Car Hire FAQs | UK Car & Van Rental
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FAQs

We’re always available on the end of a phone if you need any help or advice, but you might be able to find the information you need now in our list of Frequently Asked Questions below.

How can we help you?

Before You Book

FAQs to help during the booking process

What’s Included

Do I need to pay the Congestion Charge or Dartford Crossing charge when hiring from you?

These charges are not included in the cost of your rental price, so if you enter the Congestion Charge zone or use the Dartford Crossing, you will have to pay any charges incurred. You will also be charged an administration fee in the event of any traffic offences or fines. Please note that none of the vehicles available to hire with us will be liable for a ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) charge, as they all meet the required criteria for low emissions.

What is included in the rental price?

Your inclusive rental price has no hidden costs and includes pick up and drop off, insurance, unlimited mileage, breakdown cover and a 24-hour emergency line as standard.

Do I need insurance to book a vehicle?

Our prices are inclusive of insurance, so you do not need your own insurance when you hire one of our vehicles.

Do you offer unlimited mileage? / What is the mileage policy?

Mileage is included in our standard daily rental. There are exclusions: rentals that exceed 21 days and also rentals where the vehicle is being taken out of the UK.

Is a deposit required when you book a vehicle?

Our deposits vary dependent on the category of vehicle. £250 for a standard vehicle to £1250 for our prestige vehicles.

Do you offer a free pick up and drop off service?

Yes, we do offer a free pick up and drop off service to and from our office.

Booking Options

I have a discount code – where can I add this?

If you have a valid discount code, you can enter it during the online booking process.

How do I request additional extras, such as child seats, sat navs and additional drivers?

You can ask for an additional driver to be placed on your rental agreement when you place your order online. If there are other extras you need, such as a sat nav or child seats, just contact our office and we’ll be happy to arrange everything for you.

Do you offer one way rentals?

We do! We have six locations spread across the London area – Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Stansted, Southend and City Airport – and you can pick up at one and drop off at another for your convenience.

Do you offer long term hire? What is the maximum term I can hire for?

Yes, car rentals of more than 21 days are possible.

Can I add additional drivers?

Additional drivers can be added to the rental agreement, subject to them conforming to our standard terms and conditions. Additional driver charges may apply.

Booking Policies

Am I allowed to transport my pet in one of your vehicles?

We operate a strict ‘no pets’ policy so that all our vehicles are clean and hygienic for all subsequent users. Smoking is also not allowed in any of our vehicles. Failure to adhere to these rules will result in a valet charge.

Can I hire a vehicle to travel abroad?

Hiring one of our vehicles in order to travel abroad is an option, and can be discussed prior to making a booking. If you are planning on driving your car rental overseas, please get in touch with us before booking your vehicle online.

What driving licence do I need to be able to hire a vehicle?

UK residents need a full UK driving licence that has been held for at least one year. If you are visiting from abroad and have been in the UK less than a year, a valid international licence is acceptable.

What is a collision damage waiver?

A collision damage waiver (CDW) is provided in case you have a collision or your car suffers damage during the rental period. Essentially it means that we waive the right to charge you for damage to your rental vehicle. All our rentals include CDW as standard.

Can I hire a vehicle if I have points on my licence?

We will generally accept your booking as long as you have no more than six points on your licence. However, we do reserve the right to refuse if your endorsements are for a more serious offence.

Is smoking allowed?

It is prohibited to smoke in any of our vehicles. If vehicles are returned with evidence of being smoked in, there will be a minimum fumigation fee of £75 + VAT.

What is your fuel policy? Is there an additional fuel charge?

If vehicles are not returned with the same amount of fuel, a refuel service charge will apply. This is charged at £1.52 per litre.

What are the age requirements to hire a vehicle?

Minimum age for hire is 23. This will alter dependent on specific vehicle category.

What are the requirements for car and van rental?

We will require a full and valid driving license. The hirer must be over the age of 23. Minimum age will differ dependent on the type of vehicle required. The hirer must have held a full license for a minimum of one year, and longer for certain vehicle categories.

If the hirer has a UK license, then the DVLA Check code will be required at the point of hire. Certain endorsements are not acceptable – these can be checked by contacting our office directly.

Overseas hirers will require a full license issued from their permanent home country. A passport and additional ID will be required as well. A minimum deposit of £250 is required at the start of hire. The deposit can vary depending on the vehicle category. Full requirements of hire are listed in our terms and conditions on our website.

What payment options do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards.

