Vernon Garage, Station Approach, LU7 2LY
info@vernonhire.co.uk
0808 169 1188

FAQ

Leighton Buzzard's oldest hire company

What do I need to bring? Are there any restrictions on occupation or categories?

The driver must hold a FULL DRIVING LICENCE for a minimum of 2 years.

To hire a 7.5 Ton Van, you must be at least 30 years old.

1) You must bring either:

  • Your photo card licence and your GOV.UK Check Code,

or

  • If you have an old style paper-only licence, please also bring a passport or other photo ID in addition to your GOV.UK Check Code.

 See What To Bring With You for more details.

One-time GOV.UK Check Codes: any UK driving licence holders hiring a vehicle must use ‘Share My Driving Licence’, the online service from the DVLA, for validation of their driving record. To view and create a one-time passcode the driver should go to www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence where you will be asked to submit your:

  • Driving Licence Number
  • National Insurance Number
  • Post Code

If you have no access to the internet and cannot generate a share my driver record code, please call the DVLA on 0300 083 0013 (standard rate number)

2) Additional proof of address: utility bill, bank statement or similar: no more than 3 months old, must be in the HIRER’S name.

3) Credit or Debit card to pay for the rental; we accept Visa and Master Card, which MUST be in the HIRER’S name. We do not accept Solo, Electron,  AMEX or pre-paid cards.

Due to the terms of our insurance however, we are unable to rent vehicles to couriers.

 

Which vehicles can I hire?

This depends on what categories are on your driving licence.

Everybody should have the entitlement to drive vehicles up to 3500kg GVW with up to 8 passenger seats apart from those holding a provisional licence.

Category B

  • Category B includes cars, MPV’s and vans up to and including a maximum weight of 3,500kgs and no more than 8 passenger seats.

Category C1

  • You can drive vehicles weighing between 3,500 and 7,500kg (with a trailer up to 750kg).


Click here for DVLA Driving Category descriptions


Note: To hire a 7.5 Ton van, you must be at least 30 years old.

 

Can I hire a vehicle on a foreign licence?

Yes.

The only additional requirement is that you leave your valid passport with us for the duration of your hire.

 

What is your cancellation policy?

48 hours notice for a full refund. We reserve the right to take the full deposit and hire period under any circumstances.

 

How do we do our hire periods?

This is calculated on a 24-hour basis, usually from 08:00hrs or 17:00hrs.

Rental times may be adjusted to suit individual hirers’ requirements subject to vehicle availability

 

How does the insurance work?

Every vehicle hire includes fully comprehensive insurance. The excess on this policy is £1,250 for 7.5 Ton vans and £650 for all other vans. Our insurance does not cover damage caused by hirer’s negligence.  You are responsible for the cost of repairs or replacements required as a result of the vehicle not being used in a reasonable and responsible manner.

 

Do we cover the vehicles with breakdown assistance?

All vehicles are covered by the RAC.  Contact details can be found inside each vehicle.

Note: Vehicles will not be covered for negligence.  You will be liable for battery replacement if the battery has run down due to negligence, e.g. leaving the lights on or using the tail lift without running the engine.

 

Do I need to provide a deposit?

Yes.

We will take a pre-authorisation on your credit or debit card (which must be in the hirer’s name) for the amount equal to one day’s hire. Unfortunately, we do not accept cash deposits. The amount of your security deposit is subject to management’s discretion and may be higher.

When your vehicle is returned in the same condition as when it was hired, your pre-authorisation will be released.  Your card issuer can take up to 5 working days to show this credit on your account.

 

Are there any restrictions on item transportation?

Vehicles must not be used to transport items that may damage the vehicle or leak fluids.

 

What fuel level do I bring the vehicle back with?

Our vehicles are supplied on a like for like basis.  You are required to return the vehicle in the same condition and with the same fuel level as when you hired it.  We do not offer refunds for excess fuel.

 

Where Can I take the Vehicle?

The vehicles may not be taken outside the main island of Great Britain.  You may not take your vehicle abroad or to Northern Ireland.

The vehicles are tracked and may self-immobilise if these conditions are broken. A fee may be incurred to mobilise the vehicle.

How does the London Congestion Charge work?

If you take your vehicle into the London Congestion Charge zone or across the Dartford Crossing, you are responsible for paying any associated charges in advance.

There is an additional £50 administration charge for any unpaid charges.

Are there any mileage restrictions?

No.  The first 200 miles are included in the price of your hire. Additional miles are charged at 15p per mile. We advise that you do not go over 300 miles a day as driver fatigue can occur.

 

Are there any age restrictions?

Due to terms of our insurance we are unable to rent to anyone under the age of 23.  A surcharge of £15 applies for drivers under the age of 25. You must be at least 30 years of age to hire a 7.5 Ton van. We may be able to arrange self insurance, but please contact us for such arrangements.

 

Am I responsible for the tyres?

We will ensure that tyres are in suitable condition when we hand over the vehicle to you. As with your own vehicle, you are responsible for checking tyre pressures and condition regularly, e.g every week. We will pay for any tyres which need replacing due to wear (though not for tyres which have been damaged).

 

How do I leave the Oil and Water?

As with your own vehicle, you are responsible for checking and maintaining the fluid levels (oil, water, brakes, Power Assisted Steering) on a regular basis, i.e. every few days. You will be liable for any damage caused by any omission to check these items.