When you hire a vehicle, most agreements include a daily mileage limit. If you exceed it, you’ll be charged per mile. For short local trips that rarely matter, but for longer journeys where you don’t know how much you’ll be travelling every day, it can increase the cost of your hire.
Unlimited mileage car hire removes that limit. You pay your agreed daily or weekly rate and drive as far as you need. We’ll explain how unlimited mileage car hire works and how to book it with Fairview Vehicle Hire.
• What Does Unlimited Mileage Car Hire Mean?
• Why Do Car Hire Companies Set Mileage Limits?
• Who Needs a Car Rental With Unlimited Miles?
• Quick Overview: Difference Between Limited and Unlimited Mileage Car Hire
• Does Fairview Offer Car Rental With No Mileage Limit?
• Can You Get Unlimited Mileage on Van Hire Too?
• What Should You Check Before Booking Unlimited Mileage Car Hire?
What Does Unlimited Mileage Car Hire Mean?
Car rental with no mileage limit means there is no cap on how many miles you can drive during your rental period. You can drive the rental vehicle as far as you want without incurring extra charges based on distance.
It’s the opposite of a standard rental car miles limit, where the hire company sets a maximum distance per day. If you go over that limit, an additional per-mile charge applies.
At Fairview, we offer unlimited mileage packages that cover your travel regardless of the distance, keeping your travel budget highly predictable.
Why Do Car Hire Companies Set Mileage Limits?
Mileage limits exist to protect vehicles from being overused. Many rental companies use them to manage maintenance costs across the fleet and protect the long-term condition of their cars and vans.
For shorter local hires, a daily limit is rarely a problem. Having a set mileage limit often helps hire companies to offer more affordable base daily rates to renters who only need the vehicle for shorter trips.
An unlimited mileage car hire package is ideal for road trips, long-distance commutes, business travel or airport collections across the UK. These types of longer-term and long-distance vehicle hires are more likely to go over the standard mileage limit.
Who Needs a Car Rental With Unlimited Miles?
A car rental that includes unlimited miles isn’t necessary for every type of vehicle hire. However, for certain trips, it provides more freedom of movement and more predictable travel costs. You’re likely to benefit if:
- You’re driving long distances, such as from London to Edinburgh or across Europe.
- You’re travelling on business and can’t predict your mileage in advance.
- You’re moving house and need to make multiple trips.
- You’re collecting an airport hire and driving to a destination far outside London.
- You’re hiring a van for a job and need to cover a wide area.
- You’re on a multi-stop road trip with no fixed route.
For short city hires or weekend trips, a standard rental is usually more than sufficient for the distance you’re likely to cover. If you’re unsure, our team at Fairview can help you work out which option suits your plans. Contact our team today to discuss our rental options.
Quick Overview: Difference Between Limited and Unlimited Mileage Car Hire
| Feature | Limited Mileage | Unlimited Mileage |
| Daily mileage cap | 250 miles per day (at Fairview Vehicle Hire) | No cap |
| Overage charges | £0.40 per mile over the cap (at Fairview Vehicle Hire) | None |
| Daily rate | Lower upfront cost | Higher upfront cost |
| Best suited to | Short-term and local hires | Long-distance, business or multi-day travel |
| Overall cost for high mileage | Can add up quickly once over the cap | Often of cost-efficient overall for drivers covering significant ground |
Does Fairview Offer Car Rental With No Mileage Limit?
Yes. Fairview Vehicle Hire offers unlimited mileage packages across our car and van hire fleet. You can add this at the time of booking through our self-service booking system.
As one of the largest independent vehicle rental companies in the UK, with over 2,200 vehicles available across London and the South East, we have options to suit a wide range of journeys, whether it’s short or long, local or national.
Our fleet includes:
- Cars: from compact city cars to executive models
- Vans: small panel vans through to large Luton vans
- Prestige cars: Mercedes-Benz, BMW and more, from £174 per day
- Electric vehicles: ideal for low-emission zones and eco-conscious travel
- Minibuses: for group travel across the country
- Pick-up trucks and crew vans: for trade and commercial work
Can You Get Unlimited Mileage on Van Hire Too?
Yes. Renting a van with unlimited miles is useful for tradespeople, businesses and anyone moving goods across multiple locations.
A courier or a sole trader covering multiple job sites or a company running deliveries across the UK can all quickly exceed a standard 250-mile daily cap. With an unlimited-mileage van hire, you have full flexibility to work without restricting your route.
Fairview offers unlimited mileage across a broad range of vans. If you have a specific requirement, get in touch, and we can make sure you’re in the right vehicle on the right terms.
What Should You Check Before Booking Unlimited Mileage Car Hire?
Before you confirm your unlimited mileage car hire, check the following:
- What’s included in your daily rate: check whether unlimited mileage is included or added as an extra
- Mileage terms for vans vs cars: commercial vehicles may have different terms
- Overage charges on a standard rental, so you can compare the true cost both ways
- Whether you’re travelling abroad, mileage policies may differ for European travel. See our guide on driving in Europe.
- Excess cover: unlimited mileage doesn’t affect your damage liability. It’s worth understanding what car hire excess cover means before you drive away.
FAQS
What is the standard mileage limit on a Fairview hire? Standard rentals include 250 miles per day. Miles beyond this are charged at £0.40 per mile.
How do I add unlimited mileage to my booking? You can add it at checkout through our online booking system. If you need help, our team is available by phone or via our contact page.
Does unlimited mileage apply to van hire as well as cars? Yes. Unlimited mileage packages are available across our car and van fleet. Check the options available when booking your chosen vehicle.
Can I get unlimited mileage on a prestige car hire? Unlimited mileage availability may vary on prestige models. Contact us before booking if this is a priority for your trip.
Does unlimited mileage cover driving abroad? Mileage packages are typically applicable to UK driving. If you’re planning to travel outside the UK, contact us in advance to discuss your requirements. You’ll also need to arrange European Travel Coverage (ETC).
Ready to Book Your Unlimited Mileage Hire?
Fairview Vehicle Hire operates one of the UK’s largest independent rental fleets, with over 2,200 vehicles available across six branches in London and the South East, including:
Browse our full range of hire vehicles or book online today.
Our Heathrow Airport vehicle hire comes with the option to add unlimited mileage to your rental. This is particularly useful for passengers arriving at Heathrow and driving to destinations across the UK. Some routes can easily exceed 250 miles in a single day if you’re heading north or to the South West.
Our Bray branch is just 25 minutes from the airport via the M4, and we offer a free shuttle service direct from all terminals. You can be on the road within an hour of landing. Car hire at Heathrow starts from £48 per day and van hire at Heathrow from £57 per day.