MPV, Car & Minibus Hire – FAQ’s

Welcome to the FAQ section, below we have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions with answers. Whilst reading, please take note that we offer van & minibus hire from multiple suppliers and each supplier will have slightly different terms and conditions. As such, many frequently asked questions can only be answered fully by referring direct to the supplier’s terms and conditions. To view full details of a supplier’s terms and conditions, enter your booking dates, select the vehicle of your choice and at this stage all relevant information needed to make a booking decision will be presented clearly.

Renting a Car FAQ’s

What is Insurance Excess?

It is normal for the insurance to have an excess, this is the amount you are liable for should the vehicle be damaged. With van and minibus rental the excess can be high for example with Thrifty the excess is £750 , they will offer local additional insurance at £7 per day which will reduce the excess to £250. So even after paying extra your are still liable for a hefty amount. Europcar have an excess of £800 with extra cover available at £18 per day to reduce excess to zero. Even if you take out the extra cover you are still liable for damage to windows, tryes and underside, which are not normally included in the insurance. The extra cover can add significantly to cost whilst still leaving you liable!.

Do I need a special Licence to drive a passenger van?

As long as the maximum gross (loaded) weight of the van is not more than 3.5 tonnes, you can drive a van on a car license. Nearly all rental vans fit this category and if they do not we will bring that to your attention.

How old must I be to hire a Van or Minibus?

The minimum age is 21, however some suppliers may insist set minimum age to 25 or charge an underage supplement this will be made clear during the booking process. I wear glasses/contact lenses when driving a car – can I still drive a Van or a MiniBus?
Yes Van and Minibuses are treated the same as driving a car, if your eyesight with glasses/contact lenses is acceptable for driving a car the okay to drive a van or minibus.

I have just passed my test can I still drive a van or a minibus?

Most suppliers will insist on having a clean driving licence for at least 12 months some may require licence to be held for at least 2 years , please check the terms with the supplier which will be viewable during the booking process.

Are There Any Hidden Costs?

The simple answer is no. Where possible the price we display covers all mandatory charges, otherwise we clearly detail any extra costs below the final summary of charges in the “Additional info about this vehicle” and this can be viewed before booking the vehicle.

Are There Any Hidden Costs?

How do I add extras

Extras such as GPS may be added after you have selected your vehicle, simply tick the box beside the desired extra, price of extra will also be displayed at this stage.

Can I change My Booking?

To change booking, customer can just submit a modification request via the My Booking
section at least 48 hours before your scheduled pick-up time. Customer can change the dates,
times, location, driver details, or car type or add/remove optional extras. Though we’ll do our
best to make any changes that customer request, they aren’t guaranteed as they depend on
availability and the modification policy of the supplier. Sometimes the changes may also affect
the price.

Is there a minimum hire period?

The normal minimal rental is 24 hour, you may rent for a few hours but most suppliers will charge you the daily rate, Europcar offer special rate for part day rentals please enter booking times to find the best prices.

Do you refund for unused days?

After rental has started you must contact the supplier direct to request an extension, they will check availability, please note they will also charge the local higher rate. Please always book for the number of days required, having said that extensions may be possible but will depend on factors such as season and vehicle type.

Where can I view the supplier’s complete rental conditions?

On the search results page, after entering your booking dates, a link will be displayed to that rental supplier’s rental conditions. So please enter your travel dates into the booking widget to learn more

You can find a link to the Rental Conditions underneath the picture of the car.
The Rental Conditions will also be in your voucher once your booking is confirmed.

✏️You can also download your voucher along with the Rental Conditions in the My Booking section.

I don’t have a credit card — can I still rent a car?

Depending on where you want to rent a car, it may be possible to find some suppliers that
accept debit cards. Make sure to check the Security Deposit section of the Rental Conditions
and not just the Payment Methods, as some suppliers accept debit cards for payment but still
require a credit card for the security deposit. Our website has a specific filter customer can
use to only show those suppliers that accept debit cards. It can be found it on the left-hand
side of the desktop version and at the top of the mobile version.

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Reviewed and updated: 03 Feb 2025
Written by Eamonn Turley, expert in campervan and car rental

Please Book Early For The Best Deal

MPV, Car & Minibus Hire – FAQ’s

Renting a Car FAQ’s

What is Insurance Excess?

Do I need a special Licence to drive a passenger van?

How old must I be to hire a Van or Minibus?

I have just passed my test can I still drive a van or a minibus?

Are There Any Hidden Costs?

Are There Any Hidden Costs?

How do I add extras

Can I change My Booking?

Is there a minimum hire period?

Do you refund for unused days?

Where can I view the supplier’s complete rental conditions?

I don’t have a credit card — can I still rent a car?

Discover Cars AffiliateProgram

$0.02

23–54%

$20

365 days

Your Commission – Highest in Car Rental

67%

34%

Discover Cars Affiliate
Program