Hiring a vehicle for the first time can feel a little daunting. Whether you need a van for moving house, a car for a weekend away or an extra vehicle for work, it's natural to have questions before you book. At Skipton Self Drive, we help first-time customers every day, so we've put together answers to some of the questions we're asked most often. Hopefully, by the time you've finished reading, you'll feel confident about booking your first hire.
What Do I Need Before I Collect My Vehicle?
The first question we hear is usually, what do I need to bring? To collect your hire vehicle from Skipton Self Drive, you'll need your photocard driving licence, a recent proof of address dated within the last three months and a DVLA driving licence check code. If you still have an older paper driving licence, you'll also need to bring a valid passport. Having these documents ready means we can get you on the road as quickly as possible.
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Customers also ask whether there's a deposit to pay. The answer is yes. The minimum deposit is £200 when you take out Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), or £500 without it. The deposit is paid by credit or debit card in the driver's name when you collect the vehicle. Once your hire has ended and the vehicle has been inspected, your deposit is released, less any applicable charges such as fuel or damage.
Finally, many people wonder if they're eligible to hire. At Skipton Self Drive, drivers need to be between 21 and 75 years old, with a few additional restrictions for younger drivers. If you're unsure whether you qualify, simply give our team a call before booking and we'll be happy to advise.
What Should I Know Before Driving Away?
Another common question is, what's included in the hire price? At Skipton Self Drive, the daily rental price includes fully comprehensive insurance for one driver, unlimited mileage, breakdown cover and VAT. There are no hidden extras to worry about, and if you'd like another driver to share the journey, they can usually be added for a small daily charge, provided they're present with the required documents when the vehicle is collected.
People also ask about fuel. Every vehicle leaves us with a full tank, but you don't have to return it completely full. Instead, we'll refill it after you've returned it and simply deduct the cost of any fuel used from your deposit at standard pump prices. Unlike some rental companies, we don't add administration fees or inflated fuel charges.
If you've never driven a van before, don't worry. Our team will show you around the vehicle before you leave and answer any questions you have. And if a warning light appears or you experience a problem during your hire, just give us a call. We're here to help throughout your rental, so you won't be left trying to work things out on your own.
What Happens When I Return the Vehicle?
Returning your vehicle is just as easy as collecting it. If you're bringing it back during opening hours, we'll inspect it and process everything with you. If you're returning it outside office hours, that's no problem either. We have a secure 24-hour key drop, allowing you to park the vehicle on site and leave the keys safely. Just bear in mind that the vehicle remains your responsibility until it's been inspected by a member of our team.
Another question we're often asked is, what if I accidentally damage the vehicle? If something happens, simply let us know as soon as possible. While you'll be responsible for negligent damage and any applicable insurance excess, our team will explain the process clearly and help you through the next steps. Many customers also choose to take out Collision Damage Waiver to reduce their excess and enjoy extra peace of mind during their hire.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a vehicle for the first time is usually far simpler than people expect. Once you know what documents to bring, what's included in your hire and how collection and returns work, the whole process becomes straightforward.
At Skipton Self Drive, we believe vehicle hire should be simple, transparent and stress-free. Whether you're hiring for business or pleasure, our friendly team is always happy to answer your questions and make sure you choose the right vehicle for the job. If it's your first time hiring, don't hesitate to get in touch, we'll guide you through every step of the process.
To book your first hire car or van with us, contact our team today on 01756 792911 or book online here.
