Frequently asked questions, help and support

Permits towing.  Additonal hire charges may apply, and the consent of Dorset Vehicle Rentals must be given prior to the rental of the vehicle.  Any trailer in excess of 750kg must be braked.  Please note Dorset Vehicle Rentals insurance policy does not cover your trailer, or goods carried.  You must check your driving licence to see that you have the correct category to tow.

Permits towing.  Additonal hire charges may apply, and the consent of Dorset Vehicle Rentals must be given prior to the rental of the vehicle.  Any trailer in excess of 750kg must be braked.  Please note Dorset Vehicle Rentals insurance policy does not cover your trailer, or goods carried.  You must check your driving licence to see that you have the correct category to tow.

Permits towing.  Additonal hire charges may apply, and the consent of Dorset Vehicle Rentals must be given prior to the rental of the vehicle.  Any trailer in excess of 750kg must be braked.  Please note Dorset Vehicle Rentals insurance policy does not cover your trailer, or goods carried.  You must check your driving licence to see that you have the correct category to tow.

Goods operator licence required for any vehicle over 3.5tonne, when driving for business use. Our 18tonne vehicles cannot be driven on a standard UK driving licence.

You will need to provide:

i. Your name

ii. Your home address

iii. Telephone numbers - a landline (if you do not have one you can provide your work number, a relative or friend's landline number) and a mobile number

iv.  Email address

v.   Your occupation

You will need to provide:

i. Your photocard (or pre-photocard paper driving licence)

ii. Your national insurance number

iii. Proof of identity, a utility bill or bank statement (no older than 3 months old with your home address on it)

iii. Your postcode

iv. A credit or debit card to pay for the vehicle hire.  Note: the cardholder MUST be present.

Please note that if multiple people are driving a hire vehicle they will also need to provide items i, ii, iii and iv as listed above.

YES! The 'cardholder' and/or driver must be present when you come to collect the vehicle from your chosen branch. The credit card details are put in online and payment is taken to secure your online booking.

Vehicles must be collected from your local branch as identification is required.

They must also be returned to the same branch.

Yes we do.  A £200.00 refundable deposit is required by our insurance company.  Please note if you are a non UK driving licence holder (including Northern Ireland) than you will be required to pay a £1000.00 deposit.  A larger deposit may be required at the branch managers discretion.  This is payable at the branch when you collect your rental vehicle.  This may be paid by debit or credit card.

Deposits are fully refunded on return of the vehicle, providing the vehicle is returned on time with the same amount of fuel and no additional damage. If you return your vehicle outside of branch opening times, your refund will be issued on the next working day. Please note that your deposit maty take three to five working days to show back in your bank account after the process date.

Some of our locations have facilities for our vehicles to be returned out of trading hours.  Please confirm at time of booking or vehicle collection.  If this service is available the hirer remains responsible for the vehicle until it is checked in by a member of staff on next the working day.

The Ultra Low Emission Zone now operates in London 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year to improve the air quaility in London.  This covers the same area as the Congestion Charge.  Vehicles will need to meet the ULEZ emmision standards or their drivers will be charged a daily rate to drive with in this zone.  Please state at time of booking your vehicle, that you intend to drive with in the ULEZ area.

The congestion charge is a daily charge for driving a vehicle with in the London charging zone between 07:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday.

If you get caught speeding, illegally parking, driving in a bus lane, failing to pay the London Congestion Charge or any other offence whilst caught driving a Dorest Vehicle Rental vehicle, your details will be forwarded to the enforcing authority, plus we will charge you an additonal £30.00 plus VAT adminsitration fee for each and every offence.

If you are involved in an accident, please telephone Central Reservations on 08000 51 52 53 immediately.

No pets are not allowed in our hire vehicles.  Pet owners will incur an additional charge for any damage caused by animals, or any special cleaning required as a result of shedding or accidents.

If you have left something in a vehicle please email reception@dvr.uk.net stating your name, the vehicle registration plate, the dates of hire (all of this information will be on your Rental Agreement) and the branch you hired the vehicle out of and we will try and retreive your lost property.

