Understanding fuel policies when hiring a vehicle is one of the most important things to know before booking a car or van hire in Kent. It sounds simple, but a lot of people get confused about how fuel works when renting. Should you return it full? Do you get charged if it’s not full? And how does that work for vans, Lutons, lowloaders, flatbeds, or tippers?
At Hire 2 You, we want to make it straightforward. Our fuel policy is like-for-like, which basically means you take the vehicle ideally with a full tank, and you return it with the same amount. No hidden fees, no confusing charges. Simple, fair, easy.
However we check before each vehicle goes out and we understand that over time variation will make the levels drop or rise. So if you collect a vehicle with just under half, then bring it back with just under half.
Why Fuel Policies Matter
Fuel can make a big difference to your rental cost if you don’t understand it. Some rental companies have complicated systems, charging you upfront or giving you a nearly empty tank and then billing for refill. That can end up costing far more than the hire itself.
Knowing fuel policies when hiring a vehicle means you avoid surprises, plan your trips, and manage your costs. Whether you’re hiring a car in Kent for a weekend, a short wheel base van from £49 per day, or a Luton van from £89 per day, understanding the fuel rules is key.
Our Vehicle Range and How Fuel Policies Apply
We cover a wide range of vehicles in Kent:
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Cars, starting from £29 per day
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Short wheel base vans, from £49 per day
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Long wheel base vans, from £69 per day
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Lutons and lowloaders, from £89 per day
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Flatbeds and tippers, from £89 and £79 per day respectively
No matter the vehicle, our fuel policy is the same. You take it full, you return it full. You take it with a quarter, you return it with a quarter. It works exactly like most people expect, so you’re not left guessing.
Tips for Managing Fuel When Hiring
Even with a simple fuel policy, there are some things that help make the rental smoother:
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Fill up before you return, it saves stress and extra charges
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Plan your route, vans and Lutons consume more fuel, so budgeting stops nasty surprises
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Check the tank before you leave, sometimes previous users don’t fill up exactly, so a quick check helps
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Keep receipts, if you fill up locally, it’s handy for proof in case of disputes
Short Trips vs Long Hauls
Cars and small vans might only need a single fill-up for a weekend trip, but larger vehicles like Lutons, lowloaders, flatbeds, or tippers use more fuel. When hiring a vehicle in Kent for work purposes, like moving or deliveries, it’s worth factoring in fuel cost into your overall plan.
Even though our fuel policy is like-for-like, bigger vehicles naturally need more. Knowing this before you book ensures there are no surprises at the end.
How Fuel Policies Differ
It’s worth noting that fuel policies when hiring a vehicle aren’t always the same across companies. Some other hire providers might:
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Charge for a full tank upfront, regardless of what you return
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Require you to pay for fuel by the litre if you return it partially full
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Offer pre-purchase fuel options at inflated prices
At Hire 2 You, we keep it simple. No tricks, no extra charges, just return like you got it.
Understanding Fuel Efficiency
Another thing to think about is fuel efficiency. Short wheel base vans and cars are more fuel-efficient than Lutons, lowloaders, flatbeds, or tippers. So even though our fuel policy is like-for-like, bigger vehicles will cost more to run simply because they use more fuel.
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Cars are ideal for short trips, city runs, or weekend hire
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Short wheel base vans are good for small moves and deliveries
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Long wheel base vans are better for bigger loads and longer trips
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Lutons and lowloaders are heavy-duty work vehicles, with higher fuel consumption
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Flatbeds and tippers are specialist vehicles with lower fuel efficiency
Planning Your Hire
If you’re hiring a vehicle in Kent, planning ahead helps. Think about the type of work, distance, and fuel consumption. For example, a Luton van for a full day of deliveries will use more fuel than a short wheel base van driving around town. By understanding fuel policies when hiring a vehicle, you can plan the right vehicle and budget accurately.
Why Choose Hire 2 You
We’re local, reliable, and straightforward. No confusing charges, no hidden fees. Vehicles are ready when you need them, and our team in Kent is happy to answer questions about fuel, mileage, or the best van for the job.
Key takeaways:
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Our fuel policy is like-for-like, full tank out, full tank back
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Vehicles from cars at £29 per day to Lutons at £89 per day
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Short and long wheel base vans, flatbeds, lowloaders, tippers all included
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Simple, transparent, easy to plan your hire around fuel costs
Understanding fuel policies when hiring a vehicle is a small step that can save a lot of stress and make your hire experience smooth. With Hire 2 You, it’s clear, straightforward, and fair, just how vehicle hire should be.