Long Term Car Rental for Foreign Drivers

Travelling to or moving to the UK on work related business?  Hiring a car for 28 day periods for the length of your stay is a great alternative to purchasing a vehicle.  Long Term Car Hire companies offer fantastic vehicles that are either brand new or at least no older than 3 years, assisting you with keeping up all those important appearances when visiting clients, potential customers etc.  However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Driving in the UK on a Foreign licence (Outside the EU), including an international drivers card is only permitted for a maximum of 1 year.  At this point you must approach the DVLA (UK Driver Vehicle Licencing Agency) for a provisional licence, you must then take a UK driving test.  As great as this may sound, it has its complications.  For example, by obtaining a UK driving licence, your driving experience is set to zero years from the date it is obtained.  A UK driving licence invalidates the use of a Foreign licence in the UK.  The issue here then is that Hire / Rental companies insurers will not accept you for, in most cases, at least 2 years.  Even if you obtain your own insurance to cover the vehicle, the policy will be at an extortionate in price.

There is a grey area that can be manipulated and should only be considered after discussing with the relevant agencies.  Should your term in the UK be for less than 12 months then you do not have to obtain a UK Licence.  If your stay in the UK is to be for 24 months then you may wish to return to your home country of residence for a short period.  As long as you can prove (passport) that you have been home for a period of time then your Foreign licence validity in the UK starts again.

Example

Arrive in UK - March 2011                  12 months validity

Return Home - February 2012

Arrive back in the UK - March 2012    12 Months validity


This information is what I have learnt, however, I may be wrong or at least not at liberty to divulge such information.  Therefore, I accept no liability for prosecution, loss of monies and so forth as a result of the information I have provided being used by your self.  Please refer to http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicence/index.htm for information.

Preparing for Winter 2012

Whilst overcoming the torrential and extremely abnormal winter we as a country have suffered for the third time in as many years, we have been prompted to research the 2011 – 2012 Winter outlook for the UK.  At such an early stage and the unpredictability of the famous British weather it is unreasonable to conclude the weather will again grind the country to halt.  However, current studies suggest we are in for another and possibly record breaking cold, wet and snowy winter.

The 2010 – 2011 Winter snowfall saw many business’s and services that provide provisions or assistance to the community, struggle tremendously by not having the correct or capable equipment to allow services to continue smoothly.  Even as a Vehicle Rental company, we had not forseen the incredible demand for suitable vehicles for this weather.

Therefore, we are preparing ourselves for the Winter ahead.  We are in a position to order brand new 4x4 vehicles for rental and we are offering you the opportunity to secure one as part of your contingency plan for this winter.  By placing a rental order this early we may be able to source a 4x4 vehicle that you request.   Where this is not possible we will endeavour to source a similar vehicle.  Leaving it to the last minute may see you without a suitable vehicle and again unable to assist those you provide such a valuable service for.  The vehicles are supplied with 24 hour, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year Breakdown and recovery assistance in addition to fully comprehensive insurance.

Minimum Terms will apply to the Winter vehicles, please check with rental staff.

For current stock and pricing please refer to www.long-term-car-rental.co.uk.

We look forward to hearing from you, in the meantime enjoy the summer sun.

Vehicle Safety - Airbags

You could be forgiven for thinking that after decelerating by 12 – 10 mph within a specific time after a frontal collision, that an explosion from the steering wheel and the thought of being smacked in the face by what appears to be a solid airbag, that you are going to get hurt or even worse, seriously injured from rebounding off the bag into the door.  Truth is, airbags are not designed this way. 

 Activated for approximately 3 milli-seconds, the explosion sounds like a packet of crisps popping and the bag is not air tight, ensuring that no sooner is it inflated, it has deflated.  Operated in accordance with manufacturer safety guidelines, such as wearing your seat belt, actually increases your chances of survival.   The gas canister used to fill the airbag may leave your vehicle full of smoke but this will die down quite quickly.  Resisting the natural instinct to panic and leave the vehicle as soon as possible is the hardest part, especially as if you have been injured because you will make it worse by moving. 

