Camper Van rental refused

cyclonico

Hello,
I'm a French citizen residing in Northern Ireland since 2010 (UK resident since 2004). I am holding a French driving license.

I tried to rent a camper van from Causeway Campers in Northern Ireland. They canceled my rental because their insurance company (Liverpool Victoria) refused to insured me on the basis that I hold a French driving license, but my proof of residenc epoint to a Uk address.

So, I don't have to exchange my French driving license to a UK one, I've provided proofs of address, and I've rented cars many times before without any issue.

Am I being unfairly treated?

Regards,
Nicolas.

elsien

Is this any help?
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/driving-licences-all-other-countries-and-students-foreign-licence

cono1717

No - if LV won't insure you the business doesn't have to take the risk or enter into the contract with you.

cyclonico

Oh yes, as far as the rental company is concerned, there's nothing much they can do. But isn't the insurer's refusal unfair?

verityboo

cyclonico wrote: »

Oh yes, as far as the rental company is concerned, there's nothing much they can do. But isn't the insurer's refusal unfair?

Yes, if you refer to the link in post 2 it doesn't seem like you have a valid license ?

DoaM

Post #2 is misleading - it quotes the wrong website page. THIS is the correct one for holders of EEA licences.

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/driving-northern-ireland-eea-country-licence

Is a campervan classed as a "lorry, minibus or bus"?

JJ_Egan

Many years ago when i rented out vehicles the mantra was if in doubt no . Typically under instructions from the insurance company . Ignore that and no claim if vehicle is stolen etc .

BorisThomson

cyclonico wrote: »

Oh yes, as far as the rental company is concerned, there's nothing much they can do. But isn't the insurer's refusal unfair?

It will be based on a risk analysis, if non UK licence holders have a higher incidence of claims then it would be fair to review their eligibility for insurance and/ or the premium charged. The same is likely to apply to very young and old drivers also.

(Yep, they only offer insurance for those aged 25 - 70 years. Have you asked if the insurer will cover you with a higher premium?)

Ectophile

It sounds like your problem is that a camper van is not a car or motorbike, so your licence isn't valid to drive one.

If you had been a short-term visitor from France, it would have been different.