What to Bring With You When Hiring a Van in the UK

Businesses and individuals alike will find many good reasons for hiring a van in the UK. Whether they are moving house or transporting goods, taking people around the town or keeping fragile items safe on the road, there are certain things a person will need to bring when they pick up their van hire.

Booking Confirmation
If you have booked your van hire online you will often receive a voucher number or certificate. Be sure to bring that along with you as it includes much of the information needed to get the vehicle into your hands. If you have received an email with confirmation of the booking you may be able to show this with your mobile phone. Ask ahead of time to be sure you don’t need a paper copy of your voucher.

Identification Is Important
Be sure to have a valid driver’s license with you. Those who are under the age of 23 are generally not able to hire a van, so besides indicating your ability to drive a license will also verify your age. Often an additional piece of identification that contains your photograph is needed to obtain the vehicle. A passport is your best choice for this, although a photo card from a verifiable employer may also be accepted in certain cases.

Payment Please
Even if you have prepaid your van hire amount you will likely need a valid credit card to present upon pick up. At that time a security deposit is often taken, as well as a fuel amount. In general, these amounts are only held as authorized and not charged to the card directly, although they may be charged first and refunded upon the return of the van in good condition with a full tank of fuel.

Questions and Concerns
Be sure to ask any questions that you may have before accepting the keys to the vehicle. Reservations often cannot be cancelled, so find out as much as you can before reserving a van. But if you do have additional concerns make sure to voice them before leaving the lot.

Find out about insurance coverage and have a good look at the vehicle yourself before you drive away. If there is any significant damage you can see, be sure to have an employee verify that it was there upon pick up, making a note of it in the vehicle’s file or on your invoice. These steps may seem unnecessary, but they can also serve to protect your interests in the event that extra charges are incurred when you return the van.

Ask about what type of goods can be placed into the vehicle and whether there are any limitations. You may or may not need to disclose what you will be transporting, including furniture, passengers and any potentially harmful or dangerous substances. Be up front with the staff at all times and rest assured that your van hire will be handled professionally.

By bringing the right information along when looking for van hire companies will make the process easier and smoother for all planning involved.

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