Business Details
Trusted Car & Van Hire Services in the UK
Practical Car & Van Rental has been a trusted name in vehicle hire across the UK and Ireland for over four decades. As the fourth-largest vehicle rental company in the UK, we operate 150+ locations, offering a comprehensive range of cars, vans, motorhomes, and minibuses tailored to meet diverse customer needs. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our modern fleet, which includes economy cars, executive vehicles, hybrid models, and commercial vans from small units to 7.5-ton lorries. We prioritise convenience through our user-friendly online booking system, guaranteeing vehicle availability and eliminating last-minute disappointments. Our local franchises provide personalised service, with flexible delivery options to hotels, businesses, and private addresses, including out-of-hours assistance at select locations.For business clients, we offer corporate accounts with dedicated account management and flexible insurance options. Our motorhome hire service enables UK residents to explore the British Isles at their own pace, with luxury vehicles equipped with kitchens, bathrooms, and modern amenities. We maintain strict compliance with UK legislation, including a no-smoking policy in all vehicles to ensure safety and insurance validity. Our franchise model supports entrepreneurs seeking to establish vehicle rental businesses under a nationally recognised brand. Through consistent investment in technology and customer service, we continue to deliver competitive pricing without compromising on reliability or vehicle condition.
Services
Car Hire
Van Rental
Motorhome Hire
Airport Rentals
Long-term Leasing
Corporate Accounts
Franchise Opportunities
European Rentals
Delivery Services
Optional Equipment Hire
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of vehicle rental expertise across the UK and Ireland
- Our 150+ locations ensure nationwide coverage with local service delivery
- Online booking guarantees vehicle availability with no last-minute disappointments
- We provide flexible delivery options to hotels, businesses, and private addresses
- Our modern fleet includes hybrid vehicles and commercial units up to 7.5-ton lorries
Services
Car Hire
We provide a comprehensive range of hire cars across the UK and Ireland. Our fleet includes economy models, executive vehicles, MPVs, and hybrid/electric options. Customers benefit from guaranteed availability through our online booking system and flexible collection/delivery arrangements at local branches.
Van Rental
Our commercial van rental service covers vehicles from small units to 7.5-ton lorries, including refrigerated and tail-lift equipped models. Long-term rentals attract preferential rates, with insurance options available through corporate accounts or customer-owned policies.
Motorhome Hire
We offer self-drive motorhome hire for UK residents exploring Britain. Our fleet includes 2-6 berth vehicles with kitchens, bathrooms, and modern amenities. Pet-friendly options are available through designated franchisees with specific vehicle separation policies.
Corporate Accounts
Our corporate vehicle rental accounts provide businesses with dedicated account management. Services include comprehensive insurance coverage, flexible contract terms, and preferential rates for high-volume users. Accounts accommodate requirements for cars, vans, and commercial vehicles across multiple locations.
Franchise Opportunities
We offer franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking to establish vehicle rental businesses under a nationally recognised brand. The model provides access to our established systems, national branding, and support infrastructure while maintaining local operational autonomy.
Questions
What types of vehicles are available for hire?
We offer cars from economy to executive models, vans from small units to 7.5-ton lorries, motorhomes, minibuses, and specialist vehicles with optional equipment.
Can I hire a vehicle for business purposes?
Our corporate account holders receive dedicated support with flexible insurance options and comprehensive vehicle coverage subject to driver eligibility.
Are there additional charges for European travel?
Additional documentation, insurance, and surcharges apply for EU travel. Vehicles must not be taken abroad without prior authorisation to maintain insurance validity.
How does the online booking system work?
Our real-time booking engine guarantees vehicle availability through a three-step process, eliminating last-minute disappointments experienced with other providers.
What delivery options are available?
We offer vehicle delivery to hotels, businesses, private addresses, and transport hubs. Availability varies by location – contact your local branch for details.
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Reviews (6)
Sharon L. Jeffrey
Jan 17, 2022
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Absolutely fantastic company to use sorted us a van out even when they were closed on a bank holiday so easy to deal with no hassle whatsoever will definitely be using you again and definitely will recommend thank you so much Sharon and Darren Jeffrey x
Stefano Rodio
Jan 07, 2022
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Called few days after I dropped back the vehicle asking for deposit and they said to wait 10 days . So called back after 10 days and says the vehicle was damaged. Definitely I not recommend
Kberrie Nutter
Dec 22, 2021
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Totally ripped us off. Hired the van for a gig in Manchester from the Lostock Hall branch, I was very careful, the van was parked securely at Manc academy where no other cars could access. It was impossible for this van to have been bumped. When I brought the van back he said as we went to look over it "oh I hate doing new vans, we have to look for… every little detail" so I knew at that point he was gonna try and do me for something. As we were walking round he pointed out a bump which you could not even see, he had to run his hands over it and instructed me to do so too, in order to pickout
Safin Said Jalal
Dec 09, 2021
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These people are cheaters !! Never used them agin I take the van at 11:07 I was in traffic I call them I will be 10 mint late they said it’s oki but when I get there they charge me for another day cuz I get there 10 mint late so plz ppl don’t use this ppl they are such a big cheaters !!!!!
Kevin Mc Donnell
Dec 03, 2021
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Monaghan location an absolute JOKE. AVOID AT ALL COSTS. Booked a van the day before, was told everything was OK. Arrived the next day, seen the van I booked sitting there, but was told; "oh no I'm giving that to someone else" and tried giving me a different van which wasn't suitable for my needs. Wasn't giving a reason, or an apology or nothing, just told "nothing I can do, someone else is taking it" Leaving me completely stranded with no van. Absolutely BRUTAL.
Jessica Roper
Oct 06, 2021
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AVOID. We needed a last minute vehicle for a house move and hired a van, extended the lease and swapped over to another van that had some damage, upon return was told there was a new scratch (partner adamant it was already there!) anyway after over a week of chasing them for an update were told today they are keeping our £350 deposit and we owe… them an additional £90 odd pounds. The explanation of the costs make no sense and on the phone alone it changed multiple times. we thought this was suss and upon looking at the reviews on here its very clear many people get conned in