Understanding how a vehicle knows when to and what airbag to deploy at the right time is an incredible feat established with time, patience and allot of dedication by engineers for vehicle safety.  Sensors across the vehicle determine at what deceleration rate each airbag should be deployed at, in addition to the point of impact.

People are warned however, to ensure that modifications to a vehicle should not be attempted unless approved by the manufacturer as any additions to a vehicle can affect the deployment of safety features.  People are also advised not to bang excessively in the middle of the steering wheel as this too can affect the effectiveness of the airbag deployment.

Another point to consider is the use of car seats in the front passenger seat.  Airbags are designed to protect adults and could have an oppositional affect with regards to the safety of a young child.  More so with a rear facing child seat.  Therefore, children and car seats should always be kept in the rear.  There are options to disable airbags for this cause, although this is not recommended.  If you do not possess a child safety seat, it is wise to buy a brand new one.  Not second hand or hired as you do not know if it has been in an accident at all.  If it has been in an accident then it may not serve as expected should it be involved in another.

A reputable long term car rental company will ensure all their vehicles meet strict manufacturer safety guildlines by having vehicles serviced on a very regular basis.  Any faults are reported to dealerships and the vehicle repaired or replaced.  

Long Term Car Rental

Long Term Car Rental in the UK is an incredible business that is growing from strength to strength with its flexibility options.  A far cry from leasing a vehicle and having to be committed for a minimum term, long term car rental offers rental agreements from just 28 days through to as long as you require the vehicle.  Even if an agreement is reached whereby you agree to have the vehicle for 6 lots of 28 days but find yourself unable to keep this agreement, then with as little as 48 hours notice you may return the car or van.  It really is that simple.

The economic crisis has slowed vehicle manufacturers down in 2011 and although they are slowly picking up the pace, many people are finding that there new car will not be ready for months.  In many cases they are not even ready to be made.  Having to wait months and the unpredictability of when the car may be available makes it almost impossible to lease a car as you do not wish to be tied to a minimum contract that penalises you for returning early.  Equally, it does not make sense to keep the car when your new one arrives as you can not drive 2 cars at the same time and to be fair, it is just a waste of money.  This is where renting a car long term is favourable.  With hire prices nearing lease prices and the option to return early or extend the rental, it almost makes sense to just rent a car all the time.

Long term car rental is also a favourite with business' with seasonal peaks, employing new staff on a probation period and for tourists that are unable to get finance in the UK immediately but wish to drive in the UK for a month or more.

I have found it difficult to find a negative about hiring a car long term, so please comment below if you have had a long term car rental that you have found negative points for.

Mitsubishi Outlander GX3 2.2 L Diesel

With its rugged, creative, yet somewhat stylish appearance the Mitsubishi Outlander has out sold many of its rivals by as much as three times.  The solid frame and high driving position give a safe feeling environment whilst the low CO2 emissions of 169g/km give the environment a smile especially when it comes from a robust 4x4. 

For the size of this sturdy machine, fuel consumption is at quite an acceptable level giving a Combined 43.5 MPG from a 13.2 gallon tank.  Depending on the way you drive, you should be able to get 574.2 miles out of this aggressive looking machine.

So with the geeky bit out of the way, what is this vehicle like to drive?  The interior is quite basic so you are not distracted too much with gizmos, the suspension gives a smooth comfortable ride, whilst not being too hard on bumps and the seats are comfortable enough to enjoy a long lazy motorway cruise.  Two extra seats can be found in the rear, suitable for small people or children as with these there is not much legroom, although with the seats folded into the floor, you get a huge amount of space that can hold at least 3 large golf bags.  The model I drove has leather heated seats which were nice but the heated part needs to be better controlled as your body heats up very quickly to the point you feel as though you are about to be burnt.

The automatic version has great software allowing smooth and quick gear change whilst easily keeping the rev counter low, saving you money on fuel.

