choosing a car boil down to two questions: one, will it get you where you need to go? And two, can you bear the sight of it?
Size is all-important. If you're taking your family to the Cotswolds, you'll need a different car from the one you'd drive for an inter-city business trip.
So, before you head into the showroom or ring the rental company, do your homework to find the kind of car you need. And once you're speaking to the company, don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you need before committing to a particular car.
Do I need extras?
Some cars come with extras such as air-con and sat nav. Do you need them? If the answer is no, you may as well go cheaper and get a no-frills car that does the job just as well.
What should I look for in a vehicle?
Before you sign on the dotted line, you should do a thorough damage check. This is because any damage
you cause will have to be paid for. It's important that any damage at the point of rental is acknowledged by the hire company.
You can do this with the company representative. Can you see any external or internal damage? Any wear and tear? Make sure the representative notes these down before you drive off.
What fuel policy should I choose?
Different rental firms use different fuel policies. There are three main types: "pay what you use", "full to full" and "full to empty".
The first is self-explanatory. The second means you must fill up the tank near the drop-off point before returning the car. The last one means you pay the company upfront and then return the car with the tank empty.
At MVH, we operate a
full-to-full fuel policy. We believe it's the most cost-effective option for our customers.
Have you checked the small print?
The fuel policy is one of several things you should look for in the small print of your contract. Other things include the insurance excess and who you should call in the event of a breakdown or accident.
Remember that the contract is binding. If you fail to notice something in the small print, you still have to abide by it. In the world of contract law, ignorance is no excuse.
How do I choose a hire company?
It's not just the cars that are difficult to choose from – it's the hire companies, too. What should you look for to ensure a good experience?
Well, at this point we're naturally going to be blowing our own trumpet. You should (we say as modestly as possible) go for a firm like ours: one that's local, experienced, friendly, well-stocked and willing to answer any questions you might have. Settle for less and you're likely to give yourself a headache down the line…
Looking for affordable
car hire in Tyne and Wear? At MVH Rental, we're known for our friendly service and great prices. To get started,
browse our fleet online – or give us a call on (0191) 4888 700.
