Ireland Van Hire Guide

We are fully aware of the importance of your van rental to you. If you are travelling on business or for pleasure we want to ensure that you receive the very best service and vehicle possible. Please browse through the following Frequently asked questions if you are looking for further detail on your impending van rental. We look forward to assisting you.

Booking
Paperwork and Insurance
Payments
Driving the Van
About the Vans

Booking

Question: How do I book?
Answer: You can easily get an instant quote and book securely on line with us using this van hire guide web site. 

Question: What happens when I submit a reservation?
Answer: When you click on the "submit" button you will receive your booking number beginning with "ICR" followed by a five (5) digit number e.g. ICR12563. You will automatically receive an email to the address you have supplied outlining your booking details. When you create a booking a secure confirmation is sent to the Irish Van Rentals reservation desk in Limerick. The rental is then added to the system and the van is made available for hire. A booking deposit is charged to your credit card at this stage. Please ensure that you complete the Booking Form in Full, (paying particular attention when noting your Credit Card Details and E-mail address), and that you have ensured that you are aware of the costs involved. When you arrive at our rental office you will sign a rental agreement, pay any local charges or additional costs, be taken to your vehicle and then be given any instruction on the vehicle as may be required. Once you have started to drive the van you are liable for any accidents, damage or other costs incurred until the vehicle is safely returned to your selected return location.

Question: What happens if I am not ready to order?
Answer: If you select the "email me this quote" option we will email you the quote and you will then have 7 days to book at the price quoted by clicking on the link on the email you receive. If you decide to book after 7 days have expired you will be charged at the rate applicable at the time of booking.

Question: When do I have to include my credit card number?
Answer: We need your credit card number when you are booking the van. Please note the Irish Van Rentals site is secure. Your personal details will not be shared with third Parties at any stage.

Question: Are my booking details secure on this website?
Answer: Yes. We have a fully secure site. Irish Van Rentals use a 128 bit Thawte SSL Web Server to offer secure communications by encrypting all data exchanged to and from the booking form on the website. Because of this you can pass your credit card and personal details through our booking system with confidence. We have strict guidelines as to our client’s privacy and we will not pass on your details to any other party for any reason.

Questions: Any tips about van hire timings?
Answer: Make sure that you allow enough time from the collection to drop off time to complete your journeys. It is cheaper to rent for the exact period than to extend the rates which may be subject to additional fees. Remember all van rental companies will charge you additional fees for bringing the van back late.

Question:  Who do I contact if I have any questions after I have rented the van?
Answer: Full contact details are on your rental documentation. You can e-mail us here Please submit your booking or rental agreement number also.

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Paperwork and Insurance

Question: What driver information and drivers license requirements apply?
Answer: All drivers must be in possession of a full-unendorsed driver's license at the time of rental. (Certain minor endorsements may be acceptable, please call us (Link to  http://www.vanhireguide.co.uk/contact_us.html)prior to booking). All drivers must have held a full driver's license for at least 24 months prior to hiring a van with Irish Van Rentals and must present themselves with their full-unendorsed driver's license at the pick up location at the time of rental. 

Question: Can I purchase insurance cover for renting a commercial vehicle?
Answer: Yes you can. There are certain criteria that have to be met. Drivers must be over 25 and hold a full, unendorsed license for a minimum of 2 years.

Question: Can I transfer my car insurance to a commercial vehicle?
Answer: You should ask your insurance company/broker if they will allow you do a temporary substitution (this is when you wish to use the hire vehicle while not using your own car). Transferring your car insurance will usually allow you to use vehicles that can be driven on a car license although this is not the case with all insurance companies. Some transfers will only be allowed if you are moving registered address. We will only accept own insurance cover from people with fully comprehensive Irish motor cover. We cannot accept policies that cover third party only. In this case you must purchase insurance.

Question: Are non English driving licences valid?
Answer: No. Please ensure that you have a current licence, valid to drive the vehicle you are renting. A licence will have to be in English Language and have at least a valid period to run during the rental period.

