Credit Hire/Self Drive Hire Van Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions About Self Drive Hire Insurance & Credit Hire Insurance

What is Self Drive Hire Insurance?

Self Drive Hire Insurance is specialist motor insurance designed for businesses that hire vehicles to customers who drive the vehicles themselves. It can be arranged for businesses hiring out cars, vans, minibuses, campervans, motorhomes and other eligible vehicle types, subject to insurer acceptance.

What is Credit Hire Insurance?

Credit Hire Insurance is designed for businesses that provide replacement vehicles to motorists following a non-fault road traffic accident. Policies can be tailored to reflect the specific risks associated with operating a credit hire business.

What is the difference between Self Drive Hire Insurance and Credit Hire Insurance?

Self Drive Hire Insurance is intended for businesses that rent vehicles directly to customers for an agreed hire period. Credit Hire Insurance is designed for businesses supplying replacement vehicles following a non-fault accident, where costs are typically recovered through the claims process.

Who needs Self Drive Hire Insurance?

Self Drive Hire Insurance may be suitable for businesses that hire vehicles to customers, including car hire companies, van rental businesses, campervan hire companies, minibus operators, motorhome hire businesses and specialist vehicle rental companies.

Can I insure a fleet of hire vehicles?

Many insurers can arrange cover for businesses operating multiple hire vehicles. The level of cover available will depend on your fleet, business activities and the insurer’s underwriting criteria.

What vehicles can be covered?

Depending on the insurer, cover may be available for:

• Cars
• Vans
• Minibuses
• MPVs
• Campervans
• Motorhomes
• Horseboxes
• Prestige vehicles
• Light commercial vehicles
• Mixed vehicle fleets

Does Self Drive Hire Insurance include vans?

Many policies can be arranged for businesses hiring out vans, including short-term and long-term van hire, subject to insurer acceptance.

Can I insure campervans or motorhomes for hire?

Specialist insurance may be available for businesses hiring out campervans and motorhomes. The cover will depend on the type of vehicles and the nature of your business.

Does the insurance include Road Risks cover?

Road Risks Insurance may be included or available as part of a combined policy, depending on the insurer and your business requirements.

Does Self Drive Hire Insurance include Public Liability Insurance?

Public Liability Insurance may be available as part of a combined insurance policy or as an additional cover, depending on your business needs.

Is Employers’ Liability Insurance included?

If you employ staff, Employers’ Liability Insurance is generally a legal requirement unless an exemption applies. It may be included within a combined policy or arranged alongside your vehicle hire insurance.

Is breakdown assistance available?

Breakdown and recovery cover is often available as an optional addition to your policy, depending on the insurer.

Can I insure vehicles hired to businesses as well as private customers?

Many insurers can provide cover for businesses hiring vehicles to both private individuals and commercial customers, depending on the policy selected.

Can I add or remove vehicles during the policy period?

Many insurers allow vehicles to be added to or removed from a policy during the period of insurance, subject to their terms and conditions.

What information is needed for a quote?

To arrange a quote, insurers will typically require information about:

• The type of hire business you operate
• The vehicles you hire out
• Fleet size
• Driver eligibility requirements
• Claims history
• Vehicle values
• Business location
• Security arrangements

The exact information required will vary between insurers.

Can insurance be tailored to my business?

Depending on the insurer, Self Drive Hire Insurance and Credit Hire Insurance can often be tailored to reflect the vehicles you operate, the size of your fleet and the way your business is run.