The option of hiring a van for moving house, making deliveries, or running a business makes the process easier. When you opt for van hire services, you should definitely check the van hire insurance in Scotland before driving away. The inclusions mentioned in the insurance section of the rental agreement are crucial. This blog explains everything about van hire insurance in detail.
Key Points in Van Hire Insurance
When you rent a vehicle, you usually get insurance with it, which is designed to cover the vehicle against risks while you are using it. The coverage in van rental insurance in Scotland depends on the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the particular rental company. Below are the key points mentioned in van hire insurance:
1. Insurance Excess
The amount that you have to pay towards an eligible claim is known as the insurance excess. Van hire excess insurance completely depends on the rental company, so you should always read the agreement before driving away. At times, you can lower the excess by opting for an additional protection option by paying an extra cost.
2. Collision Damage Waiver
You might have come across the term van hire collision damage waiver while searching for van rental companies. Though the name suggests that it covers collision damage, it is generally a waiver that reduces your responsibility for certain types of damage. That doesn’t imply that it covers all types of damage. There are many exclusions, such as driving negligently, using an unauthorised driver, driving in prohibited areas, damage to the vehicle due to violating the rental agreement, and so on. While hiring a rental van, make sure to check all the specific points mentioned in your policy.
3. Third-Party Liability Insurance
When it comes to insurance for van hire in Scotland, understanding third-party liability is quite important. It is something that covers the legal responsibility for injury to another person or damage to another person’s property if there is an accident involving the van. In case of an accident where you are legally responsible, the cover becomes subject to the policy terms.
4. Coverage of Theft
Usually, van rental insurance in Scotland covers the theft of the vehicle, but this may vary depending on the rental company. Mostly, there are certain conditions that you have to meet to get the coverage. These conditions include locking the van when it is parked unattended, keeping the keys secure, never leaving the keys inside the van, and, most importantly, following all the security precautions required by the rental company. In case it is found that the vehicle was stolen because you didn’t follow the conditions mentioned in the rental agreement, then you will be responsible for paying the amount.
5. Coverage of Windscreen and Tyre Damage
Usually, insurance for van hire in Scotland does not cover windscreen and tyre damage. However, some rental companies may include protection for glass and tyres. This may cover windscreen chips, cracked glass, tyre damage, and punctures. Whenever you book a rental van, always check the insurance agreement for these before driving away.
6. Insurance for Van Hire for Business
In case you own a business and opt for van hire in Scotland, then you must check the van rental insurance in Scotland as it needs specific attention. When you hire a van for commercial purposes, you need to check that the insurance provides coverage for the type of business activity that you are involved in. Suppose you are using a van for delivering goods or carrying tools and equipment; then you should check whether the rental agreement permits this and ask the rental company to arrange insurance corresponding to that.
Steps to Claim Insurance
Whenever you face an unwanted circumstance and need to claim van hire insurance in Scotland, these are the steps that you must follow:
First and foremost, ensure that everyone is safe after your rental van meets with an accident.
If anyone is in critical condition, contact the emergency services immediately.
Wherever there is a need to provide details legally, make sure to give correct information.
The next step should be to contact the van rental company’s support team.
If the condition permits, make sure to take photographs of the scene and the damage that has occurred to the vehicle.
Beforehand, you must know the accident reporting procedure of the van hire company, so you should act according to it.
Always keep relevant documents or reference numbers, as they may be required for further legal proceedings and to claim insurance.
Most importantly, never arrange repairs yourself unless the rental company asks you to do so, as that can affect your claim procedure.
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Before you drive away with a self-drive rental van, you should definitely go through its insurance policy, terms, and conditions. This is required to avoid any unpleasant surprises in an emergency. While comparing van rental companies, your focus should be on the type of insurance, excess, exclusions, and waivers so that you can have an overall great experience driving the rental van.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Is there a need to take separate van hire insurance in Scotland?
Usually, van rental companies offer van rental insurance in Scotland, so you don’t have to take additional insurance. However, make sure to check the level of excess and waiver.
2.What does van hire excess protection in insurance imply?
The van hire excess is the amount that you have to pay towards an eligible claim. The excess amount is mentioned in the rental agreement itself, and it varies from company to company.
3.Does van hire insurance offer coverage for theft of the vehicle?
At times, the van hire insurance policy may provide cover for theft of the vehicle, but this may not apply if the theft occurred because of your negligence.
4.Can anyone else drive the van that I took for rent?
If the additional driver has a proper licence, they must be registered with the rental company to drive the vehicle.