Question: How much does it cost to purchase insurance?
Answer: We offer very competitive insurance prices. The cost varies from €25 to €35 depending on the size of the vehicle being insured.

Question: Can I add more than one driver to a purchased insurance policy?
Answer: Yes you can. Additional drivers must be over 25 years old and hold a full, clean drivers license for at least 2 years. The cost per day is €10 + vat.

Question: What are the details of the cover you provide?
Answer: On the purchased insurance policy you will be covered comprehensively. However, you will do have an excess of €1600 in case of damage. If our commercial vehicle is returned damaged you are liable for the first €1600 of repair costs. This liability amount cannot be reduced.

Question: I will be travelling abroad, do you provide insurance cover for this?
Answer :Unfortunately no. If you are travelling abroad you will need to provide your own fully comprehensive insurance policy to cover our vehicle. We do also  require that you purchase Five Star AA breakdown cover. This service provides you with roadside assistance while abroad and in the event of an accident the vehicle will be shipped back to Ireland. It can be purchased at  www.aaireland.ie/travel/fivestar.asp 

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Payments

Question: What credit cards does Irish Van Rentals accept?
Answer: Irish Van Rentals accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club. We accept Irish Laser Cards but unfortunately we can not accept UK Switch cards for payment purposes.

Question: What are your mileage allowances?
Answer: Our online rates include mileage charges.

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Driving the Van

Question: Do you have parking available?
Answer: Unfortunately we do not have parking available for your private vehicle in any of our locations.

Question: What if I get a traffic violation while in possession of a rental vehicle?
Answer: If you get a traffic violation while in possession of an Irish Van Rentals vehicle please advise our staff on return. You are liable for any speeding/traffic 
violations that occur while you are in our rental vehicle

Question: What happens if the van breaks down?
Answer: In the very unlikely event of a breakdown with Irish Van Rentals help is never far away. You are covered by 24hour Emergency AA Breakdown assistance insurance. Details of this service will be provided in the rental agreement wallet you receive on arrival. Please be aware that our 24 hour Roadside Assistance is "emergency cover". It does not include puncture repairs, incorrect fuel or mislaid keys. Callouts to the AA for any of these will be charged onto your rental on return 
of your vehicle.

What do I do in the event of an accident?
In the event of a traffic accident please notify us as soon as possible. Contact the Gardai on 999 and report the accident. Do not admit liability at any stage.

Question: Got any safe van driving tips?
Answer: If you are driving a van for the first time or perhaps drive a van infrequently there are many differences to driving a car which you should be aware of and remember. The following safety tips provide practical van driving advice to ensure your journey is safe for yourself, others passengers and pedestrians.

Before you start your journey
When you pick up your van from the rental station listen carefully to the advice and explanations regarding general operation. Ensure you know where all controls are and how to use them, if you are unsure ask. 

• Wear sensible footwear that allows the correct use the pedal controls. 
• Adjust the mirrors to provide maximum vision. 
• Adjust head restraints and seats for both comfort and safety. 
• You MUST wear a seat belt
• Before driving on the road, make sure the rear or side cargo doors are locked securely.
• Become familiar and comfortable with the size and responsiveness of the van by initially driving in an area with little traffic. 

General driving advice

• Plan your route and allowed sufficient time to complete your journey. 
• In winter listen to weather forecasts and take extra care in windy or wet conditions. 
• Ensure the vehicle has sufficient fuel before commencing your journey, if you need to refill check in advance where the petrol cap is located and which type of fuel is required.
• Remember to lock your vehicle when it is not attended.

