Certain things have changed recently when it comes to hiring a car in the UK, specifically for those who have made the decision to emigrate or retire in the sun and still hold a UK driving licence.

While I am extremely jealous of you all waking up every day to sunshine and being very close to some lovely golf courses, I will put that aside and give you some information and tips on what you need to consider when returning to the UK.

Hire companies in the UK and indeed various European countries are making changes to the security measures they use before handing over a car potentially worth £20,000 – £30,000 to a stranger.

One of the most common checks in the UK is an address check, a little like a credit check which enables the supplier to confirm you are who you say you are. This is starting to cause problems for a number of customers who have moved abroad and no longer have an address in the UK, especially those who haven’t updated their driving licence.

Over the years I have met a lot of people around Europe who hold their British driving licence with pride and do not want to change it for an EU licence or even a licence from their adopted country. This could now start to cause you problems as more and more supplier begin to use the checks mentioned above.

Others do apply for a new licence but keep their British licence for when returning home. Again the above checks will cause you problems if you no longer live at the address on your British driving licence.

If a supplier does provide a car to you based on an incorrect or invalid licence then the insurance could be void which could cause all kinds of issues for the driver as ultimately on UK roads it is the drivers responsibility the ensure the vehicle is roadworthy and insured properly.

Driving Licence Tips

Below are some tips to help you avoid any issues when hiring a car if you no longer live in the UK.

• 1: If you no longer have a residence in the UK then you must apply for a new licence with the local authorities.
• 2: If you still have an address in the UK then make sure this address is the one on your current licence.
• 3: If you are not resident in the UK, you will be required to provide your passport and an international driving permit if your driving licence was issued outside of the EU.
• 4: If you are not resident in the UK, some suppliers will require you to provide proof of your return flights before handing over the keys to your car.
• 5: If your licence states that you are resident in the UK then you will be required to provide ID such as a utlity bill or bank statement to prove the address on your driving licence is valid.

Obviously any or all of the above could cause you problems if your licence details are not up to date or have not been issued by the correct authority. If you are unsure then you should contact the DVLA or speak to one of our experts who will be happy to help.

We have read a lot recently about the costs of car hire spiralling out of control and people being left feeling ripped of by some companies. It doesn’t have to be like this and you can have more control over the costs by following the below tips, so Dont Let The Cost Of Car Hire Ruin Your Holiday.

1. Book In Advance

A little cliche but it still really does make a difference for two reasons. Booking early can secure you a better price than leaving it until the last minute FACT: Many suppliers start selling low and raise the prices as availablilty decreases. Get in early and you are sure to find a beter rate.

The other benefit of booking in advance is that you then have the chance to save and esure you have enough to cover all of the costs involved.

2. Be Aware Of All Costs Invovled

When booking online, some people believe that the price advertised is the only cost involved, the majority of the time this is not the case. Apart from the standard rental cost you should always consider the following; Rental Deposit, Fuel Deposit, Additional Insurance, Insurance Protection, Additional Drivers, Child Seats, GPS and even local taxes.

When it comes to additional extras, you may find that it is much cheaper to take your own or purchase them yourself to sell on once you have used them.

3. Shop Around

As with anything if you spend the time researching online you could probably save yourself a few pounds. If you don’t have the time and don’t want to waste the time just for a few pounds, this is where we come in. We, just like other brokers speak to a number of suppliers at your selected location and get the best rate available for the vehicle you are looking for.

Where we differ is that we look at the whole package, not just the lowest headline rate. We look at the rental as a whole and come back to you with the best package to suit your needs.

4. Forms Of Payment

Paying with a credit card is generally the best way when hiring a car. If you buy goods or services on your credit card, you have extra protection if things go wrong compared with paying by debit card, under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

If you do not have a credit card we can still arrange a vehicle for you but you are limited to the number of available suppliers, some of whom can be more expensive. So when booking early you give yourself the opportunity to gather the costs and apply for a credit card if the need arises.

5. Drive Safely

One of the biggest unexpected expenses is damage charges, sometimes little scuffs and scrapes can end up costing a lot. So drive carefully, think about where you are parking and make sure you are aware of what you are covered for.

Purchasing additional insurance from the supplier doesn’t always cover you for things like windscreens, tyres and the under carriage of the vehicle.

Treat additional insurance like a seperate product and shop around, there are some great deals on excess reimbursement policies out there.

Dont Let The Cost Of Car Hire Ruin Your Holiday and speak to Indigo Car Hire before you book. We are here to help with any queries you may have.