Vehicle On Hire Certificates: No Car Pool Exemption

The BVRLA has received a number of enquiries regarding the driver information required on Vehicle on Hire certificates, especially as it affects drivers of 'pooled' cars.

The Vehicle on Hire certificate (VE103) is the only document to provide legal proof that the driver of a vehicle they do not own has the owner's permission to take it out of the UK. Like the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the BVRLA strongly advises that the driver's name be included on the certificate. It is a risk to omit the driver's name or to replace it with the name of the fleet manager overseeing the car pool as if stopped the car is likely to be impounded.

The BVRLA is authorised to supply Vehicle on Hire certificates to members (known as the VE103B). For further information contact BVRLA Member Services.

To visit the BVRLA website click here...

source: BVRLA

BVRLA Vehicle Recall Guidance

The BVRLA has developed a guidance paper for members and their customers on vehicle recalls.

If you have any questions on this paper please contact a member of the legal services team on 01494 434747.

Rental companies wishing to become a member of the BVRLA click here...

To view the BVRLA Vehicle Recall Guidance.pdf click here...

source: BVRLA

International Driving Permit (IDP)

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is honoured in over 150 countries outside of the United States, and it is issued in a folder that explains the data entries and vehicle permissions granted.

IDPs are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Their purpose is to allow persons travelling abroad to avoid potential problems arising from language barriers. An IDP is proof that you hold a valid driving licence in your own country, they are only a supplement to a valid licence, not a replacement, and are not valid in an individual’s country of residence. It is not always necessary to have one, since many countries recognise each other's licenses. It is intended to overcome the difficulties drivers may have while travelling in other countries that may have widely varying license requirements.

It is printed in 10 languages - the five United Nations official languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese) plus German Arabic, Italian, the Scandinavian languages and Portuguese.

BVRLA members can get further information on foreign driving licences by requesting the ‘ID Checking Guide’ by emailing: info@bvrla.co.uk

See also our 'Driving in GB on a foreign licence' post...

To become a member of the BVRLA click here...

source: BVRLA

BVRLA Guide to Car Rental

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has launched its updated guide to help users enjoy a successful car rental experience, whether they are driving for business or leisure.

The downloadable brochure provides simple step-by-step guidance on the complete car rental process – including advice on selecting a quality-assured hire company, understanding the rental agreement, what to do in the event of a breakdown or accident, how to ensure a smooth return of your vehicle and what to do if you have a complaint.

Britons hired an estimated twelve million cars and vans in the UK in 2008. The new BVRLA car rental guide has been launched to coincide with the school holidays, traditionally the busiest period of the year for rental companies.

“As with many other purchasing decisions we all make, car rental can be a lot simpler and less stressful if customers are more familiar with the process and more aware of the choices available,” said David Alexander, operations director at Europcar and chairman of the BVRLA’s Rental Committee.

“Five minutes spent reading this guide will help explain the roles and responsibilities of both the customer and the car rental operator and should eliminate many common areas of misunderstanding.

“More and more people are waking up to the financial and environmental benefits of pay-as-you-go motoring and this guide will help customers make a more informed decision when they come to rent a car.”

Download the BVRLA Guide to Car Rental from their website.