Yes we do.  This is an optional daily (or weekly) charge that reduces your excess contribution in the event of damage to the windscreen of your rental vehicle whilst it is on hire to you.

• £3.60 a day or £15.00 a week.  Reducing the cost of your Windscreen Excess down to £100.00

We accept payment of the hire and the deposit by Debit Card or Credit Card - all major credit cards accepted. Payment and deposit must be made in full before commencement of the hire. Please note that when paying your deposit that some banks and credit card providers can take up to 3 - 10 working days to return your money to your account.

Yes, all our vehicles are insured by ourselves, and it covers you the hirer to drive on the Public Highway. It is a Fully Comprehensive Insurance Policy with Excess from £250 depending on which rental vehicle you are hiring. Please ask the Rental Advisor at time of booking or if you are booking on-line this will be explained to you when you collect your rental vehicle.  

Yes, Collision Damage Waiver reduces your excess contribution in the event of a Motor Accident. By paying a small additional charge the insurance excess can be reduced. However this figure may change depending on driving endorsements, driving experience, the intended use of the vehicle, and previous accidents. Ask the Rental Advisor at time of booking your vehicle, or this can be sorted out when you come in to collect your rental vehicle in the branch.  Collision Damage Waiver does not cover:-  All Glass, tyres, damage caused above Window/Windscreen on a vehicle. Damage caused to a vehicle whilst not on the public highway. Theft of Vehicle. Acts of vandalism. Malicious Acts. Damage caused by the negligence of the driver (e.g. racing or driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs). If terms and conditions of the rental agreement are breached.

Yes, as windscreens are easily damaged and the cost of replacing a damaged windscreen is increasing significantly each year. Many windscreens are now heated, increasing costs even more. As the hirer of the vehicle you are responsible for any damage caused to the windscreen whilst the vehicle is in your possession. By accepting our Windscreen Damage Cover, you can reduce your Windscreen Excess from as much as £1800.00 (dependent on vehicle hired) down to £100.00.

In the unlikely event of breakdown the hirer is asked to contact 08000 51 52 53 between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday) or 08000 107 58 67 (out of hours). Please have the registration plate details of vehicle you are hiring handy and you will be asked to confirm the make and model of vehicle.  A telephone number will also be issued when you collect your hire vehicle, please check your Rental Agreement for details.  Every effort will be made to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

Collision Damage Waiver is an optional daily (or weekly) charge that reduces your excess contribution in the event of a motor accident.

• For cars such as Budget, Small, Medium (including Autos) - £12.00 a day or £60 a week.  Reducing your insurance excess from £1,500.00 to £250.00
• For cars such as Large, Estate, (including Autos). MPV's, also including vans such as Small, Medium and Medium Crew Cab Vans - £18.00 a day or £90.00 a week.  Reducing your insurance excess from £1,750.00 to £250.00
• For vans such as Large, Jumbo, Lutons (including Lo Loader, Tail Lifts and Curtainsides), 3.5tonne Tippers (including Crew Cab), Dropsides, 4x4's and Minibuses (both 9 and 17 seat) - £24.00 a day or £120.00 a week.  Reducing your insurance excess from £2,000.00 to £500.00
• For vehicles such as 7.5tonne - Box and Curtainside Trucks - £30.00 a day or £150.00 a week.  Reducing your insurance excess from £2500.00 to £500.00

 Collision Damage Waiver does not cover glass, tyre or wheel damage, also 'above window height' damage.

Please note:- Penalty points on driving licences, your age, previous driving bans, along with non UK driving licence holders may effect these terms.  Enquire at time of booking vehicle or email reception@dvr.uk.net

 

 

Yes, subject to prior approval Dorset Vehicle Rentals vehicles may be taken outside the UK.  Additional charges will apply for European Recovery, and for the extra documentation to take the vehicle outside of the UK.  All hire vehicles will need a letter of authorisation to take the vehicle abroad.  It is the hirers responsibility to check what documentation, and equipment is required.  Dorset Vehicle Rentals can not be held responsible for any fines or penalties imposed.

