To rent a car, you typically need a valid driver's license, a major credit card in your name, and sometimes an additional form of identification. Some rental companies may have specific age requirements, so it's important to check the rental company's policies beforehand.

The minimum age requirement to rent a car varies by country and rental company. In most places, the minimum age is usually between 21 and 25 years old. However, some rental companies may impose additional fees or restrictions for drivers under 25. It's best to check with the specific rental company for their age requirements.

Rental cars typically come with basic insurance coverage, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW), which limits your liability in case of an accident or theft. However, this coverage may have certain limitations and deductibles. It's recommended to review your existing auto insurance policy or credit card benefits to see if they provide coverage for rental cars. If not, you may consider purchasing additional coverage from the rental company.

In many cases, a credit card is required to rent a car. Rental companies often use the credit card for a security deposit or to cover any additional charges, such as fuel or damage fees. However, some rental companies may accept a debit card or cash deposit instead. It's advisable to check with the rental company directly to understand their payment options.

Driving a rental car across international borders is subject to specific policies set by the rental company. Some rental companies allow cross-border travel, while others may restrict it. It's crucial to inform the rental company about your travel plans in advance and understand any additional fees, insurance requirements, or restrictions associated with driving the rental car outside the country.

Rental car rates are determined based on several factors, including the type of car, rental duration, location, demand, and any additional services or features you choose. Rates can also vary between rental companies, so it's advisable to compare prices, especially during peak travel seasons or holidays, to get the best deal.

Returning the rental car late may result in additional charges. Most rental companies have a grace period, usually around 29 minutes, before charging an extra day's rental fee. If you anticipate being late, it's recommended to contact the rental company and inform them to avoid any unnecessary fees.

In general, rental companies allow additional drivers, but they may require them to be listed on the rental agreement and meet certain criteria, such as age and presenting a valid driver's license. Additional drivers may also incur extra fees. It's important to check the rental company's policy regarding additional drivers before letting someone else drive the car.

If you're involved in an accident with a rental car, prioritize safety first. Ensure everyone involved is safe and, if necessary, call emergency services. Contact the rental company immediately to report the accident and follow their instructions regarding documentation, insurance claims, and repairs. It's also recommended to document the accident scene, take pictures if possible, and gather information from any other parties involved.

There is a per-booking deposit of £50 not refundable if cancellation is within 24 hours of booking. £250 for regular cars £500 for premium and 4x4 vehicles The deposit is refundable if the vehicle is returned in the same condition In the UK, deposit funds are taken from the driver’s payment card and held throughout the duration of the hire. A deposit is compulsory – at The Bay Self Drive Car hire it’s fixed at £200 for regular cars and for premium and 4 x 4 vehicles its £500. The deposit is refundable provided the vehicle is returned in the same condition. The time scale for the funds to be available on your card will vary depending on your bank or card provider.

· A valid drivers licence (digital licences are not accepted) · Valid ID · 25+ to rent a car from The Bay Self Drive Car Hire · Credit or debit card All drivers must present a full valid driving licence (digital licences are not accepted). If the driving licence is written in a language or characters different to those of the country of rental, an International Driving Permit is also required. Renters are advised to check whether local authorities require foreign drivers to present an International Driving Permit to avoid the risk of potential fines. Renters with licences from countries who are not part of the International Driving Permit Agreement should carry a certified translation. All renters must produce a valid photo ID such as driving licence, passport or ID card. Visitors to the UK must also provide proof of return travel and accommodation information while in the UK. A major debit or credit card is required to cover the the security deposit and the cost of the rental.

No. We provide a damage waiver and it's included in the cost of your hire The damage waiver comes with an excess You do have the option to purchase additional protection products to lower the excess Liability insurance is provided with your rental vehicle. You may reduce your responsibility for damages to or the theft of the rental vehicle by choosing any of our protection products available to you.

All drivers must be 25 or older 30+ for full size MPVs, luton vans, premium and 4x4 vehicles If you are 19+ you could be eligible for The Bay Self Drive Car Hire All drivers must be a minimum of 25 years old. Only drivers over 30 years old may rent Full-Size MPVs, Premium vehicles and Luton vans. For customers hiring vans in the Republic of Ireland, drivers must be a minimum of 28 years old. Younger drivers might be interested in our The Bay Self Drive Car Hire service which caters for drivers aged 19 and above who have held a full driving licence for a minimum of 12 months.