All in all a great vehicle to rent or buy and a must if you would like the extra seats for emergencies. 

Toyota Avensis 2011

Considered to be a large family car, an attempt to keep the Avensis compact and graceful for the city, Toyota has not allowed for much legroom for occupants in comparison to its rivals such as the Ford Mondeo.  The Toyota Avensis has not received many great reviews, especially after a large batch were recalled by Toyota for various faults in the beginning of this year.  However, the problems now seem to be sorted and Toyota has returned to its outstanding record for reliability, so you can be sure the Avensis is not likely to break down after clocking up allot of miles.

Toyota has always struggled to make their cars memorable in design and features and the Avensis has done just that.  The strikingly odd creativity that has been implemented could see the Avensis is the Marmite category, “you either love it, or you hate it”.  The creativity stops with the exterior, with the interior remaining with a cheap feel, although the touch screen Sat Nav, rear parking camera and parking sensors demonstrate that Toyota is still a very innovative company.

The Toyota Avensis feels safe, solid and strong on the road, although this does appear compromised, it appears to struggle with windy roads, leaving the excitement behind and making do with just being a lazy motorway cruiser.  Built for distance, the seats offer good support and the cabin keeps outside noise to a minimum.

 A great car for the environment weather choosing Diesel or Petrol as emissions generally fall below the 160 g/km.  In addition to this , the 2.0-litre D-4D gives you 55.4mpg with emissions as low as 134 g/km.

Ford Mondeo Titanium Plus Special Edition

When looking for a practical, executive feeling car for the family or business, you may not consider a Ford.  However, the Ford Mondeo Titanium Plus Special Edition is capable of representing both needs.  The 1.8 TDCI model is economic as well as being cheaper on road tax than its petrol sisters.

With its heavy feel, the Mondeo Titanium sticks to the road with ease offering handling experience that is next to none.  The 1.8 TDCI special edition Titanium plus struggles slightly from a standing start whilst it pulls the great lump to a steady speed, although with the right clutch control, practice and a touch of patience you can get the car to be very responsive.  Especially impressive when cruising the motorway and taking advantage the responsive acceleration when overtaking. 

The size of the Mondeo Titanium alters your perception of speed so watching the speedo is necessary, although by setting the cruise control, the chances of getting a ticket for speeding is reduced dramatically.  Furthermore, Ford has introduced an array of gadgets designed to keep the occupants and other road users, safe.  The monitors your driving behaviour, beeping at you if it feels you have lost your attention; steering wheel vibrates when the car feels it may be drifting across lanes; and then there is my personal favourite, the image that appears in the wing mirror if there is something in your blind spot.  Perfect.

Steering wheel controls allow you to adjust the stereo from the main instrument menu, in addition to being able to read ‘fault’ information instead of just seeing an engine management light appear.  Always useful.  The model also comes with Front and Rear parking sensors to aid parking in those tight spaces.

The spacious interior can handle 5 large adults, the boot has enough room for a month’s shopping and a buggy and the rear Privacy glass adds protection for personal belongings.  This car has the luxury feel whilst also being a nice practical family car.

In the light of the above, it is fair to say the Mondeo Titanium Plus Special Edition is strong, solid and comfortable drive.  I am un-easy with the amount of technological gadgets, as it seems they are just waiting to go wrong, however, a highly recommended drive. 

If you are looking to purchase or lease this vehicle for a new job or need one to replace an old car for a long period contemplate 28 day hire or long term car rental.  Have a look at the Rental versus Lease post before subjecting yourself to long term commitments.

Enjoy the drive.

Ford Focus 2011

The all new Ford Focus appears to have a little too much technology.  Technology that even NASA could be jealous of.  Nevertheless, how long until it, all goes wrong?  Since seeing the new park assist, lane departure and sign reading capabilities of the Focus advertised on the television, I can only say that my initial reaction was…… wow, surely it cannot work.  Surely, the advertisement is falsely showing the car will control the steering wheel and not the driver.  In my mite to obtain one for a test drive, I have so far been left to read other peoples reviews and so far it actually seems true.  The new Ford Focus 2011 will park itself (with a little help).  Ford seems to have low stocks in the UK possibly due to the Japanese Tsunami or just incredible demand for this fantastic vehicle.

