Collection and return are the two moments in a hire that matter most. Get them right and the rest of the hire takes care of itself. Here's exactly what happens at each, step by step, so you know what to expect before you arrive.
Before the day
Most of the work happens online before you collect:
- Your account holds your details and your licence.
- Your DVLA check code lets us check your licence details and any endorsements. Get one free on GOV.UK; it lasts 21 days.
- Your hire agreement is signed online before you pay.
- Your deposits are paid when you book: a £100 booking deposit, which comes off your hire price, and a refundable security deposit.
- Your licence is checked and your booking confirmed.
You can also pay the balance from your account before the day.
Collection, step by step
You collect from our depot in Hainault, East London, or at your address if you've arranged delivery and collection at extra cost.
1. Licence check
Bring your driving licence. We check it against your booking.
2. The balance
If you haven't paid the balance already, you pay it now. The car can't go out until it's paid.
3. The inspection
This is the most important part. Staff inspect the car with you and record the inspection on our app, photographing the car before you drive away. Anything already on the car, such as a small mark, is recorded at this point.
Take your time. If you notice something we haven't, point it out and it's added to the record.
4. The keys
You confirm the inspection and drive away.
During your hire
Your customer experience manager is your contact for anything that comes up, and our support line is open from 8am to 8pm. If you need the car longer, request an extension through your account as early as you can.
Return, step by step
1. Bring the car back
Return the car to the depot, or have it collected from your address if that's what you arranged. Leave a little time for the inspection, and check the boot, glovebox and door pockets for your belongings.
2. The return inspection
The car is inspected with you and photographed again. A hire can't be closed without both inspections.
3. The hire is closed
If the inspection finds no damage, your security deposit is released: half after a clean check-in and the rest 14 days later.
If there is damage, it's recorded with photo evidence and the cost is taken from the deposit. Outstanding charges from the hire are also taken from the deposit balance. Every change is logged.
Why two inspections protect you
The inspection at collection is your protection as much as ours. Anything on the car before your hire is on record, so you're never asked to account for something you didn't do. The inspection at return shows the car came back as it should, so your deposit comes back too. As a Syndicar agency, we can offer the assurance that any damage is documented correctly at collection and return.
Returning early or late
Let us know as soon as you can. Early returns are reviewed by our team, and late returns may be charged as set out in your hire agreement.
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When you're ready, choose your dates on our cars page.