Hiring a vehicle for your trip aboard? Here’s what you need to know

Going on our holidays is something we all look forward to year-round, and if you like to hit the open road while you're away, hiring a vehicle to take with you is a great idea. At Intack Self Drive, our fleet has a wide selection of vehicles, from compact cars to vans and minibuses, all available for you to hire and take with you on your travels on both daily hire or flexi-hire contracts.

However, before you pack your bags and start your engines, there are a few things you'll need to keep in mind to make sure everything goes according to plan! Here's everything you need to know to make sure you're fully prepared for your international adventure.

What vehicles you can and can't hire for overseas travel

When hiring from our fleet for an overseas trip, there are certain limitations on the types of vehicles you can take with you. Everything from cars to vans is good to go, but the maximum capacity we can hire out for overseas travel is minibuses with up to nine seats - anything larger cannot be taken abroad.

This means you can hire a car, van, or minibus, but if you need a larger vehicle that holds more than nine people, you'll need to find another option. This rule ensures that we can manage our fleet of vehicles more effectively and comply with regulations regarding international travel.

Mileage and additional charges

When you hire a vehicle for travel abroad, you’ll be happy to know that up to 1,000 miles are included in your hire agreement. This should be enough to cover most typical trips across Europe or beyond, but if your journey takes you further, additional charges apply once you exceed the 1,000-mile limit. The rate for these extra miles will depend on the duration of your trip and the distance travelled. It’s a good idea to estimate the length of your trip and plan your route carefully to avoid any unexpected additional costs so you’re not caught off guard with unanticipated fees at the end of your trip.

The essential documents

One of the most important documents you need when hiring a vehicle to take abroad is the VE103. Unlike a personal vehicle, where you would take the V5 registration document to prove ownership, a hire vehicle requires this form instead. The VE103 serves as a substitute for the V5, legally confirming that you have permission to use the vehicle.

At Intack Self Drive, our team will fill out the VE103 for you so that all the details are accurate and ready for your journey. This document, along with your driving licence, is essential for crossing borders, and you’ll need to keep them on you at all times while driving abroad.

Equipment to take with you

When travelling to different countries, you might need to take some extra items with you in your hire vehicle. In many places in Europe, for example, drivers are required to carry a reflective jacket and a warning triangle in case of emergencies. Some cities also have specific rules regarding stickers or permits for cars.

It's also important to check if you need special stickers for your headlights. These stickers help adjust your headlights so that you're not blinding other drivers when it's dark. Since each country has its own rules, it's a good idea to do some research and decide if it's feasible before you start your journey. If you're unsure about what to bring, feel free to reach out for help, and we'll make sure you're all set for your travels!

So to recap thats:

• Reflective jacket
• Warning triangle
• Stickers or permits
• Headlight adjustment stickers

Driving laws and rules

While driving in the UK may be second nature, roads and rules can be quite different abroad. Before you set off, it's essential to familiarise yourself with the driving laws of the country you're visiting. Each country has its own set of road rules, and it's crucial to know them to avoid any legal trouble. For example, many countries have a stricter drinking drive limit than we do, and in some countries, you can't drink and drive at all. What's more, while you may be old enough to hire and drive a vehicle in the UK, you may find that other countries have a higher minimum age or require more years of driving experience to hire a car or minibus - you never know!

Speed limits and general road signs can also vary, so it's wise to brush up on the local highway code before you drive. The last thing you want is to get caught out by a rule that wasn't on your radar. It's also worth checking if there are any special restrictions or requirements for hiring vehicles in the country you're visiting, just to be on the safe side!

If this sounds confusing or stressful, don't worry at Intack Self Drive; we're here to help you every step of the way, and we can help you make sure you have everything in order before you drive out of our premises. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, our fleet of vehicles is available for daily hire or flexi-hire, giving you the freedom and flexibility you need.

So, if you're ready to start exploring, get in touch with us today to book your ideal vehicle. For more information on our overseas hire deals, simply give us a call at 01254 57811, and we'll be happy to help you make your journey unforgettable and hassle-free!