Van hire questions you were afraid to ask
Got a burning question about van hire? Here are 10 answers to questions you might be too embarrassed to ask.
We don't mind admitting it: car rental companies sometimes get a bad press. And one big reason for this is the perception that the people who run them don't have time for your questions.
At MVH Rental, we do things differently. In our view, there are no stupid questions – just people with different levels of knowledge and experience.
If you've never hired a van before, you're bound to have questions about the price, the vehicle itself, the documentation required, the fuel… And what you don't want is someone looking at you like you're a fool.
That's why we've put together this FAQ about van hire. We hope it gives you the answers you need – and if it doesn't,
give us a call! We'd love to help set you up with the right vehicle for your requirements.
Where do you pick up the van?
Most of the time, you pick up your van from the company's branch. At MVH, this is in Swalwell, about 12 minutes' drive from Newcastle upon Tyne city centre.
Some companies also offer pick-up and drop-off services. This will usually cover a certain radius from the company branch and, depending on the company, may cost you extra.
Some of the bigger companies also provide rental bays and partner with businesses like B&Q and IKEA for rental pick-up spots.
What documents do I need to hire a van?
In the UK, you'll need a valid driving licence, proof of address and a payment method (credit or debit card).
At MVH Rental, we ask customers to bring two proofs of address (bank statements, utility bills or council tax bills) and a DVLA check code generated on the
government website.
If you have a paper driving licence, you'll also need to bring a passport that's valid for at least another six months. If you have a photocard driving licence, you don't need to bring a passport.
What kind of licence do I need?
To hire most types of vans in the UK, you only need a standard UK driving licence (Category B). You also need to provide evidence of any speeding offences on your licence.
At MVH, we can't insure you if you have more than six penalty points on your licence (or three penalty points if you're between 21 and 24). The same goes for any driver who has a driving ban or has had their licence revoked within the last 10 years.
If you want to hire a van over 3.5 tonnes in weight, you'll need a Category C1 or Category C licence.
How old do you have to be to hire a van?
The most common minimum age for van hire in the UK is 23. At MVH Rental, however, we rent out vehicles to people aged 21 and over. You just need proof of ID, a payment method and a clean, valid driving licence.
Can I have more than one driver?
Yes, you can usually add drivers to your van hire agreement. However, the fees for this will vary from company to company. You should also check to see if your agreement limits the number of additional drivers allowed.
At MVH, additional drivers aren't included in the initial hire cost.
Let us know your requirements and we'll sort them out for you.
Who provides fuel?
Different van hire companies have different fuel policies. The two most common are full-to-full (also called "same-to-same") and full-to-empty.
Full-to-empty means you pay for a full tank and are expected to return the vehicle with as little fuel in the tank as possible. You're not reimbursed for the cost of the full tank.
Others, including us, operate a full-to-full policy. This is where you get a full tank on collection and you return it full. We think this is a fairer and more cost-effective policy for drivers.
If you return the van and the tank isn't full, you have to pay for the shortfall. This could be a minimum charge of £30 or £4 a litre.
What size van do I need?
The size of the van you need will depend on what you need it for. For moving small loads, a small van is ideal. If you're hiring a van to move house, you'll want a medium, large, extra large or Luton van. The same goes for hauliers needing extra space.
What happens if I break down?
Most van hire companies include insurance in their rental costs. At MVH, you get insurance and RAC Breakdown Cover. This guarantees you 24/7 roadside assistance for the length of the hire period. In other words, if you break down, we've got you covered.
You may have to pay extra for a collision damage waiver. This protects you from payouts if your rental van is damaged by collision, theft or vandalism.
What's the difference between a minibus and a van?
Vans are designed to transport goods. They typically have seats at the front and cargo space at the back. Minibuses are people carriers and contain multiple rows of seats.
What does "van contract hire" mean?
Van contract hire – also known as "business contract hire" (BCH) or "personal contract hire" (PCH) – is a kind of vehicle hire where you pay a monthly fee to use the van for a fixed period. This is typically between two and five years. At the end of the contract, you return the van to the company.
What we offer
At MVH Rental, you can expect flexible hire options, competitive rates and a friendly, professional service. We have an extensive fleet of vans for both personal and business use. Hire agreements include servicing and breakdown cover.
So, if you're looking for affordable
van hire in Newcastle upon Tyne, don't hesitate to
get in touch or browse our
rental vans online. We'll have you behind the wheel in no time.
