Insurance is usually included in short-term van hire, but the level of cover, excess and exclusions vary between rental companies. Before booking, check what the quoted price protects you against and what you could still have to pay after damage or an accident. If you need a vehicle for a day, weekend or short project, review the terms alongside the available short-term van hire options. If you’re unsure about the cover or which hire option suits your needs, call the CVS Van Hire team on 020 4527 9408 for help before you book.
What does standard van hire insurance usually cover?
A rental company will normally arrange insurance so approved drivers can use the hire vehicle during the agreed rental period. Cover commonly includes third-party liability, while protection for damage to or theft of the van depends on the policy and rental agreement.
Do not assume “insurance included” means every cost is covered. Check whether accidental damage and theft are covered, when the cover starts and ends, and whether particular types of damage have different rules. The hire FAQs are also worth checking for driver restrictions, deposits and other conditions that affect your booking.
The most useful comparison is therefore not simply the daily rental price. Compare the standard excess, exclusions and any optional protection alongside the hire charge.
How does the insurance excess work on a hire van?
The insurance excess is the amount you may have to pay towards an insured loss or damage claim. A low rental price can be less attractive if the excess is high, so check the figure before collection rather than after an incident.
Many companies offer excess reduction or collision damage protection for an extra charge. This normally reduces your potential liability rather than removing it completely. At CVS Van Hire vehicles up to 3,500kg GVW have a £1,000 insurance excess. The optional excess-reduction package can halve this excess for an additional daily charge, subject to the applicable terms.
Do not confuse the excess with a security deposit. A deposit may cover matters such as fuel, late return or damage, whereas the insurance excess is the amount that may apply to an insured claim.
Before paying for excess reduction, check both the new excess and the types of damage that remain excluded.
What may not be covered by van rental insurance?
Rental insurance comes with conditions. Common areas to check include negligence or misuse, unauthorised drivers, lost keys, incorrect fuel, tyres, glass, overhead or underbody damage, and taking the vehicle outside the permitted territory. Exact exclusions vary, so the rental agreement takes priority over general assumptions.
Height-related damage deserves particular attention with larger vans. Roofs and high sides can be vulnerable in car parks, under bridges and around loading areas. CVS Van Hire’s current terms state that its excess waiver does not apply to overhead damage. The terms also require hirers to report loss, damage or faults promptly and not authorise repairs without consent.
Inspect the van at collection and make sure existing damage is recorded. Taking your own photographs can provide a useful record of its condition. If an accident occurs, follow the reporting process in the agreement rather than arranging repairs yourself.
Are breakdown cover and additional drivers included?
Insurance and breakdown cover are different. Insurance deals with insured losses and liabilities; breakdown cover provides assistance if the van develops a mechanical fault.
Additional-driver rules vary by company. Every person who may drive should be declared and approved before the hire starts. Do not assume somebody can drive because they have insurance on another vehicle.
Travel outside Great Britain should also be checked separately. European journeys may require additional insurance, breakdown arrangements, documents and prior approval. If your plans are unusual, explain them when booking so the rental company can confirm whether the standard cover is suitable.
If you are buying a vehicle rather than renting one, insurance for an owned van is separate from the cover included with a rental and should not be confused with temporary hire insurance.
Check the cover before you collect the keys
Short-term van hire normally includes insurance, but the key details are the excess, exclusions, authorised drivers and what you must do if something goes wrong. Read the rental agreement and compare the protection as well as the headline hire price. If anything about your cover is unclear, contact CVS Van Hire before booking so the current insurance and excess options can be explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is insurance included in short-term van hire?
It often is but always check the quote and agreement. CVS Van Hire includes insurance within its quoted hire prices. What you may still have to pay depends on the applicable excess, any excess-reduction option selected and whether the incident falls within the policy terms.
Does van hire insurance cover every type of damage?
No. Rental policies usually contain exclusions and conditions. Roof, tyre, glass, underbody or misuse-related damage may be treated differently. Check the agreement before collection and ask specifically about any risk that is relevant to the type of van and journey you are planning.
Is breakdown cover the same as van hire insurance?
No. Insurance responds to covered damage, theft or third-party liability, while breakdown cover helps when the vehicle develops a mechanical fault. CVS Van Hire includes nationwide breakdown cover in its quoted hire price, but separate arrangements may apply to European travel.
Should I pay for excess reduction?
It depends on the standard excess, the price of reducing it and the exclusions that remain. Compare the additional charge with the amount of liability reduced. It can provide more financial certainty, but it should not be treated as protection against every type of damage.
