Hiring a car or van might seem straightforward — pick it up, drive it, return it — but many first-time renters (and even some repeat customers) are unsure about the finer legal details. Understanding your responsibilities can help avoid unexpected charges, misunderstandings, or legal trouble. At Hire2You, we believe in transparency, so we’ve broken down what you’re legally responsible for when hiring a vehicle, from insurance and traffic offences to damage and return condition.
Whether you’re hiring a van for moving house or a car for a weekend trip, here’s everything you need to know before you turn the key.
Insurance: What’s Covered and What’s Not
One of the most important parts of what you’re legally responsible for when hiring a vehicle is understanding the insurance situation.
At Hire2You, every vehicle comes with basic insurance included (also known as CDW – Collision Damage Waiver), but it typically carries an excess. This means if you’re at fault in an accident, you’ll be responsible for a portion of the cost — often between £500 and £1,500, depending on the vehicle.
You’re legally responsible for:
Ensuring the vehicle is not driven by an unauthorised driver
Avoiding reckless or impaired driving (e.g. under the influence, using a phone)
Reporting any accidents or incidents immediately
Notifying us if the vehicle is stolen or vandalised.
Damage: You bend it, you mend it
When you take possession of one of our vehicles, you’re responsible for returning it in the same condition, minus fair wear and tear.
You are legally responsible for:
Any new scratches, dents, or interior damage
Windscreen chips, tyre punctures, or broken lights
Negligent use, such as driving under-height clearance in a tall van
Loading damage (especially when using tail-lift vans or transporting heavy goods)
Pro Tip:
We do a joint walkaround before and after hire, and we recommend taking your own photos for peace of mind. This protects you just as much as it protects us.
Traffic Offences and Fines
Another key part of what you’re legally responsible for when hiring a vehicle is what happens if you get caught breaking traffic laws.
As the hirer, you are legally responsible for any traffic offences committed during the hire period. This includes:
Speeding fines
Bus lane violations
Congestion or clean air zone charges
Illegal parking or penalty charge notices (PCNs)
Toll charges not paid on time
If we receive a notice relating to your hire, we will either:
Pass your details on to the relevant authority (as legally required), or
Pay the fine on your behalf and invoice you directly, sometimes with an admin fee (clearly stated in your hire agreement)
Avoid Surprises:
Always double-check whether you’ll be driving through toll roads or clean air zones like in London, as some charges aren’t signposted clearly until it’s too late.
Fuel, Mileage, and Return Condition
It’s easy to forget that the return process is just as important as the pickup.
Here’s what you’re legally (and contractually) responsible for:
Returning the vehicle on time, or contacting us if there’s a delay
Refuelling — we require the same level of fuel the vehicle had when you collected it
Keeping the interior clean — excessive mess may incur a valeting fee
Respecting mileage limits, if your hire agreement includes them
We don’t expect the vehicle to come back spotless, but a boot full of bin bags or a half-empty fuel tank is something you’ll be charged for.
Unauthorised Use: Know the Boundaries
Here’s what you must not do with a hire vehicle under UK law and our agreement:
Use the vehicle for racing, towing, or off-roading
Carry hazardous materials
Drive outside the UK without permission
Let someone else drive without being named on the hire agreement
Doing any of the above could invalidate the insurance and leave you fully liable for all damage, recovery costs, and third-party claims.
At Hire2You, we aim to make hiring a car or van in Kent as simple and stress-free as possible. But it’s always better to be informed than surprised. By knowing what you’re legally responsible for when hiring a vehicle, you can protect yourself, keep costs down, and enjoy the hire without worry.
If you’re ever unsure about your responsibilities, just ask. We’d rather walk you through the fine print than leave you guessing. Whether you’re hiring for business or personal use, we’re here to help you do it right.