All drivers must present a full valid driving licence (digital licences are not accepted). If the driving licence is written in a language and characters different to those of the country of rental, an International Driving Permit is also required . Renters are advised to check whether local authorities require foreign drivers to present an International Driving Permit to avoid the risk of potential fines. Renters with licences from countries who are not part of the International Driving Permit Agreement should carry a certified translation. Please note that we reserve the right to request additional ID or conduct further identification checks if needed which may include an identity check with an external organisation. Upon the United Kingdom leaving the European Union (EU) the requirements for UK Driving licence holders driving in EU member states may change. Please check requirements before travelling. Government advice may be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-to-drive-in-the-eu-after-brexit

Yes, we accept all major debit cards except Maestro, Electron, Solo and pre-paid cards For 4x4 and premium vehicles we require a credit card All cards must have the main driver's name on them We accept payment by either a debit or credit card in the name of the renter. A credit card is required if you are renting a People Carrier, Compact Elite, SUV, Premium, Luxury or Executive vehicle.

Yes, if you are within 10 miles of a branch location Pick-up will be for non-airport locations only Let us know when we confirm your reservation Yes, our free pick-up service is available at non-airport locations during normal business hours. To schedule your pick up time or make additional arrangements, ask for this when your branch calls to confirm your reservation. Once picked up and back at the office, a friendly rental representative will complete your paper work and have you on the road in no time. Please note: Our rental offices are happy to pick you up, but they do not deliver vehicles for retail customers. If renting from an airport location, our offices are either in the terminal or a short shuttle ride away. Due to security regulations, our non-airport rental locations cannot pick you up or drop you off at an airport.

Yes for airports Generally no for other locations If you are in need of a full 24/7 service, check out The Bay Self drive Car HireVehicles can typically only be rented and returned within the official opening hours. Please contact the local rental branch to enquire about possible after-hours rentals and returns. Please note that a vehicle that is returned to an office that is closed remains the responsibility of the customer until a satisfactory check in of the rental vehicle has been completed by the bay self drive car hire employee on the next business day. If you are in need of a full 24/7 service, check out The Bay Self Drive Car Hire

All rentals where the vehicle is not returned to the same location from where it was collected will be subject to a fee which can vary by location, car category and pick up date. The fee will be displayed upon entering the desired route, vehicle category and rental dates. If the vehicle is returned to a different location without prior agreement by the rental branch then a drop off fee will be added to the rental agreement upon return.

Our vehicles are clean and roadworthy Was this helpful? The Bay Self Drive Car Hire vehicles are clean, smoke free and roadworthy and we personally inspect the vehicles with you to point out any existing 'wear and tear' to the car and explain the policy for what is classed as ‘damage’.

To make sure you aren’t charged for every little scratch we measure damage using our Damage Evaluator tool.

Excess and deposit are two separate things A deposit is compulsory Fully refundable if the vehicle is returned in the same condition Excess protection is optional but it lowers your liability

It protects you in the event of accidental damage It's included in the cost of your hire Additional protection products are available

The amount of points required will vary based on the rental details you provide.

Please be assured that we make every effort to hold items that are left behind; either in a rental vehicle or at one of our locations. To inquire about a lost item, please call us and message us where you will see a list of participating rental locations. Please note: If your rental location is not listed on the website, you will be able to submit a "Lost and Found" online form.

In an event of an accident please follow all of the action steps below. Failure to do so may jeopardize your coverage under available insurance: 1. Obtain the following Date Time Location Witness details Third party name Third party registration Third party vehicle No. of passengers Third party telephone Third party mobile 2. Call us immediate. 24/5 on the 44 7897 956877 (local call rates apply) 3. Ask the third party to call the above contract number and provide accident circumstances

A: Smoking is prohibited in our car rentals to maintain a clean and odor-free environment for all customers. Q: How much will I be charged if I smoke in the rental car? A: If smoking occurs in our rental cars, a cleaning fee of £25 will be applied to cover the cost of odor removal and cleaning. Q: What if I accidentally smoke in the rental car? A: Accidental smoking still incurs the cleaning fee, so we advise all renters to refrain from smoking inside the vehicle. Q: Can I request a smoke-free rental car? A: Yes, you can request a smoke-free rental car in advance to ensure a clean and fresh environment during your rental period. Q: Is vaping or e-cigarettes allowed in the rental car? A: No, vaping and e-cigarettes are also prohibited in our rental cars and subject to the same cleaning fee. Please refrain from using them inside the vehicle. Q:Why is there a £25 cleaning charge for smoking in our car rental? A: The £25 cleaning charge for smoking in our car rental is in place to ensure a pleasant and healthy environment for all of our customers. Smoking can leave behind strong odors, residue, and stains that require extensive cleaning to restore the car to its original condition. This charge helps cover the cost of deep cleaning, such as upholstery and interior cleaning, as well as addressing any lingering odors that can affect subsequent renters. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a clean and smoke-free environment for all our customers.