Hiring a campervan is one of the best ways to explore the UK. Whether you’re heading to the Lake District, Cornwall, or beyond, a campervan road trip offers total freedom and flexibility. But if it’s your first time renting a camper, a few practical tips can go a long way. At Van Life Rentals, we’ve put together seven important things to know before you hire a campervan so you can travel with confidence.
1. What’s Included in My Campervan Hire?
Not all campervan hire packages offer the same features. With Van Life Rentals, every VW campervan comes fully equipped, including a fridge, gas hob, cooking utensils, USB charging points and comfy sleeping space. We also include electric hook-up leads and water tanks.
Need optional extras like bedding, an awning, a bike rack or a porta-potty? We’ve got those available too. Just let us know what you need when booking.
Another important extra is that all of our hires come with insurance, providing peace of mind throughout your journey.
2. What Insurance Do I Need for Campervan Hire?
Every hire from Van Life Rentals includes fully comprehensive insurance as standard. You’re covered for damage, theft and third-party liability, but it’s important to know what the excess is and whether you’re responsible for any additional costs.
If you’re planning to add another driver or travel abroad, just let us know so we can update your cover.
3. How Do the Facilities Work Inside the Campervan?
First time using a campervan? Don’t worry — we provide a full handover before you drive away. We’ll walk you through how to operate the gas hob, fridge, pop-top roof, lighting, water system and electrics. It’s all simple once you’ve seen it.
Tip: record a short video during the demo so you can refer back to it during your trip if needed.
4. Is the Campervan in Good Condition?
You should always hire a well-maintained and regularly serviced campervan. At Van Life Rentals, we carefully inspect, clean and service every vehicle before it goes out. We also provide a pre-hire checklist so you can inspect the van with us before driving off.
Feel free to take your own photos of the van’s condition. It’s a great way to avoid any confusion later.
5. What Size Campervan Should I Hire?
The right size campervan depends on how many people you’re travelling with and how comfortable you are driving a larger vehicle. Our VW Transporters are ideal for couples, small families or solo adventurers. They’re easy to drive, fit into standard parking bays and still provide all the essentials.
We even offer larger vans that are ideal for bigger families and provide comfortable space for 6 people to relax and sleep. An important note to consider when hiring a larger van is that you may need a different license to drive the vehicle. If the vehicle has an MAM (maximum authorised mass) of 3,500-7500kg a C1 license is required. This needs to be applied for, and all testing needs to be passed before you are legally allowed to drive one of these bigger vans.
Not sure what you need? Just tell us about your plans and we’ll match you to the perfect van.
6. Where Can I Stay Overnight in a Campervan?
In the UK, you can’t just park up anywhere for the night. While wild camping is allowed in parts of Scotland, it’s restricted in England and Wales. Always look for official campsites or permitted overnight parking spots.
Apps like Park4Night and Campercontact are great for finding places to stay. We’re also happy to suggest popular stops and campsite recommendations based on your route.
7. Is There a Mileage Limit or Travel Restriction?
Some campervan hire companies put limits on how far you can drive, but at Van Life Rentals we offer generous mileage allowances to give you freedom on the road.
Planning a longer trip or heading into Europe? No problem. Just let us know in advance so we can ensure your paperwork and insurance are up to date.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Campervan hire is a brilliant way to explore at your own pace. At Van Life Rentals, we’re here to help make your trip unforgettable. With fully equipped vans, friendly support and everything you need to get started, your van life adventure starts the moment you book.
Browse our campervans for hire or contact us today and let’s plan your perfect road trip.