Continental Vehicle Hire

Are you looking to take a vehicle to the Continent?

If so, we have the specialist knowledge you need! Our vehicles can be taken outside of the UK with our prior permission and with the correct documentation.

There are several additional factors to consider, from breakdown, having the correct insurance, and the knowledge that help is at hand if something should go wrong. For a comprehensive quote please contact us by completing our online contact form, if you need any help you can call our head office during office hours on 01962 674 876, we are always happy to help! As well as our normal pre-hire checks, vehicles going on the Continent are fully inspected in our workshops to help to ensure you have a trouble free journey.

Insurance
We will organise all of the paperwork required for the vehicle to travel; from your Green Card (which proves your insurance whilst driving on the Continent), to your Letter of Authority, VE103B Certificate, and European Breakdown Cover. We will also supply a Vehicle Travel Kit which includes:

• Warning Triangle
• High Visibility Jacket
• First Aid Kit
• Fire Extinguisher
• Spare Vehicle Bulbs

You will need to supply any single use items or passenger specific items, if required. Such as:

• GB Sticker
  
• Headlamp Beam Converters
  
• Breathalyser
  

It is the driver's responsibility to ensure they have the correct documentation and equipment, and to know what additional requirements are required in the countries that you will be travelling within. We will not be held responsible for any fines or penalties which may be imposed by any authority due to non compliance.

Age limits for vehicles for Continental use are normally 25 to 69 with a minimum of 5 years driving experience. An endorsement free UK full driving licence is preferred although certain endorsements may be accepted.

It takes time for the vehicle's travel documents to be organised so ensure you have contacted us on 01962 674 876 well in advance of your intended travel. We normally need a 7 working days notice to be able to apply for your documentation and ensure we have everything you need. We can request an expedited service for your documents, with a minimum of 3 working days notice, but additional costs will apply.

France
France has introduced a "clean air" scheme for some of its cities, the CRIT'Air scheme. Vehicles are required to display a "vignette" to show the emission class of the vehicle. The scheme operates currently in Paris, Lyon, Genoble, Lille, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Chambery, and Marseille. We can apply for this sticker, if required, on your behalf but an administration fee of £12.00 will be added to the cost of the "vignette".

Pricing
There are a number of additional costs involved in taking a hire vehicle abroad which may vary depending on your destination, route of travel etc, so the only way to get a confirmed quote is to contact us by completing our online contact form being sure to supply as much information as possible in each of the requested fields.

Items with a fixed price are as follows:

• The vehicle hire charges as per the current tariff
• Vehicle Green Card - £49.00, per 7 days or part thereof.
• VE103B Certificate - £15.00.

As an indication only, based on a 7 day hire to France, you can also expect to pay:

• A travel premium - £59.00.
• The commercial vehicle Breakdown & Recovery costs - £107.00.

Useful Websites for Information 
AA Useful Information About Driving Abroad
RAC Useful Information About Driving Abroad
Gov.uk Driving Abroad Information
CRIT'Air Scheme Application