When looking to hiring a van you want to be sure you are comfortable with the vehicle and that its is going to be good for the purpose of what you need to hire it for. Here you will find quality advice on what to do when hiring a van, especially for the first time. Hiring and driving a van, is much more different to driving a car. Although modern vans feel more like car when driving them. This guide is the Ultimate Checklist For Van Rentals In The UK.

Plan your route wisely when hiring a van

Planning your destination ahead of time will help you to avoid delays and charges. The UK has 3 Cities with a clean air zones that are listed below.

• Bath clean air zone C
• Birmingham  clean air zone D
• Portsmouth clean air zone B

Cities with bridge toll charges that you will need to be aware of when planning your routes. Check Toll Charges Here.

Peak Time Congestion Charges Include

• London Congestion Charge
• Durham Road User Charge Zone

Take note of the above information as we would want you to get any unexpected charges.

Check that the van you hire actually starts up

The first thing you will want to do when shown your rented vehicle, is to start it up. This will warm up the engine and illuminate any warning lights on the dashboard. On start up check for any knocking noises or off key sounds that may cause a problem later down the line. Listen to the exhaust noises and insure that the vehicle is not blowing black or white smoke. Check if the van has a keyless start. Take note some modern vans require the clutch pedal to be pressed down before it will start up.

Make a note of the vans fuel level when hiring

You will need to check that your van has enough fuel, to either get you to the nearest fuel station or a full tank that you would replace once the vehicle is returned. Always check when booking with a van rental company, that your van is fuelled.

Check your vans condition before leaving

One of the most important things to check when your renting a van, is its condition. Take a video of the outside or the van and be sure to point out to your repersentatitve any damages you may find. Big or small. You will also want to check the interior of the van. Make sure it has no burn marks or any damages that you will be liable for when returning the vehicle. Take pictures of the whole van the wheels, the body and tail lift if it has one.

Get familiar with your vans devices & controls

You will need to know where the lights, indicators, hazard lights, mirrors and hand brakes are located on your rented van. The lights may be on the dash of the vehicle, while your wipers and indicators will be at the side of the steering wheel. It is important that you know exact where these items are and that they are all in a good working order before driving the vehicle. Check the windows are all working and check the wing mirrors are all intact and point in the right direction for you to see clearly.

Be sure the hot & cold air works

If hiring a van in the winter, the last thing you need is for the air ventilation not to be working correctly or at all. A van with no heating at winter can be unbearable and its the same in the summer, if the van you are hiring has a damaged cold air or air conditioning system.

Be sure you have the right driving licence and ID

To hire a van you will need the correct identification and driving licence. The driving licence will need to be a full UK licence and you will need to provide 2 letters in the name and address or the hirer or driver. Many rental companies will require you to be 25 years of age before they can hire you a van. So double check this before making a trip to the van rental company.

Read the small print

read the small print when hiring a van. You will need to check your van rental companies terms and conditions and sign to say you adere to the contract. Failing to read the small print you may miss something vital or a simple as being charge a late fee for returning a van after working hours. The small print will highlight everything the company can and cant do when hiring to you. It will explaining what terms you will need to abide by. Failing to abide by the van rental companies rules, will result in additional charges.

Get the important contact numbers you may need

If you break down you will need a number for a emergency recovery service, who will fix you at the road side. If you have had an accident you will need to contact the rental companies insurance company as well as a break down recovery. You may need a contact number for the office incase your van needs to replace urgently. Be sure to get these contact details when hiring your van.