Planning a staycation in the UK or heading to a remote location where public transport isn’t an option? Renting a van might be the perfect solution for your travel needs. However, it’s not just about picking a vehicle and hitting the road…
You’ll need to consider several factors, including age limits, the type of vehicle, rental dates, insurance, and pick-up and drop-off locations. Understanding these aspects can make the van rental process much smoother. On that note, how old do you have to be to hire a van in the UK?
How Old Do You Have to Be to Hire a Van in the UK?
While the minimum legal age to drive a van in the UK is 17 (for 3.5 tonnes), you must be at least 21 to hire a van. However, it’s almost impossible to find a company that will let you rent a van if you are under 25 years old.
At Fairview Vehicle Hire, drivers aged 23 to 24 are subject to a “young driver surcharge”, and you must have a valid driver’s licence from the previous two years. In addition, you must have no more than six penalty points and no bans within the last five years, and no more than one accident within the last three years.
What Is the Age Limit for Van Hire?
There isn’t a set upper-age limit for van hire in the UK. However, most companies set a limit of 69. At Fairview Vehicle Hire, those aged 65 to 69 require insurance clearance with the same standards mentioned above.
Please note, those aged 23 to 24 and 65 to 69 may only be able to hire our standard smaller models. This is to ensure the safety of the vehicle, the driver and passengers.
Can You Rent a Van if You’re Not From the UK?
Yes, you can still rent a van within the UK even if you are not from the UK. However, you must provide:
- Driving licence active for two years (must have English translation or international driving permit)
- Photo ID (passport or driver’s licence)
- Proof of return travel (flight details or other proof)
- Proof of residency (utility bill, bank statement, rental agreement, etc)
- DVLA check code
- Emergency contact information
What Insurance Will You Need to Hire a Van?
Without insurance, you won’t be able to rent a van in the UK. You may need:
- Van hire excess insurance: if the van is damaged or stolen, any excess fees will be reimbursed. Without this, you must pay for these yourself and won’t be covered.
- Self-drive hire insurance: if you get into an accident or the vehicle is damaged (to a degree), the driver, passengers, hire company and vehicle will be covered.
- Business van insurance: if the van is damaged, stolen or your tools and equipment are taken, both the driver and business is covered.
What if You Want to Drive a Van to Europe?
It’s possible to rent a van and drive to Europe, however, it will be more expensive and require more documentation. For example, you must have rental insurance.
Please note, we only cover vehicles that are used in the UK. If you are travelling abroad, you must have full insurance with the AA, RAC or Green Flag. This must include:
- Roadside assistance
- Recovery back to the UK
- And a suitable replacement vehicle during your journey
To learn more about what insurance you need, please contact us or visit the official Vehicle Insurance page.
Find the Perfect Van with Fairview Vehicle Hire
So, how old do you have to be to hire a van in the UK? With us, at least 23 with the correct insurance. With these insights into renting a van in the UK, you’re well-equipped to make the best choice for your travel needs.
Whether it’s for a road trip, moving day or a special event, Fairview Vehicle Hire has a range of vehicles to suit your requirements. View our Van Hire, Refrigerated Van Hire and Crew Van Hire pages to find the perfect vehicle.
