Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions. Please feel free to email or call us with any others.

Q: What do we set out to do?
A: Our aim is simple - we want you to have the best VW campervan experience possible, whatever your plans.

 

Q: Who are we?
A: We are a small family-run business that takes pride in providing a second-to-none customer service to ensure that hiring a van from us is an easy and pleasurable experience

 

Q: Where are we based?
A: We are based in the Midlands, approximately 10 miles from Birmingham. Our central location gives good accessibility to all parts of the UK so if you are heading from the South or Midlands, you can easily explore Wales, The Lake District, The North or Scotland and going South, there are many beautiful spots and places of interest in the Southern counties and of course along the Devon and Cornish coastline.

Click on the Contact & Location page for more details.

 

Q: Why hire a VW camper van?
A: Unlike large American RVs and tricky to tow caravans, our campervans are as happy off the beaten track down a lane, as they are in a field at a campsite or Festival or by the beach cooking local seafood and watching the sun go down. They even look great at weddings and in TV commercials or promotions.

 

Q: How do I make a booking?
A: Booking is easy. Use our online quote form - click here or call us on 07717 052 542 or send an email to info@vwretrorentals.co.uk.

 

Q: What is the booking process?
A: The process is as follows:

•  Select a camper

•  Check to see if your dates are available

•  Fill in the online quote form, send us an email or call

•  Receive a quote and more details

•  Tell us about any extras (insurance or camper) that you might want and your preferred collection time (if applicable)

•  Pay a £150 deposit (or payment in full if booking within 6 weeks of the hire date)

•  Receive confirmation

•  Pay the balance when it is due

•  Look forward to your trip

 

Q: What is the deposit?
A: There is a non-refundable booking deposit of £150 to secure your van on your chosen dates. The preferred method of payment is internet banking, but it can also be paid by phone, Paypal or by cheque. Unfortunately due to the popularity of the vans, we are not usually able to transfer your booking deposit to alternative dates should you need to change your hire period.

 

Q: When is the balance due?
A: The balance payment (total hire cost less deposit) is due 6 weeks before the start of your hire. Once we have received your deposit we will send you a balance invoice detailing any extra requirements you might have (insurance or other) and the date it is due to be paid.

 

Q: What packages are available?
A: We have packages to suit everyone and different occasions. Our main focus is to enable you to have a relaxing and truly memorable experience that you will want to tell your friends about.

 

Q: How long is a hire period?
A: There is a minimum hire rate of three days (regardless of hire length).

 

Q: When do I collect and return my campervan?
A: There are collection time-slots throughout the day, 7 days a week, giving maximum flexibility and choice.

Choose From: 9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, 4pm & after 6.30pm.

Upon booking, we will let you know of the remaining time-slots for that day. Just let us know your preference. First choice goes to the first to book and so on. All campers need to be returned by 8pm on the agreed day.

There are also a choice of start days depending on availability and whether you are looking for a 3 or 4 day midweek hire, a 3 or 4 day weekend or longer. However we try to accommodate all requests if we can and may have odd days here and there around bookings.

As a guide:

Collection Slots - Choose From: 9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, 4pm & after 6.30pm
WE DO NOT ALLOW RETURNS ON A SATURDAY
Hire Type	No. Days	Possible Pick-up Days
		Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Midweek	3 Days
	4 Days
Weekend	3 Days
	4 Days
More than 4 days	5 Days
	6 Days
	7 Days
More than 7 Days	7 Days+	Start any day of the week, but must finish on a Mon, Tue, Wed or Thur if possible

 

Q: Do I need to take out my own holiday insurance?
A: Yes. It is advisable to take out your own holiday insurance prior to your hire to cover the unlikely event that due to circumstances beyond our control (e.g. the previous hirer crashes the van, extreme weather or sudden mechanical failure etc) we are unable to fulfil your booking.

