Van Hire: Accident, Theft & Breakdown Guide

Accidents, breakdowns and thefts are fairly rare with hire vans, but they do happen from time to time.

If you are unlucky enough to have something like this happen to you, then following the right procedures will make sure that you don't end up unnecessarily out of pocket and that you are back on the road as soon as possible:


Breakdown

Breakdowns in hire vehicles are rare, as the vehicles are normally quite new and well maintained. However, it does happen and it pays to be prepared.

Here is what to do:

  1. Virtually all hire companies provide 24 hour roadside assistance - such as AA or RAC cover. All the information you need is usually provided in the vehicle, so if you breakdown, call the number and wait for help.

  2. Notify your hire company, too, so that they are aware. Next working day may be soon enough if the breakdown is out of office hours.

  3. Don't try to repair it yourself or have it repaired without authorisation from your hire company. Even if it is just a puncture, you may want to call out roadside assistance - especially if on a motorway/dual carriageway.

Accidents

Here's what to do:

  1. Stay calm.
  2. If anyone is hurt or there is any damage to other vehicles, notify the police immediately and make sure you get an incident/crime number.

  3. Get the names, addresses, telephone numbers and vehicle registration numbers of all third parties involved in the incident.

    Also, get details of witnesses if appropriate.

    Do not admit any liability at the scene of the accident.

  4. Notify your van hire company within 24 hours.

  5. Ensure that any mail you receive relating to the accident is forward immediately to your hire company. You may also need to provide further assistance to your hire company, including court appearance/police statements.

Note: Failure to follow your hire company's rules in the event of an accident can result in you being liable for the entire cost of the damage/loss, including third party costs. You have been warned.


Theft

Here's what to do if your hire van is stolen:

  1. Contact the police immediately and get a crime reference number. Assist them in any way reasonably possible.
  2. Report the theft to the van rental company as soon as possible - certainly within 24 hours. Follow their directions about what to do next.

Note: If the rental company believes (or the police prove) that you did not take proper care of the van - i.e. left it unlocked or leaving the keys in while unattended - you will probably be liable for the full losses suffered by the rental company, up to and including a replacement van.