Van hire company recommendations?

dellboy102

Hi All

We need van hire on a Saturday and were looking at Sixt initially, I've heard certain companies have been known to invent damage and charge extortinate amounts.

Are there any companies known to be more reliable then others? in the above case their own excess waiver insurance (reduces to £150 rather then £1k) is only £10 more then 3rd party sites selling insurance so we'd probably go for that to avoid paying the excess and having to claim back.

Advice appreciated as rather pay more and not worry about getting strung afterwards,we're returning the vehicle after closing time (drop keys in a box) so will be taking before and after photos but we're still a bit concerned after seeing all the horror stories of car hire companies, advice from fellow MSE's on companies they've found decent would be appreciated

neilmcl

Have a look around for local hire companies.

Herzlos

Take photos and video when you collect it and when you return it. Most of the 'brand' places should be alright, but I guess it'll depend on the management of that site.

forgotmyname

Inspect the vehicle and make sure ALL damage is marked on the hire sheet, no matter how small.

Nebulous2

A lot of companies I’ve tried no longer allow out of hours drop offs, so that might restrict you. I don’t know if they have coverage where you are or not, but Arnold Clark were surprisingly good last time I hired from them, despite their reputation. Guy even gave me a tour and advised common mistakes that cost people money, including closing the wrong back door first, which means the door locking mechanism puts a dent in the door. 

dellboy102

Thank you all, Sixt seem to be very few that allow out of hours drop off which we need as Sat will be a 12 hour day, we'll probably have to stick with them (and take all precations like photos etc) and see how we go, thanks for all the advice