Van driving advice

• Be in complete control of your vehicle at all times, losing control means not being able to stop or move your van in a safe manner. 
• Be aware of the size of the van you are driving, particularly the height. Take extra caution when approaching bridges and canopies and when driving under overhanging trees. Some petrol stations may not cater for the size of your vehicle. 
• Large vehicles need extra room to turn, take this into consideration when approaching a tight corner. Also bear in mind the length of the van and the position of the rear of the vehicle when manoeuvring. 
• Make use of the increased visibility from a higher driving position and remember to use your exterior mirrors more often. 
• Taketight bends slowly as tall vans can tip more easily due to their height and increased centre of gravity. 
• Control your speed and never follow other vehicles too closely, vans require a much longer braking distance especially when travelling at speed, carrying a heavy load or in wet or icy weather conditions. 
• Pay extra attention when reversing or parking and only attempt to do so if you are confident or when it's necessary. Ask for another person to guide you if your van has blind spots. 
• Be extra careful when changing lanes, the van you are driving may have blind spots. Pay particular attention for motor cyclists. 
• Take a little extra time and care when driving an unfamiliar vehicle. 

Making Turns

• When turning a corner, you must make a wider swing with a van than you would with a car. Consequently, on a right turn it is necessary to watch the right outside mirrors for small vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. 
• Use turn signals well in advance. 
• Make turns more slowly than you would with a car. If you turn too quickly, the van will lean and make your passengers uncomfortable.
• Whenever possible, don't make "U" turns. Due to the van's wider turning radius, a "U" turn may require you to make at least one backward movement. Avoid backward movement whenever possible. 

Height of Van
The height of the van has advantages and disadvantages for the driver. On the plus side, it gives you a better view of the road ahead. On the negative side, some garages are not high enough to accommodate the van. You also have to watch for overhead obstructions such as trees and limbs.
The van can block the view of passenger cars following you. Drivers may attempt to pass you at an unsafe time or place, and thus, threaten to involve you in an accident. Watch both outside mirrors for these manoeuvres.

Blind Spot
The van has blind spots on each side. Adjust your mirrors to reduce these as much as possible. 
To avoid striking a pedestrian, stop well before you reach a crosswalk. Watch out for your own passengers walking across the front of the van as they board or leave.
When in a line of stop-and-go traffic, never get so close to the vehicle in front that you lose sight of its brake lights and directional signals.
The greatest blind spot is to the rear when backing up. 

Following Distance
A loaded van is more difficult to stop than an automobile travelling at the same speed. Therefore, you should use a four-second following rule for a van. The four-second rule works as follows: Count 1,001 - 1,002 - 1,003 - 1,004 after the rear of the vehicle you are following passes a fixed object. If the front of your vehicle passes the same object before you count to 1,004, you are following too closely. Slow down. Increase follow distance in poor weather conditions or when fully loaded.

Backing Up
Your best defence is to back up only when necessary. Avoid backing into traffic. If you must back up:

• Back into a space so that you can drive out. 
• Engage 4-way flashers. 
• Sound the horn twice to alert pedestrians and other drivers. 
• Look over both shoulders. 
• Use all mirrors. 
• Utilize a spotter whenever available. 
• Avoid blindside backing
• Back slowly and cautiously.. 

Parking and Loading/Unloading 
Watch for normal hazards, such as low branches and wires, fences, walls and hydrants, and choose a spot that will be easy to pull in and out of. It is also essential that you lock the van when it is left unattended.

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About the Vans

Question: What kind of van can I expect?
Answer: We operate the most modern fleet of vans (link to http://www.vanhireguide.co.uk/van_rental_fleet.html ) in Ireland and 95% of our vehicles will be under 6 months old. When you ask for a quotation you will see that there are often 2 or more models or makes offered within the "Van Group". Irish Van Rentals cannot guarantee a particular make or model of van but we will guarantee a van within the "Van Group" will be available for collection as required. Specific requests for vehicles with CD Players, airbags etc: and or other features cannot be guaranteed as being available but we will make every attempt to supply if you request them in the "additional comments" filled in the booking form. 

Question: Can I travel out from one location and return the vehicle to another?
Answer: Yes. Charges may apply for some locations. You can see what charges may apply if you calculate your rate on the booking engine. Question: What  van is best for me?
Answer: Get the size of van that really will suit the amount of equipment you will need to move, this may sound very obvious but you will be surprised at how many un-necessary journeys are made because the van was too small, not tall enough or will not carry the weight of the goods moved. 

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