Help & FAQ
Documents, deposits, insurance and changing your booking. Can't find an answer? Chat with us - we're available 24/7.
Driving in the UK
Do I pay the London Congestion Charge or ULEZ myself?
Yes. Charges for driving in central London are the driver's responsibility, not the rental company's. Pay the Congestion Charge on the Transport for London website on the day you drive (or set up Auto Pay). Most modern hire cars already meet ULEZ standards, so no ULEZ charge applies to them.
Can I return the car to a different UK city?
Usually, yes. Tick "Return to a different location" in the search form and choose your drop-off point. One-way rentals within Great Britain are common, though suppliers may add a one-way fee - it's shown in the price before you book.
I'm under 25 - can I still hire a car?
Most suppliers rent to drivers from 21, and some from 23 or 25 for larger cars. A young-driver surcharge usually applies under 25. Untick "Driver aged 25-70" and enter your age so the prices you see already include any surcharge.
Can I take a hire car on a ferry to Ireland, France or the islands?
Many suppliers allow it with prior permission and a cross-border fee. You'll need a VE103 certificate for travel outside the UK. Tell the supplier about your plans when booking and check the cross-border section of the rental terms.
Booking
How does Cars Scanner work?
We compare car hire offers from international brands and local rental companies through our booking partners. You choose a car, pay securely online and collect it at the rental desk with your voucher. The price, what's included and the rental terms are shown before you pay.
Which payment cards are accepted?
Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards are accepted for online payment. At the desk, most suppliers need a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit - debit cards are accepted by some suppliers only, and this is shown in the rental terms.
Is there a minimum rental period?
The minimum rental is one day (24 hours). You can return the car earlier, but unused time is not refunded.
Should I give my flight number?
Yes, if you're collecting at an airport. With the flight number the supplier can see if your flight is delayed and keep the car for you. You can add it when booking or later on the My booking page.
Can I add a child seat or an additional driver?
Yes. Child seats, booster seats, additional drivers and other extras can be requested while booking. Extras are usually paid at the desk, and the price is shown before you confirm.
At the rental desk
What documents do I need to collect the car?
Your full driving licence, your booking voucher, a passport or ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name with enough available credit for the deposit. If your licence is not in the Latin alphabet, bring an International Driving Permit as well.
How old do I have to be to hire a car?
Most suppliers rent to drivers aged 21 to 75; some set the minimum at 23 or 25 for larger cars. Drivers under 25 usually pay a young-driver surcharge. Enter your age in the search form to see prices that already include it.
How do I find the rental desk?
The desk address and opening hours are on your voucher. At airports the desk is either in the terminal or a short free shuttle ride away - the voucher tells you which, and where to meet the shuttle.
How much fuel will the car have?
Most cars come with a full tank and must be returned full ("full to full"). The fuel policy of every offer is shown in the results, so you can choose the one that suits you.
Insurance & extra costs
What is included in the price?
Prices normally include the rental for your dates, local taxes, third-party liability, basic collision damage and theft cover with an excess, and breakdown assistance. Mileage (unlimited or capped), airport fees and the deposit amount are listed in each offer's details.
What happens if the car is damaged?
Call the rental company straight away (the number is on your voucher) and, if needed, the police to make a report. With basic cover you pay towards repairs up to the excess amount. Extra cover bought when booking or at the desk can reduce this to zero.
Are there any local fees to pay at the desk?
Some locations charge compulsory local fees, and optional extras such as child seats or additional drivers are paid at the desk. Any fee you have to pay on arrival is listed on your voucher before you book.
Do cars have winter tyres?
Requirements depend on the country and season. Where winter tyres are compulsory they are fitted as standard; elsewhere they may be available as an extra.
Changes & cancellations
How do I change my booking?
Go to My booking, enter your email address and booking reference, and choose the change you need. Changes made more than 24 hours before pick-up are usually free; the exact terms are in your rental conditions.
How do I cancel my booking?
Cancel on the My booking page. Most bookings can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before pick-up. Later cancellations and no-shows may not be refunded - check the cancellation section of your rental terms.
I've lost my booking reference or voucher. What should I do?
Search your inbox (and spam folder) for the booking confirmation email. If you still can't find it, chat with us or call us - we'll find your booking and resend the voucher.
Returning the car
Can I return the car to a different location?
Often, yes. Tick "Return to a different location" in the search form to see one-way prices. A one-way fee may apply, and returning the car in another country needs the supplier's permission.
What if I'm late returning the car?
Let the rental company know as soon as possible. Most suppliers allow a short grace period; after that an extra day is usually charged. Returning a car late without telling the supplier can cause serious problems, so always call ahead.
In what condition should I return the car?
Return the car in the condition you received it, with the agreed fuel level. Normal dust is fine, but a very dirty car may be charged a cleaning fee. Take photos at pick-up and return - they help if there's a disagreement.