Everything You Need To Know About Car Hire

Whether your car is out of action and you need a temporary vehicle or are on the lookout for a motor to use while on holiday, car hire is a popular way to get around.  

Here at Gatwick Car & Van Rental, our team regularly receives calls from people wanting to find out more about what car hire entails. 

With this in mind, we’ve put together a few of the most commonly asked questions about car hire, in order to provide you with everything you need to know about the service.   

What type of car can I hire?

Probably the most frequently asked question we receive surrounds the types of car available to hire. 

At Gatwick Car & Van Rental, we have an extensive fleet of more than 300 vehicles to choose from, and you’ll be able to browse through a vast selection of cars before settling on something that works for you. 

Whether you require a large estate car for a family trip or something smaller to help you get around, you’ll be able to find something perfect for you. Plus, you can rest assured that you’ll be receiving a quality vehicle as all of our cars are less than 12 months old – meaning you’re unlikely to discover any issues on your journey.      

What are the advantages of car hire?

Car hire brings a whole host of benefits. As well as convenience, other advantages of car hire include:

No need to worry about breakdowns – As previously mentioned, all of the cars on offer at Gatwick Car & Van Rental are less than 12 months old, meaning the likelihood of breaking down is far less. However, if the worst does happen, our car hire comes with complete breakdown cover, keeping you protected wherever you are. 

Protect your own vehicle –  A key reason why people opt for car hire is because they don’t want to use their own vehicle – particularly on long journeys. The more often you drive your own car when embarking on longer journeys, the more likely you are to develop small faults and wear and tear. With car hire, you don’t need to worry about this and you can enjoy your trip safe in the knowledge your own vehicle is safe at home.

It’s better for the environment – It’s true, car hire can be better for the planet. This is because most car hire companies use newer cars that are typically more environmentally friendly than older models. If you own an older car, you’ll almost certainly minimise your trip’s impact on the climate by hiring one instead. They’ll also be more fuel-efficient, saving you money when at the pumps.    

Test drive your next car –  Sometimes you may want to test drive a car before purchasing. A great way to try out a vehicle you’re interested in, if your local car hire branch has a particular car that has taken your fancy, is to hire it for a few days to see if it’s for you.

What are the requirements of car hire?

When booking a car hire, there are a number of requirements you must meet. First and foremost, you must have a full and valid driving licence, and be over 23 years of age. 

If the UK is not your primary residence, you’ll need a full driving licence from the country you’re from. A deposit will also be required, this will be £250 for a standard vehicle or £1,250 for a prestige vehicle, with all major debit and credit cards accepted. 

If you’re not going to be the only person driving the car, additional drivers can also be added to the deal. But be aware that additional driver charges may apply.

Smoking is not permitted in our vehicles and if we discover any evidence that smoking has taken place, a £75+VAT fee will be given to cover fumigation costs. 

Plus, we always ask that you bring back the vehicle in the condition that you found it, including the amount of fuel it contains. 

Why choose Gatwick Car & Van Rental?

The car hire service that we provide at Gatwick Car & Van Rental is second to none. Conveniently located just minutes from Gatwick Airport, we provide the people of Crawley and beyond with an award-winning service that puts their needs first. 

Not only do we offer a vast fleet of vehicles to choose from, but we’ll also even provide a free pickup and drop-off service to enhance your experience even more. From excellent breakdown cover to great prices, if you’re in Crawley or the surrounding areas and require car hire, get in touch with Gatwick Car & Van Rental today.