Holiday insurance will also cover you should you need to cancel your booking for any reason as the booking deposit is non-refundable nor transferable and balance payments will not usually be refunded within six weeks of the rental start date. It will also cover your own personal effects as our insurance is only for our van and equipment that belongs to the campervan.

 

Q: What is my insurance liability and can I reduce it?
A: The hire rate includes a standard insurance excess of GB£ 500 In the event of any damage to either the vehicle or third party property, you will be liable for the first GB£ 500 .

You will also be fully liable for replacement or repair of windscreen or tyre damage or damage due to negligence (e.g. failure to check the oil level etc).

Please be aware that the £500 security deposit will be used to cover any resulting loss or damage to equipment in the van, fixtures and fittings or negligent damage to the van.

We do not offer a reduction in the level of liability.

 

Q: Who can drive the campervan?
A: The hire price includes standard insurance for one driver who is between the ages of 25 and 70, has a maximum of 3 points on their driving licence and has held a UK or EU driving licence for at least 2 years. It may be possible to cover other drivers who do not qualify for standard insurance (e.g. have more points on their licence, are under 25 etc) subject to additional terms which must be approved with the insurers prior to hire. We can also arrange insurance for European travel on request.

An insurance checklist will be included with quotations and any necessary changes to the standard insurance can be sent for approval with our insurers who will advise us of any premium loading which will then be added to the hire cost.

Additional drivers (up to 2 maximum) who are over 25 years and have a maximum of 3 points on their driving licence can be added for an extra £5 per day per driver.

It is not possible to provide insurance for a driver who has had a previous proposal or insurance refused, declined or cancelled; has not disclosed a compulsory medical condition to the DVLA or has a provisional licence only.

The Hirer must provide two forms of identification - driving license (both parts) plus proof of permanent address (i.e. P60, Utility bill or bank statement) prior to hire. If no car is being left at the premises of VW Retro Rentals, they must also provide a photocopy of their passport.

The Driver(s) must:

•  Be between 25 and 70 years of age or if outside this bracket, have agreed insurance with VW Retro Rentals prior to the start of the rental period

•  Have a maximum of 3 points on their driving licence or have agreed insurance with VW Retro Rentals prior to the start of the rental period if more than 3

•  Have held a full driving license valid in the United Kingdom for at least 24 months

•  Have not been convicted of an offence in connection with the driving of a motor vehicle or motorcycle and/or have had my driving license endorsed or suspended or penalty points imposed

•  Not have any mental or physical defect or infirmity or suffer from fits, diabetes or any heart complaint.

•  Have never had their insurance declined and/or renewal refused and/or special insurance terms imposed as a result of claims experience and/or have had their insurance or cover cancelled by any Motor Insurer.

•  Have notified VW Retro Rentals if they are wholly or partly involved in professional entertainment or they are a professional sports person so that they can inform the insurance underwriters who in turn will confirm whether insurance is available

•  Have notified VW Retro Rentals if they are a Jockey or person connected with racing of any sort so that they can inform the insurance underwriters who in turn will confirm whether insurance is available

•  Have notified VW Retro Rentals if they are an Undergraduates and/or student under 25 years of age so that they can inform the insurance underwriters who in turn will confirm whether insurance is available

•  Have never been involved in more than one accident whilst driving during the past 3 years.

•  Not be a Foreign Service Personnel other than a person born in the United Kingdom.

Drivers are responsible for the cost of any parking or speeding fines or other penalties incurred during the hire. Should such penalties incur, the charges will be passed on to the driver and an additional administration fee of £25 will be charged.

 

Q: How much is the security deposit?
A: There is a GB£500 Security Deposit authorisation / swipe that is payable by payment card (credit or debit) upon collection of the camper. This will be released in full providing that the campervan is returned to the right location, at the agreed date and on time. It must be in the same condition that it was let out to you, with a clean interior and the same fuel level. Please allow up to 5 working days after the hire ends to regain access to these funds again in your bank account.

 

Q: Can I travel outside of the UK?
A: Yes. Travel to most destinations in Europe is possible. Please request European travel (needed also for Southern Ireland) when you contact us.

