Van Hire FAQs –
Your Questions Answered by Sky Van Hire
Booking & Eligibility
How do I make a booking?
Simply call our friendly team and we will fill out a booking form over the phone with you. If you can have your driver’s licence and national insurance number when calling this will speed up the process.
What documents do I need to hire a van?
You will need a full drivers licence held for a minimum period of 2 years and a drivers check code issued from DVLA or your National insurance number just to help us carry out a driving licence check.
What proof of address do you require?
This can be either a recent utility’s bill or bank statement or credit card statement in the hirer’s name.
How old do I have to be?
We can hire to drivers aged 23-72 years old with minimum 2 years driving experience.
If you have points or endorsements on your licence please get in touch to discuss with us before you make a booking.
Can I drive the van on a standard car licence?
Yes. All of our vans can be driven with a full, standard UK car licence (Category B).
Can I use my own insurance?
No. All hires are covered under our fully comprehensive insurance policy.
Is insurance included in the hire?
Yes, fully comprehensive insurance is included in the price. You’ll be responsible for the insurance excess in the event of a claim.
Can I reduce the insurance excess?
In some cases, an additional fee can be paid to reduce the excess liability. Please ask at the time of booking.
Do you require a DVLA check code?
Yes. We use this to verify your driving record with the DVLA. You can obtain the code at gov.uk/view-driving-licence.
Can additional drivers be added to the rental?
Yes, but each additional driver must meet the same age and licence requirements and provide all necessary documents.
Can someone else return the van for me?
Only authorised drivers listed on the rental agreement may return the vehicle, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Payments, Deposits & Cancellations
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, credit or debit card payments for the van hire. However, only a credit or debit card payment is accepted for the deposit.
How do I pay for my hire?
You can pay for your van hire using cash or debit / credit card. All deposits are taken using your debit or credit card on a pre-authorised basis on the day of the hire at the time of collection of your vehicle. Please note that while cash is accepted for the vehicle hire, the deposit must only be paid via a credit or debit card.
How much is the deposit?
We require a deposit of £350 taken on a pre-authorised basis from a debit or credit card and this is taken on the day of the hire. This is held in your account by your bank for approximately 10 working days.
Please note : Monza Metro and starling bank cards take considerably longer and can be held by your bank for 28 days or more as per their terms and conditions.
How much is the insurance excess?
The insurance excess is £1000. The insurance does not cover you for vehicle overhead damage caused by driver negligence and is the hirer’s liability to pay the full cost of any repairs.
Are tyres and windscreens covered?
Tyre damage and punctures are the responsibility of the hirer and the full cost will be the hirer’s liability.
Windscreen chips and cracks are the hirer’s responsibility and the full cost will be the hirers liability.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes. Please notify us as early as possible. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the rental start time may incur a fee.
Will I receive a refund if I cancel?
We know plans can change. Therefore, if you inform us 24 hours before the booking date, a full refund will be issued.
If the booking is cancelled less than 24 hours the full cost applies.
What about congestion charge, Dartford charge, Blackwell and Silvertown Tunnel charge?
It is the hirer’s responsibility to pay for these charges. There is a £30 admin fee for any penalty charges we may receive.
Vehicle Use
What types of vans do you offer?
We offer a range of well-maintained vans, including Short Wheel Base, Long Wheel Base and Luton Vans with Tail Lifts — suitable for everything from small deliveries to house moves.
What are the pick up and return times?
All rentals are for a 24 hour hire period and usually run from 08:30 to 08:30 the following day.
Vehicles being returned late may result in a £50 charge being applied for up to 2 hour delays and a full day’s charge thereafter being applied so best to keep in touch with us if you are returning the vehicle late and we can advise you of any additional costs.
Can I use the van for house moves?
Absolutely. Our larger vans, especially the Luton with Tail Lift, are ideal for moving home or transporting bulky items in fewer trips.
Can I hire a van for just a few hours?
No, we operate on a daily rate basis. All hires are charged per 24-hour period.
Is there a minimum hire period?
Yes, the minimum hire duration is one day.
How many miles per day are included?
The first 150 miles per day are included and any extra miles are charged at 10 pence per mile thereafter.
Do you hire vans for business use?
Yes, many of our vehicles are hired by small businesses, tradespeople, and delivery services.
Can I take the van abroad?
No, overseas travel is not permitted under our standard rental agreement.
Can I use the van for towing?
No, towing is not allowed with our hire vans.
Are your vehicles regularly maintained?
Yes, all vehicles undergo regular servicing and safety checks to ensure reliability and roadworthiness.
What if my vehicle breaks down?
All of our vehicles are covered by RAC nationwide breakdown cover. If you do require assistance please call our office or call the number on the RAC sticker attached to the inside of the windscreen.
When, where and how do I return the van?
Simply return your van to our depot during office opening hours and a member of the team will promptly check the van in with you and check the vehicles condition along with mileage and fuel level.
Please return the van in the same clean condition and top up the fuel level on a like- for- like basis.
Please note any fuel dispensed will be charged for and
Interior cleaning fees start from £50 if required.
During Hire
What should I do if the vehicle breaks down?
All our vans come with 24/7 roadside assistance. Emergency contact details will be provided at the time of collection.
What do I do if I’m involved in an accident?
Contact us immediately using the emergency number provided. Gather all details from the scene and complete the accident report form included in the vehicle pack.
What happens if the vehicle is vandalised or stolen?
Report the incident to the police immediately, then contact us with the crime reference number. The full insurance excess still applies.
What if I exceed the mileage allowance?
A per-mile excess charge will apply if you go over the agreed mileage limit, as stated in your rental agreement.
What if I get a parking ticket or fine?
You are responsible for any fines or charges incurred during the rental period. An administration fee may apply if we have to process them on your behalf.
Are your vans tracked?
Yes, for security and safety, our vehicles may be equipped with tracking devices.
Returns & Charges
What is the fuel policy?
Vans must be returned with the same fuel level as at collection (usually full). A refuelling fee will be charged if not returned accordingly.
What happens if I return the van late?
A late return will incur an additional day’s charge unless agreed otherwise in advance.
What happens if I return the van early?
You may return the vehicle earlier than agreed, but no refund will be issued for unused days.
Is there a cleaning charge?
Yes, a cleaning fee may apply if the vehicle is returned in a dirty or unsanitary condition, including excessive mud, food waste, or pet hair.
Is smoking allowed in the van?
No, smoking is strictly prohibited in all vehicles. A deep-cleaning charge will apply if smoking is detected.
Are pets allowed in the van?
No, we do not allow animals in our vehicles due to hygiene and allergy concerns.
Do I need to inspect the vehicle before I leave?
Yes, we conduct a joint inspection with you at both collection and return to document the van’s condition and avoid disputes.
What happens if I lose the keys?
You’ll be liable for the cost of key replacement and any associated vehicle recovery charges.