How much does it really cost to rent a van?
Are you looking to rent a van? Good choice! But how much can you expect to pay? Explore the most important factors in our guide.
Sometimes, finding out how much something costs is trickier than you might expect.
This is partly because of fluctuations in price caused by the cost-of-living crisis and supply chain disruptions. But it's also sometimes down to unscrupulous vendors taking their customers for a ride.
Sadly, this can be true in the world of van hire. We say "sadly" because these vendors put customers on edge and tar reputable firms with the same brush.
Here at MVH Rental, we're not interested in pulling the wool over anyone's eyes. We're upfront about our costs and services, and we have the glowing reviews to prove it.
But if you're currently looking for a van, you may be wondering just how much you'll end up paying. To help you on your way, here are some of the key factors that affect van hire costs in the UK.
Still unclear? Please don't hesitate to give us a call on 0191 4888 700. We'd be happy to supply you with quotes – and we can guarantee a transaction free from marketing speak and hidden costs.
Ballpark prices
The average daily cost for van hire varies by van size. At the time of writing:
- Small vans start at around £50 to £70
- Short-wheel-base (SWB) vans start at around £70 to £90
- Large, long-wheel-base (LWB) or Luton box vans start at around £80 to £110
Several factors can affect these hire costs. One is location. Van hire prices change by region and city – although not always in the way you'd expect. For this reason, it's always worth filtering by location when searching online.
Prices are also affected by when you hire the van. Peak times, such as weekends, are usually more expensive than weekdays. The same goes for peak seasons such as holidays, the summer months and big events.
Last-minute van hire will almost always be more expensive than booking in advance. It's not always possible to book ahead. But if you can, you're likely to make a saving.
The length of your hire period can be a factor, too. The daily rate for a short-term hire tends to be higher than for something longer-term.
Finally, you should take into account that many listed prices are VAT-exclusive. This means you should add VAT to the hire cost before committing to the rental agreement.
Price fluctuations
Sometimes, prices fluctuate because of broader changes in the rental market or the economy at large.
At the time of writing, the cost-of-living crisis has driven up operating costs for many rental companies. This is reflected in the overall price of van hire in the UK.
The same goes for disruptions in the supply chain. If rental companies can't get the vehicles or components they need, they may be forced to raise prices.
We can't predict the future, but it seems unlikely that prices will go down significantly any time soon. This will unavoidably affect the amount you'll pay to rent a van. Despite this, you can still get a good deal if you shop around carefully.
Hidden costs
A good rental company will never give you a nasty surprise in the form of a hidden cost. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous dealers maximise their profits at the expense of renters by concealing costs in their agreements.
Some common hidden costs include extra insurance options and waivers, out-of-allowance mileage charges, additional driver fees, cross-border charges, fuel surcharges, late return penalties and even add-ons like GPS and child seats.
The best way to avoid these charges is by looking for marks of quality. Before you sign on the dotted line, read customer testimonials. If no one is repping the company but the company itself, you're jeopardising your chance of a successful rental.
You should also make sure to communicate with the company and clear up any doubts before committing to a rental. A reputable company will always be happy to answer your questions and give you the information you need.
Yes, hidden costs are an unfortunate feature of the vehicle rental market. But they're far from universal and can be avoided by working with a reputable firm like ours.
How to get a good deal
Given the factors affecting van rental prices and the fluctuations they can undergo, you may be wondering how to go about getting the best deal.
Comparison sites can help you get an overview of the local market. The problem is that they don't always give you all the information you need. This means you'll usually have to cross-check what the comparison site says against the company website.
For this reason, it can be more efficient to go directly to a trusted local dealer. They'll be able to fill you in about the prices on offer and won't surprise you with any underhand fees.
If you're in the northeast of England, you need look no further than us. But if you're located elsewhere, you should look for a company with testimonials, a wide range of vehicles on offer, good communication and ample experience.
How MVH Rental can help
Here at MVH Rental, we put our customers' needs first. We provide a friendly, professional service, arranging personal and business hire for a variety of rental periods.
Above all, we're affordable. Our prices won't be beaten – and if you do find van hire in the North East at a cheaper rate, we'll match it.
What's more, all our vans come with insurance, breakdown coverand a full valet and safety check. This gives our customers the peace of mind they need.
So, whether you're moving home or looking for a long-term business vehicle, we can help. Get in touch today and we'll talk you through your options and prices. Or get started straight away by browsing our fleet of vans online.
