Am I eligible to hire a vehicle?

With more than half a century of experience to our name now here at Intack Self Drive, we’ve got a fleet of more than 450 vehicles to choose from, so you’ve got the freedom to hire a car, van, or minibus according to what best suits you. Whether you’re moving house, taking the team off to a conference, or you just need a short-term hire for a quick business trip, we’ve got you covered.

Of course, before you hit the road, one of the first things you’ll need to check is that whoever’s going to be driving that vehicle (whether it’s you or someone else) is actually eligible to do so. It might sound obvious, but it might surprise you to know how easy it can be to get tripped up on something minor, which can cause you no end of headaches on the day. So, to save you that, we’ve collated a quick roundup of some of the most important factors that affect your eligibility to hire a vehicle. Let’s get started, shall we?

Age requirements

Here at Intack Self Drive, you’ll need to be at least 25 years old to hire a car from us.

It’s in line with most other hire companies here in the UK – the minimum age to hire a vehicle is generally 21 years, although some companies may allow rentals at 18, albeit with restrictions. For those rental companies who do allow people to rent under the age of 25, they often impose a young driver surcharge to offset the risk, which can be quite significant. By the same token, some companies may restrict the types of vehicles available to younger drivers, often limiting them to smaller, economy models.

On the other hand, if you’re over 70, some companies may require a medical declaration or additional documentation to ensure that you are fit to drive. It’s generally a good idea to check the specific requirements of the rental company you choose, as policies can differ widely.

Driving licence requirements

As you might expect, you need to hold a valid UK driving licence to hire a vehicle from us here at Intack – and indeed, from essentially every hire company. Ideally, you’ll have held this for at least 12 months to ensure that you’ve got a decent level of driving experience. Like most hire companies, we’ll also check for any penalties or outstanding points – you can still hire a carwith points on your licence, but there are limits! If your licence has been suspended or revoked, this obviously could disqualify you from hiring a vehicle, make sure to address any potential issues before your rental date.

Identification and documentation

When hiring a vehicle, you will need to present several forms of identification. (We’ve detailed our own requirements at Intack in more detail here.) For starters, you’ll always need a valid photocard licence and a valid credit or debit card. You’ll also need at least one proof of address, dated within the last three months. You may need one or two more additional documents if you’re a new customer, or you’re returning after not having hired from us for a while. It’s also wise to double-check that all your documents are current and valid, as expired identification could result in a denied rental.

More or less every hire company will have roughly the same requirements, but if you’re not sure of anything, it’s best to get in touch with them beforehand.

Payment methods

Like most rental companies, we accept credit and debit cards for payment, though it’s worth bearing in mind that policies can differ between different providers.

It’s a good idea to ensure that the cardholder is present during the rental process, as many companies require the card used for payment to be in the name of the person hiring the vehicle. (This policy is designed to help prevent fraud and ensures that the rental agreement is valid.)

Bear in mind that some companies may place a hold on your card for the duration of the rental, which could temporarily reduce your available credit. It's therefore a good plan to to check with your bank about any potential impacts on your finances during the rental period. If you plan to use a debit card, certain companies may have stricter requirements, including proof of return travel.

Insurance requirements

Insurance is a vital aspect of hiring a vehicle. Basic insurance is included in your rental agreement here at Intack Self Drive, but we’d also recommend considering additional coverage, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) or theft protection, as these options can significantly reduce your financial liability in the event of an accident or theft.

Whoever you’re hiring from, it’s worth reviewing the terms of your rental agreement carefully, as insurance policies can vary widely among companies. Plus, don’t forget to check if your personal car insurance or credit card offers any coverage for rental vehicles, which might save you money on additional policies. If you plan to drive outside of the UK, you’ll need to confirm whether your insurance covers you for international travel, as some policies may have restrictions.

Driving history

As we’ve touched on above with the issue of licences, your driving history plays a critical role in your eligibility to hire a vehicle. If you have points on your licence, you’ll need to to mention this information to the rental company – whether that’s us or someone else – as it may affect your ability to hire a vehicle.

Each rental company has its own policies regarding drivers with endorsements, so transparency is key. Previous accidents or insurance claims may also impact your eligibility, and some companies may refuse rental based on this history. It’s worth considering obtaining a driver’s record or a check through the DVLA, which can clarify your standing and potentially preempt any issues at the rental desk. If you’ve recently completed a driving course or received a clean record after a period of endorsements, you might want to highlight this when booking!

That’s all the essentials covered! If you’ve got any doubts or you need anything more clarifying, we’d recommend taking a quick look through our FAQ page. Alternatively, you can give us a quick call on 01254 57811, and one of our team can chat through the requirements for car hire in as much or as little detail as you like. We’re here to help!