Our Vehicles

Am I able to bring my own child seat to use in your vehicles?

You can bring your own child seat, but it is your responsibility to ensure that it is fitted safely and securely before driving away. Find out more about child car seat regulations in the UK by reading our detailed blog on the subject.

Do your vehicles have sat navs?

Not all of our vehicles are fitted with a sat nav. If you do require one, please get in touch with our office ahead of collecting your car so that we can arrange for one to be available for you.

Do you provide child seats?

Our child seats span infant to toddler and are charged at £5 per day. Find out more about child seat laws in the UK on our blog.

Managing Your Booking

Here to help once you’ve made your booking

Am I able to upgrade my vehicle after booking?

Yes, you can upgrade or amend your vehicle after making your initial booking. That can include selecting a different vehicle, changing the hire period, adding an additional driver and more. Just contact our office to arrange this and we’ll update your reservation with your new details.

What do I need to bring with me when I collect the vehicle?

If you are a UK resident, you need to bring your driving licence, your national insurance (NI) number and a second proof of address, such as a bank statement, council tax bill or utility bill. Non-UK residents need to bring their international driving licence and their passport.

How do I make changes to my reservation?

If you need to change any of the details in your reservation, just give our office a call or send us an email and we’ll be more than happy to make the changes required.

Can I cancel my vehicle booking?

Yes, you can cancel your booking. If a cancellation is made with less than 72 hours before the start of hire, then the rental cost is not refunded. In relation to high demand categories such as prestige cars and minibuses, no refunds are provided irrespective of when the cancellation is made.

During the Hire Period

24 hour customer care during your hire contract

Will the vehicle be inspected before and after the hire period?

Yes. When you arrive to collect, we will have already inspected the vehicle and taken photos of its existing condition, which we will share with you at that time. We would strongly advise you to carry out your own inspection at this time and advise us of any concerns before driving away. Another inspection will be carried out when the vehicle is returned – we would prefer you to be present for this. However, if you are dropping off the vehicle out of hours, we will carry out the inspection the following working day and share the report and photos with you once it has been completed.

Where can I find information on how to operate my vehicle during the hire period?

Before you drive away with your rental vehicle, we will give you a full run through of everything you need to know to operate it safely and how to make the most of all its features. If you require further assistance or advice during the period of your hire, you can always get in touch with us on the phone. 

I have sustained damage to the vehicle, what should I do?

If you have a mechanical issue that means you are unable to drive your vehicle, contact the breakdown service. You can then get in touch with us and we will advise what you should do next. For minor damage, if it has been sustained in an incident involving another vehicle, inform the police via the incident number provided, then contact us directly for further advice.

If I have an emergency during the hire period, what should I do?

When you collect your vehicle, we will provide you with our full contact information, along with breakdown and incident report numbers.

What is the process when I pick up the vehicle?

When you make your booking, select the date, time and location at which you’d like to collect your vehicle. If you’re collecting after flying into one of the airports we serve (Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Stansted, Southend and City), we can be there at your terminal to meet you and take you straight to your vehicle. Read more about our car hire process by clicking here.

What if my flight is delayed and I am unable to get to you on time for my booking?

We track flights so that we will know if yours has been delayed and when you are expected to land. If you are delayed in the airport, we can wait free for up to one hour, after which a charge will be imposed.

I want to return the vehicle early. Is that possible?

Vehicles can be returned early. Refunds are possible subject to vehicle category and notice period.

Is it possible to return the vehicle out of hours?

Yes, we have a drop-box facility allowing vehicles to be returned securely when we are closed. However, our preference is for the vehicle to be returned during working hours, so that its condition can be inspected with you present. If you do drop it off out of hours, you agree to the inspection taking place without you present and you will be sent the report and photos when it has been completed.

Still have a question? Get in touch with us today on 08081 787 286

Over 40 years experience

All-inclusive rates

No vehicle over 2 years old

Cancellation & flexible contracts

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Ian
Friendly and Efficient service,in and out within 10 mins and vehicles always brand new. Hired a few times now and will continue doing so.
Peter

First time I have rented a van, and I was very satisfied. The van was as advertised, and met my requirements perfectly. The checkout process was quick and efficient, and a slight misunderstanding following check-in of the van was resolved very quickly. I have no hesitation recommending Gatwick Car

Gerry D

I’ve been renting cars and vans from Gatwick Car and Van Rentals for over six years, with around 100 rentals in that time. The service from Raz and Ad is consistently outstanding—friendly, reliable, and professional. They offer great prices without any upselling, and the vehicles are always new and

