5 essentials you need to know about first time car hire

Hiring a car for the first time can seem daunting, but here at Intack Self Drive, we’re passionate about helping to make it as easy for you as possible – all of which can help make the process smoother and more enjoyable. We’ve got a huge range of cars to choose from when it comes to car hire, van hire and minibus hire, so you’ll never be short of options. Whether you’re heading on a weekend getaway, or you need a vehicle for a short trip, here are the five most important things you need to know!

Choosing the right vehicle

So, it makes sense to start right at the beginning – which car are you going to need?

Now, we’ve previously written a full guide on how to choose the perfect rental car, but if you’re a little short of time, we’ll summarise the key bits here quickly.

It’s always a good idea to start by evaluating the size of the car. A compact car might be ideal for city driving and parking, while a larger vehicle, like an SUV or a people carrier, might be necessary if you’re travelling with family or a group of friends. You’ll also want to consider the type of driving you’ll be doing. For long-distance journeys, a car with good fuel efficiency and comfort features can make a significant difference.

Don’t forget to think about any special requirements you might have. For instance, if you’re travelling in winter, you might need a car with good traction or even winter tyres. If you’re planning on doing a lot of driving in rural areas, a 4x4 might be more suitable. If you’re not sure exactly what car you need, we can always give you a word or two of advice!

Insurance and coverage

You probably have a good idea of this already, but it’s a good idea to double-check before you hire, just in case – so you can avoid unexpected costs. Most car hire providers (like us) include basic insurance, which typically covers third-party liability but may not cover damage to the rental car itself. This basic insurance often comes with excess, which is the amount you would need to pay in the event of damage or theft.

Additional insurance can usually be purchased to reduce or eliminate this excess. Some providers (like us) may include Collision Damage Waiver, which covers damage to the car. Others may offer Theft Protection (TP), which covers the cost if the car is stolen. Some rental companies also offer Super CDW or zero excess insurance, which removes any potential out-of-pocket costs for damage or theft. Before you commit to anything, take a moment to carefully review the terms and conditions of each insurance option and consider your personal risk tolerance and what you’ll need from your coverage.

Documentation required

To hire a car, you’ll need to provide specific documentation. The primary requirements include a valid UK driving licence, a credit or debit card in the driver’s name, and proof of address. Make sure your driving licence is up-to-date and not close to expiring – this one sometimes catches people out. And for younger drivers, unfortunately a provisional licence won’t do; like us, most rental companies will require a full driving licence.

Your credit or debit card should be in the name of the main driver, and the card must have sufficient funds to cover the deposit or any potential charges. Proof of address may be required if you are a new customer, and this can usually be provided with recent utility bills or bank statements. Some companies may also request additional identification, such as a passport, especially if you’re hiring a car for the first time.

Return policies

More or less every company has specific return policies for their vehicles, so make sure to familiarise yourself with those in advance. Most companies require the car to be returned with a full tank of fuel. If you don’t refill the tank, you might incur higher refuelling charges compared to local fuel prices.

Mileage limits are another factor to watch, as exceeding the agreed mileage can result in extra fees. If you think there’s a chance you’ll end up driving more than the limit, discuss this with the rental company beforehand to adjust your mileage allowance.

If you need to return the car later than planned, make sure to notify someone from the rental company as soon as possible. Some firms offer a grace period, but exceeding it may lead to charges for an extra day or more. Returning the car during business hours is advisable to handle any issues on the spot and avoid late fees. And of course, make sure that you have all necessary paperwork and receipts, including the fuel receipt if applicable, and follow the company’s instructions for key drop-off if returning outside regular hours.

Age limits and driver requirements

In the UK, most car hire companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although like many other companies here at Intack, we have a minimum age of 25. Drivers under 25 often face additional young driver surcharges due to the increased risk associated with younger drivers, and some companies (including us, unfortunately) won’t permit them to hire a vehicle at all. This surcharge can vary widely between rental companies and even by vehicle type, so it’s worth comparing options.

We’ve explained the full list of requirements on our FAQs, but just to give you a quick summary of one or two things you’ll need to know:

• You need 12 months of driving experience to hire any car from us
• Large cars require the driver to be over 30 years of age
• Our maximum age limit for renting a vehicle with us is 75
• Renting a minibus from us means you’ll need to be over 25 years old with 2 years of driving experience.

If you plan to add additional drivers, ensure they meet the rental company’s requirements and be aware that there may be extra charges for this. Some rental companies also have upper age limits or additional requirements for older drivers, so it’s a good idea to check these details in advance. Make sure all drivers are listed on the rental agreement to avoid issues with insurance coverage in the event of an accident.

Those are the essentials covered! It couldn’t be easier to rent a vehicle with us here at Intack Self Drive - all of our rental vehicles come with the option to rent through daily hire, or our outstanding Flexi hire service, so whatever your needs, we’ll have a vehicle that suits your requirements. We’ve got almost half a century of car and minibus hire experience under our belt here at Intack Self Drive, and we’re always here to help. Ready to get started? You can browse the best hire deals right here on our site, or give us a call on 01254 57811!