Help Whilst on Hire

All our current hire vehicles use diesel fuel. Check the rental agreement and vehicle before refuelling if you are ever unsure.

Return the vehicle with the same fuel level recorded at collection to avoid refuelling charges. Extra fuel left in the tank is not credited.

Do not start or continue driving the vehicle. Contact us immediately on the emergency number shown on your rental agreement. Wrong-fuel incidents are driver-induced and are not normally covered by breakdown/waiver protection.

Your actual allowance is stated on your rental agreement. As a general rule, a 24-hour hire includes 200 miles and excess mileage is currently charged at 20p per mile.

After the first 24 hours, carry out appropriate daily checks including fluid levels and tyre condition/pressures. Report warning lights, damage or defects promptly.

Smoking is not permitted in our commercial vehicles. Cleaning or damage charges may apply if the vehicle is smoked in. Treat vaping the same way and do not use it inside the vehicle.

No. Only drivers authorised and named on the rental agreement may drive.

Use clean dust sheets or suitable protective wrapping. Cover soft furnishings and mattresses so they remain clean during loading, transport and unloading.

Check the vehicle payload information and remember that payload includes everything added to the vehicle, including people and cargo. Do not exceed the vehicle's legal limits. If capacity is critical, ask us before loading.

Vans are taller and wider than many cars. Know the vehicle dimensions before entering car parks, height-restricted sites, narrow roads or drive-through areas. Take extra care when reversing and around overhead obstacles.

Use the tail lift only within its stated capacity and follow the operating/safety instructions. The current Luton tail lift is rated up to 450kg, but confirm the vehicle-specific limit before use.

A hired van can be used at Hampshire HWRCs subject to Hampshire County Council's current rules. Book any required slot, take the hire agreement and check vehicle/height restrictions before travelling.

You are responsible for checking and paying any applicable Congestion Charge, ULEZ, toll or other road-user charge for your journey. See our Travelling Through London guidance.

Check the official charging authority immediately. Some charges can still be paid after travel within a limited period. Acting promptly may avoid a Penalty Charge Notice.

You are responsible for charges and offences arising during the hire. Where an authority contacts us, we may provide the hirer details and apply the administration charge stated in our tariff/terms.

Not without our agreement. The vehicle must only be used for approved purposes and destinations. Contact us before travelling outside the permitted area.

For an urgent problem while the vehicle is on hire, use the 24/7 emergency number shown on the reverse of your rental agreement. The current emergency number is 01962 674 876.

Follow the breakdown instructions on your rental agreement. For AA assistance, call 0800 420 420 and have the vehicle registration and rental agreement details ready.

No. Driver-induced faults such as wrong fuel, running out of fuel, lost/broken keys, lockouts or some wheel/tyre incidents may be chargeable.

Stop somewhere safe if necessary and contact us for advice. Do not continue driving where doing so could be unsafe or cause further damage.

Move to a safe place if possible and contact the breakdown/emergency service using the instructions on the rental agreement. Tyre/wheel damage may be subject to a specific excess or charge.

Contact us immediately using the emergency details on the rental agreement. Lost/broken keys and lockouts are normally driver-induced and the associated costs may be chargeable.

Do not admit liability. Make the scene safe, obtain the third-party and witness information, take photographs, and call Alco immediately on 01962 674 876 while you are still at the scene.

Record the date/time/location; third-party vehicle, driver, owner and insurance details; passengers; damage; witnesses; police details where applicable; and photographs showing vehicle positions, road layout/signage and damage.

Yes. Complete Alco's accident report as soon as possible and no later than 48 hours after the incident. Supply the photographs and any requested witness statements.

No. Do not admit liability at the scene. Exchange the required factual information and report the incident to us immediately.

Possibly, subject to availability. Contact us at least two working hours before the scheduled return time. Any extra charge must be paid and the extension agreed before the original hire expires.

The vehicle is inspected and its fuel level and mileage are recorded. A copy of the check-in report is normally emailed to you.

No. We do not offer an out-of-hours return facility. You remain responsible for the vehicle and keys until they are physically handed to a member of staff.

Contact us at least two working hours before the agreed return if you need an extension. An unagreed late return may attract a late check-in fee and further rental charges, and may affect insurance cover.

Any early-return refund is governed by the applicable terms and notice requirement. The current FAQ states that at least 24 hours notice is required and any refund applies only to complete unused rental days.

Your responsibility continues until the vehicle and keys have been physically returned to and accepted by our staff. Leaving a vehicle or keys unattended does not end the hire.

Tell us about damage promptly. If it resulted from an incident, follow the accident procedure rather than waiting until return. At return, point out any damage to our agent.

Check the vehicle thoroughly before handing it back. Alco does not accept liability for personal belongings left in the vehicle after the hire.