Matt BG
I use this company because of the service they offer; easy to book, friendly in person, no hard sell on extras and quality vehicles.
Lauren Braybrooke

They have been amazing!! Was so easy to book. When I arrived the whole experience was friendly and easy to sort. The van was very clean and disinfected also very comfortable. The giving back of the vehicle was so easy. They had really made the whole experience nice and easy for a first time r

DON IRVINE

I have been a very satisfied customer for many years at Gatwick Car &Van rental at the Crawley location, I was previously renting vehicles with Enterprise rent-a-Car. I now only rent vehicles from GC& Van rental because all the vehicles present very well and are in a new condition, my dealings with

mariusz
always helpful, good cars, quick rental process, I recommend, no hidden costs, very good car rental
Keith
Prices fair and reasonable Customer service from collection to return easy, staff helpful and friendly Couldn’t ask for more, this was my second visit only over a few short years and recieved the same standard of service
Anonymous
Excellent, friendly service. Great communication and very trustworthy.
michael rutledge
First class service. Lovely new clean van supplied for our house move. Excellent staff
Catherine

I cannot praise the team at Gatwick Car & Van Rental enough. I have been renting vehicles from them for several years now, and I can do nothing but praise their kindness and efficiency. I am usually travelling alone as a (tired and frazzled) female, and the team take so much of the stress away. T

Nic Haye
I’ve been using these guys for a couple of years now and the staff are very friendly and helpful – always good service – vans seem to be mostly very new and all are incredibly clean and tidy – reasonable pricing too – all good!!
Anonymous
Very precise to answer and deal with our requests. Good large space car we could hire and it was indeed very useful.
Colin, Cz
Excellent customer service, fantastic value for money.
Anonymous

Have used them for 12 years, from a few days to a couple of months. Always accommodating, even with short notice. The cars are always high quality and the service impeccable. Can’t recommend highly enough. The team from the boss all the way down, always polite and friendly. Excellent rates too by co

Lee
Great service lovely van, decent price…all at short notice thanks
Wayne Harris
Highly recommend this company… they are friendly, prompt, helpful, their cars are very good, and unlike other rental companies I’ve encountered the whole process from start to finish is very easy. 100% endorse them
Nic Haye
I have used Gatwick Car & Van several times over the past few years – always great service (so important!) – vans are always clean and tidy – competitive pricing too – all good!
Sitaram Dhulipala
Raj is providing very good service and very helpful. I strongly recommend this to my friends and colleagues. Thanks.
geoffrey britton
I have been useing this company for more than 10years and their standard has never dropped all first class service and very helpfull staff 5stars
Julian C

I have been using Gatwick Car and Van Rental for some years. Their service is, in my experience, the finest you will find in the Car Hire business. Exceptionally good customer service; they really do care. Though I usually have the smallest car they have, it is always clean, reliable and well mainta

James Pickard

We needed to rent a 7 seater for a weekend and we found Gatwick Car and Van Rental to be a great company, easy and professional to deal with and who rented us a great car in great condition at a great price. What was most appreciated was how straightforward the website was. Most other companies sho

Kyle Taylor
I’ve been using Gatwick Car & Van rental for 10years and have always received fantastic service at a great price.
Lee Huggett
Amazing service by the team at Gatwick car and van hire. Great prices and always helpful in the multiple times I’ve used their service.
Anonymous
Good quality service for car rentals. I am pleased with staff being helpful and honest. Unlike many rental companies, Gatwick Rental is a relief in that it’s not limited to cap in daily mileage. Flexibility is another factor too.
Michael Finn
Pleasant, polite and helpful staff. Easy to book using their website. Efficient contact via email after original booking. Excellent value for money. Always my first choice for renting a vehicle.
James Hoyle
Polite staff, good communication, great vehicle – efficient service – what more to say? Would definitely use this company again
Stephen denton
rented the fiat 500 for 32 days and it was great to drive. mpg was amazing. They picked us up very fast and had everything ready. They are MUCH cheaper than airport prices and are there to help you in any way. We loved the guys and their service. Its our Goto place fot the future trips.
Philip from Greece
Arrived after midnight. They picked me up, sorted me out, was on the road in less than a hour. Brilliant service, lovely people, so helpful, no stress at all. Well done all at the car rental. Thank you so much.
Robert
Very efficient service, staff very helpful and vehicles well presented and of a high standard. Have now used them several times and plan to use them more.

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