Hiring a van for the day; what you need to know
April 12, 2018
If you’re moving house or looking to transport large items from one place to another, the decision to hire a van for the day may seem like the most logical one. It's essential to plan ahead if you want to find the right size van for your job. Between rental fees and petrol costs, the cost of hiring a van for the day can skyrocket if you end up leaving it to the last minute to book, especially if the only van available is too small to do your job in one trip.
However, there are a lot more factors you will need to consider before hiring a van for the day, from planning the most efficient route to finding the best way to load and unload your boxes. So just what is the best way to rent a van for a day, and what do you need to consider before you seek out a quote?
There are different rates for one day van hire
A one-day van hire service allows you to complete your removals job at your convenience, and there are three main methods by which it is usually priced: By the hour, by the day, or by mileage. A good van hire company who offers a one-day service will generally offer their services based on how much time a job will take, but the decision of which pricing method you choose ultimately depends on your specific moving needs.
- A fixed price day rate allows for a more flexible timeline on the day of your move, which is ideal for any job which involves making multiple drop-offs, whether on the same route or having to make repeat back-and-forth trips.
- Hourly prices for one-day van hire are ideal for movers who know exactly what they need to transport or those who will be making a single trip or round journey.
- Paying by the mile for one-day van hire is really only ideal for those making short journeys with large or bulky items.
A bigger van might reduce how long you need the vehicle for
The cost of van hire is dependent on more than just the amount of time you will need the van; the size of the vehicle will also be a major contributing factor. Of course, a single large item will necessitate a large van; however, in that scenario, it would also be advisable to hire the vehicle by the hour.
Using AnyVan’s rates for man and van service for comparison, the smallest removal van is a medium wheelbase transit van, which fits a maximum of 30 medium boxes. For more information, explore our guide to removals van size.
One way van hire is perfect for delivery jobs
The majority of day van hire services provide you with the van and nothing else, which is beneficial for anyone who wants to take control of their moving job. Larger van rental companies often allow you to collect your rental van from one branch, make your delivery and then return the van to an alternative location, closer to your drop-off destination. While this is useful in theory, the need to personally return your van to another destination and seek alternative transport back home is arguably a burden.
Unlike the majority of van rental companies, our van hire service includes a driver in the cost of the rental as standard, which offers an ideal solution for those in search of a furniture courier or looking for assistance with eBay delivery, as you will not need to worry about personally returning the van.
In most cases, the cost of this van hire will depend on how far you are travelling from your pick-up point, with longer journeys costing more. The expense of these trips will often cover petrol costs, as well as insurance, but you will generally have to ensure that your journey is completed in time to return the van before the branch where you intend to return the vehicle has closed.
Permits and petrol costs - to drive or not to drive?
Although renting a removals van for the day and driving it yourself allows for greater autonomy, this method can incur additional costs. This will be particularly evident if you go with a van hire company which does not offer unlimited mileage, as you will need to pay for additional petrol yourself. If you are renting a van in London, you should also check in advance whether the hire company includes the congestion charge in their rental costs.
Even for the most experienced drivers, getting behind the wheel of a van takes some getting used to, and getting accustomed to the expanded dimensions of the vehicle is essential, particularly when it comes to parking. You will also need to ensure that you have a parking space arranged on all legs of your journey, and acquire the necessary permits if you will be driving the van yourself.
How much does insurance cost for one day van hire?
Most van hire companies do offer insurance coverage for any damaged, broken or stolen items as part of their service. However, in most cases, third-party insurance coverage is recommended from many one-day van hire services, particularly when it comes to self-drive van hire. When you book with AnyVan, we provide a personal move coordinator for all jobs, who can help you to compare van hire methods, determine the best way to organise for your moving job, and both load and drive the van. Our service also comes with £50k basic compensation cover (in accordance with our T&Cs), and a free 48 hour cancellation period, so if you need to make a change at the last minute, you can.
One day van hire is a cost-effective measure if you have a set amount of items to move or a comprehensive plan in place for how you will be transporting your goods. However, hiring a van for the day from a company who can provide expert advice (and a driver) can make the process easier, safer and cheaper. Contact AnyVan today for more information about our day van hire rates.