In order to calculate the exact insurance and AA European breakdown cover cost that will be required, we will need to know your journey plans including your furthest destination point and approximate ferry crossing times and points.

The standard hire rate includes 75 miles per day. Journeys that exceed this will be subject to a cost of 35p per additional mile travelled and the total amount due will be calculated and deducted from the security deposit on return of the van.

For European travel it is possible to pre-purchase additional miles in blocks of 250 miles at 25p per mile. Any pre-purchased unused miles will be refunded upon return.

Tip: Google maps is a handy tool for estimating your mileage before you go.

 

Q: Can I leave my car at your premises?
A: You are able to leave your car at our office during your hire period free of charge. Although we are situated up a private drive and security risks are minimal, any vehicle will be parked at your own risk and responsibility

 

Q: Do you offer a collection service?
A: We are able to offer a collection service (currently up to four people) from Birmingham airport, Birmingham International Station, Hagley Station, Barnt Green Station or Kidderminster Station at extra cost (please enquire)

 

Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: As dog lovers, we know what a pleasure it is to see them race along a beach, bound across open grassland or explore new footpaths.

HOWEVER WE CAN NO LONGER ALLOW ANIMALS & PETS IN OUR CAMPER VANS AT ANY TIME - SORRY

All damage, however caused by animals, will be charged to you.

 

Q: What happens if my van breaks down?
A: All our vans are regularly serviced and well maintained to minimise the risk of any mechanical problems when they are out on hire. Problems do occasionally still occur unfortunately as with any vehicle. All the vans carry a set of spares to assist the AA and have AA relay insurance.

As we don't always have a spare van available, our priority is to get you back on the road in your original van as soon as we possibly can.

 

Q: What if I need to cancel my booking?
A: In the event of a cancellation more than 6 weeks before the start of the hire period, the booking deposit of £150 will be refunded. Hirers that cancel between 6 and 4 weeks of the start of the hire period will forfeit the booking deposit of £150, but will be offered a refund of 75% of the amount showing on the Balance Invoice (Total Hire Cost less Deposit Paid).

If reservations are cancelled within 4 weeks, then no refund will be given. However, if we manage to get another booking for the same hire period we will still refund 75% of the Balance Invoice regardless of when the cancellation was made.

 

Q: Are there any driving considerations?
A: Typically the vans' top speed is around 60mph. The gears and brakes are very different to modern cars and it is advisable to leave lots of space and allow lots of time for braking and gear changing. Don't let your van struggle up hills - better to change down and keep the revs up.

Whilst some of our vans are young, they have the same characteristics as the older ones with no power steering (a big steering wheel), no air conditioning (wind down windows), no servo assisted brakes and no automatic gearbox (a great big gear lever).  This means you will need to adjust your driving style. 

Our best advice is not to rush, allow the first 30 minutes to get used to a more leisurely way of life.

 

Q: What do I need to bring?
A: Bedding and towels can be provided as an extra. If you choose not to select this option, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag/quilt, bed sheets, pillow and towels. In addition you will need toiletries and your own personal effects, but please remember that storage space in the vans is limited!

The driver(s) must bring their driving licence (both card and paper document) and two forms of identification - one with a photo and the second with proof of address such as a bill that is less than 8 weeks old. Personal items are not covered by the van's insurance, so you will need your own travel insurance.

 

Q: Can I view / try a van before hiring it?
A: You are welcome to come and have a look at our campervans but you will need to prearrange a mutually convenient day and time for your visit as the vans may be out on hire. We also offer the opportunity to test drive one for people who may be unsure if campervanning is for them. An hour's demonstration and test drive costs just £25 (to cover insurance and fuel).

 

Q: Are one-way rentals possible?
A: One way rentals are not permitted and if the camper is not returned to the collection point FOR ANY REASON a collection charge of £1 per mile will apply from the collection point to the vehicle and back to the collection point.