Car Hire FAQs

Car Hire FAQs

What documents do I need to hire a car?

We require a valid driving license and additional ID from your permanent home country. 

How old do I have to be to hire a car? 

You must be over the age of 23 – although this may change depending on the vehicle. 

Does Heathrow offer airport pick up and drop off services?

Yes, we offer this service to and from our office, which is located at Heathrow. 

Is there an additional charge for fuel?

Please return the car with the same amount of fuel as there was when you picked the car up – if not you will be charged at a rate of £1.52 per litre to refill the tank. 

What are the payment options?

We accept all major credit cards and debit cards. 

Do you offer long term hire? 

Yes, we allow car rentals to exceed 21 days. 

Do I need insurance to hire a car?

It is not necessary to purchase insurance when you hire one of our vehicles, as this is already included in the price. 

Is smoking allowed in rental cars?

Under no circumstances must our vehicles be smoked in. If a vehicle is returned with evidence of being smoked in, there will be a minimum cleaning fee of £75 plus VAT. 

Do you provide child car seats?

You can add child seats into your hire car for an extra £5 per day. If you’d like to know more about child seat laws in the UK, please give our blog on our Gatwick site a read. This has some useful information on how to keep your child safe and you within the law. 

Can I drop off a vehicle out of office hours?

If you’d like to drop off your vehicle before the designated time, we have a secure drop off area which will allow you to leave the vehicle in a secure place. Depending on vehicle category and notice period, we may be able to supply a refund. 

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Our deposits vary depending on the category of the vehicle you’d like to hire. These prices can range from a minimum of £250 up to £1250. For exact prices on the vehicle you’d like to hire, please contact a member of our team today. 

Can I cancel my car hire booking?

Yes, this is possible. If you cancel the booking 72 hours before the hire, then you’ll be able to get the rental cost refunded. If you miss the 72 hour cut off, then the rental cost is not refunded. No refunds are available from any cancellation date when you’ve booked vehicles like minibuses and prestige cars. 

Can I hire a car if I have points on my license? 

We’ll usually allow up to 6 points on a license, but we have the right to outright refuse you service if you have a more serious offence on your driving license. 

Can other people drive the rental car?

Yes, simply add them to the rental agreement and they’ll be expected to conform to the terms and conditions of the hire. We may charge for additional drivers. 

What is the mileage policy?

Mileage is included in our standard daily rentals, but this is not included in rentals that exceed 21 days or if you’re taking the vehicle out of the UK. 

What is a collision damage waiver?

A collision damage waiver (CDW) is an aspect of financial cover that is provided in case you become apart of a collision/damage. Essentially it enables the rental company to waive the right to charge you for the damage of the rental vehicle.

Read more about our collision damage waiver.

The team here at Heathrow Car and Van Rental are proud to have been working in this industry for many years, making us experienced, knowledgeable and able to answer any query you may have. We have a wide range of vehicles to choose from, so whether you need something for your holiday or a business trip, you’ll find the perfect vehicle for you. For more information on our services, please get in touch with a member of our team today.