When you hire a van for the first time, you might not know what you’re getting into. You might have a lot of questions to ask. How long can I rent it for? Can another person drive it? If you need more questions answered, you can always ask the rental company of choice while you’re signing the rental agreement. However, the contract might miss a few things. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding van hire, and the answers you need to put your mind at rest.
What’s The Minimum Age to Hire a Van?
The minimum age is typically dependent on the rental company you choose to hire a van from. The required minimum age will be stipulated in the agreement, and your provider will need the necessary documentation, with your date of birth, for their system. Generally, with a van, you need to be between 18 and 75 years old to hire it. However, some rental companies have a minimum age of 23 to hire a van. If you’re hiring a minibus or a Luton van, the general age is between 25 and 27 years old.
Do I Need A Specific License To Drive A Van?
In New Zealand, you need to hold an up to date driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle you want to drive. Fortunately, cargo vans don’t require a specialized license, so you can use the standard one you received from passing your driving test. If you’re travelling to New Zealand internationally for the first time, your license should be in English. If not, it should come with an approved translation, such as an International Driver Permit. You can get the translation from an NZ transport agency, or your embassy.
When Is The Right Time To Change My Rental Period?
Has the date of your moving day been changed? Perhaps you can move in earlier than expected, or you started the van hire process too early? Either way, you don’t need to worry. Most rental companies have no problem with changing the rental period, as long as you give them enough notice. Your same van might be booked by another customer on the same day that you need it, or it might be booked in to go for a service. As long as you provide them with enough notice, they’ll be able to accommodate you.
Can Anyone Else Drive My Rental Van?
Yes. If you’re moving, and have another person who could drive the van for you while you unpack in your new home, or load up another vehicle, they can. However, they need to hold a valid driving permit. Their names and details also have to be on the rental agreement providing permission for them to drive the van. If not, the rental company’s insurance company won’t cover the damage if the other person is in an accident while driving the hired van.
Your additional driver should also have a valid driver’s license; however, your provider will make sure that everything is in order when you sign the agreement.
What Is Covered By Insurance?
The insurance of a van rental depends on your service provider. Each rental company has different terms, conditions and policies regarding the coverage of their vehicles. However, most of them are insured, and the insurance charge will be covered in their standard rental fee. In any event, you should always hire a vehicle from a provider who is covered.
Some companies will charge an excess if the vehicle is returned damaged; however, this isn’t always the case. It just depends on whether they want to keep their insurance costs low.
Are There Additional Charges For Returning The Van Late?
If you’re lucky, returning the van late, within reason, won’t incur late charges. Fortunately, most van hire companies have a grace period in terms of the return time. If you’re an hour late due to traffic, there shouldn’t be an additional fee. However, if you keep the van an extra day or more, you will be charged for as long as you keep it.
Conclusion
These are just some of the most commonly asked questions you’ll be asking when you hire a van. Your rental company of choice might have different answers to some of your questions, so don’t hesitate to ask them whatever you need. They should also have a comprehensive FAQs section on their website, regarding payment methods, accessories and more. However, remember to read them carefully before you sign a rental agreement. Once you’re confident in the company you’ve selected, with all your questions answered, you can hire the van of your choice that you need.