 Top Gear has likened it to the Golf and claim that it is actually a great car.  Not something I would have expected from the Top Gear team, so I would assume it is an immense car.  Ford have shown themselves as being possibly the number one vehicle manufacturer with their innovative driving technology in addition to providing a car that could keep you occupied for hours by testing all of its technology.  Nevertheless, where do they go next?  Will they eventually provide a car that can drive itself?  Quite possibly.

With safety to the driver, occupants and other road users in mind the Ford Focus should help reduce accidents.  Not to be confused with ‘prevent’, as the driver will always be the main controller, however the cruise control space awareness functions to stop you getting to close to another vehicle, or the front camera that will read road signs and alert you just in case you missed them.  Alternatively, the speed limiter that will reduce fuel input to the engine to keep you below the speed limit should all assist you with a perfectively safe driving experience.  There just seems too much to get to grips with and to be honest I think it is making people lazy.

The media clip is from a fantastic review site trusted reviews.com.  This trusted clip has confirmed for me that the car can actually park itself.  Incredible!

New Car

Just purchased a new car and waiting for it to be built, tested and released from the factory?  Waiting for it to arrive in the UK, be registered, chassis details sought and prepared to be delivered to you?

If you are this person, you will understand that the excitement of buying a brand new car is short lived when you learn that delivery dates are put back at what seems like every opportunity.  Huge demand for vehicles, things going wrong in the factory and incredibly unfortunate events such as the recent Japanese Tsunami all have an effect on when you will get your car.  Unfortunately it is just a waiting game and there is not too much you can do about it.  So, how do you get around? How do you get to work, visit family etc?

You may wish to consider public transport.  Fantastic alternative to driving, helps the environment and the UK's public transport system is slowly becoming reliable.
You may wish to consider leasing a vehicle.  Low costs, although your new car will arrive before the contract ends leaving you with two cars.

Our favourite choice is to long term rent a car.  A little more expensive than leasing although the flexibility is worth it.  Agreements are on a 28 day hire basis and you can hire for as long or for a little as you like (minimum of 28 days).  The car can be delivered to you and upon conclusion of the hire it can be collected again.

Long Term Car Rental is a unique service offered only by a few.  Most of the companies purchase their own stock so you are not tied into returning by a certain mileage or month and the rates are extremely competitive.

28 day Car Rental

Renting a car for a long period can be slightly more expensive than leasing a vehicle.  However, there are benefits!  Leasing a vehicle can tie you into a minimum term contract, generally no less than 24 months.  Returning early due to job loss or similar attracts 'early return' penalties.  Renting a vehicle long term is based on 28 day periods that roll over for as long as you need, therefore, returning early attracts no penalties, offering you the flexibility needed when starting a new job for example.

Most Long Term Car Rental Hire companies may sign you into a term of 6 periods, where at the end of the 6 periods you will be required to return the vehicle and take a different one.  There are some companies that actually own their stock and as such will not require you to return after 6 periods, saving you the Inconvenience of learning a new car, taking a day off work to swap cars, etc.

Why 28 days and not a month?  It is quite simple really.  Not every month consists of the same number of days so by charging on a rolling 28 day basis keeps things simple and charges the same so you always know where you are.

Can I change the car during the rental?  This varies from company to company but in most cases this is possible.  Generally you will return the vehicle at the end of your current period and the staff will change the agreement.  Again, swapping at the end of the 28 day period will simplify payments.

Companies that own their own stock have access to various makes and models in addition to having the ability to source vehicles in at short notice. It is just up to you to select a vehicle.

Have you considered what car would be suitable? Taking into account your height, how the car would perform in the town or on the motorway?  Keep your eyes peeled on this blog as we aim to provide all the information you will need.

Regards

Dan