France has introduced a 'clean air' scheme for some cities, known as CRITAir.  Please check before travelling, as you must display a sticker on your hire vehicle to show what emmissions the vehicle produces. See https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/driving-abroad/

Yes you can, however additional charges my apply, and Dorset Vehicle Rentals consent must be given prior to rental of the vehicle. Any trailer in excess of 750kg must be braked. Please note, the Dorset Vehicle Rentals Insurance Policy does not cover your trailer, or goods carried. You must also check your driving licence to see that you hold the correct vehicle category to tow,  i.e. B+E, C1+E or D1+E.

Yes you can have as many additional drivers as you may require. All drivers will need to show their Driving Licences ( National Insurance Number and Proof of Identity) and be present when the vehicle is collected - a small charge is made for each additonal driver.

Yes, hirers must inform Central Reservations  on 08000 51 52 53 or the local branch which they have hired their vehicle from if they wish to retain a vehicle beyond the agreed time or date of return. Failure to do so may result in the hirer driving a vehicle without insurance.

As of the 1st November 2022 our fuel policy is changing and vehicles will be run full to full.  If the vehicle is not returned full you will be recieve a £30.00 plus VAT administration fee and will be charged for any missing fuel (charge at the national average price).

Between 21 and 74 years, having had a full clean UK driving licence for 3 years.

Between 25 and 74 years, having had a full clean UK driving licence for 3 years.

You will need a recent utility bill (no more than 3 months old), bank statement, or council tax bill, as well as your own driving licence.  If you are a non-UK licence holder, you will be asked to produce your passport as another form of ID.

Cars, 4x4s, MPV's, and Light Commercial vehicles up to and including the maximum weight of 3.5tonne, and no more than 8 passenger seats.

Commercial vehicles up to, and including the maximum weight of 7.5tonne. Hirers must of passed their test prior to January 1997, or hold the relevant categories on their driving licence. A Operators Licence in required for business use.

Minibuses no more than 16 passenger seats. Hirers must of passed their test prior to January 1997, or hold the relevant categories on their driving licence.

Permits towing.  Additonal hire charges may apply, and the consent of Dorset Vehicle Rentals must be given prior to the rental of the vehicle.  Any trailer in excess of 750kg must be braked.  Please note Dorset Vehicle Rentals insurance policy does not cover your trailer, or goods carried.  You must check your driving licence to see that you have the correct category to tow.

Yes, non UK driving licence holders must in the possession of a national and (where required) an international or European driving licence. Restrictions may apply to some licence holders, you must be aged between 30 and 70 years of age to drive our vehicles. If you are a temporary visitor to the UK, you may drive up to 12 months on your non-UK driving licence. We would prefer it that you have national, an international or European driving licence. If you do not have a driving permit for the UK, you will be asked to provide evidence that you are a temporary visitor and that you have not been in the UK for longer than 12 months.  Please note you will be required to pay a £1,000.00 deposit when hiring a vehicle with us.

As a general rule, up to 6 points within the last 3 years is acceptable, for offences such as speeding, parking or construction and use. If you have endorsements for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol, or drugs, or driving with no insurance, it is recommended that you contact Central Reservations on 08000 51 52 53 or if you have been banned from driving within the last 10 years. If you have been banned or have more than 6 points on your licence - you may still be able to hire, but subject to conditions - such as paying a larger deposit on your rental vehicle.

Can I take your vehicles abroad?  Yes, subject to prior approval Dorset Vehicle Rentals vehicles may be taken outside the UK.  Please note you will need to book this vehicle by speaking to Chaz on 08000 51 52 53 or email chaz.travis@sixt.com You can't book these vehicles through the website as additional charges will apply for European Recovery, and for the extra documentation to take the vehicle outside of the UK.  All hire vehicles will need a letter of authorisation to take the vehicle abroad.  It is the hirers responsibility to check what documentation, and equipment is required.  Dorset Vehicle Rentals can not be held responsible for any fines or penalties imposed.

For a quotation please telephone Chaz at Central Reservations on 08000 51 52 53 or email chaz.travis@sixt.com

France has introduced a 'clean air' scheme for some cities, known as CRITAir.  Please check before travelling, as you must display a sticker on your hire vehicle to show what emmissions the vehicle produces. See https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/driving-abroad/