Motorhome Hire Deposits, Insurance, and Driver Checks Explained: What to Expect Before You Book

Sep 4

6 min read

Hiring a motorhome can be an exciting way to travel. You get the freedom to choose your route, stop where you like, and enjoy your own space while you explore. But before you book, there are a few important things to understand.

Motorhome hire usually involves more than just paying the booking price. You may need to provide driver information, complete insurance checks, and pay a deposit when you collect the vehicle.

Knowing what to expect can make the booking process much easier. It also helps you avoid surprises when the day of your trip arrives.

What to Check Before Booking Your Motorhome

Before making a booking, take some time to read the hire information. Check the payment dates, driver requirements, insurance details, and deposit rules.

Every motorhome may have different requirements. The deposit can also change based on the vehicle and the driver's circumstances. Reading the information before booking gives you a better idea of the costs and documents you will need.

It is also worth checking what is included in the hire price. Understanding these details early can help you plan your holiday budget with more confidence.

Your Booking Payment

When you make a motorhome booking, you will normally need to pay a booking deposit. The remaining balance is then due before your trip.

For future bookings, a 25% deposit is required at booking, with the remaining balance due before the hire starts. If you are making a last-minute booking, the full amount may be required.

The booking payment is different from the deposit taken when you collect the motorhome. These two payments have different purposes, so it is important not to confuse them.

Insurance and Driver Checks Before Your Trip

When you hire a motorhome from Roam N' Roost, insurance for two approved drivers is included as standard. This means eligible customers can have two drivers covered as part of their hire. However, the included insurance does not mean you are covered for every cost if damage occurs. The hirer remains responsible for the applicable insurance excess.

Each driver must still meet the relevant requirements before the hire can go ahead. Providing accurate information and completing the required checks on time can help make sure everything is ready before collection day.

Before booking, take a moment to read the relevant hire information. This can help you check what is included and make sure you are aware of the requirements for your trip.

The Deposit Required at Collection

The deposit required when you collect the motorhome is separate from the booking payment. We use this deposit as part of its vehicle hire and insurance arrangements.

The amount can vary depending on the motorhome and the driver's circumstances. The website lists different excess amounts across the fleet, so it is important to check the details for your chosen vehicle before booking.

Some customers also choose to take out third-party excess insurance, which can sometimes cost less than £10 per day. Roam N' Roost does not recommend any particular provider, but there are many options available. You can search for “motorhome rental excess insurance” to find suitable providers. These policies may reimburse the hirer for an excess or deposit retained due to damage, depending on the policy terms.

If the deposit is being handled through card pre-authorisation, you need to bring the physical debit or credit card with you and know the PIN. Contactless payments and Apple Pay cannot be used for this type of transaction.

What Is a Motorhome Rental Deposit?

A motorhome rental deposit is a payment or card hold taken as part of the hire process. It is separate from the amount you pay to secure your booking.

The amount is not the same for every motorhome. It can depend on the vehicle and other factors linked to the driver's circumstances.

The deposit is there to help cover the hirer's responsibility if damage occurs during the hire. This is why it is important to understand the excess before you collect the motorhome.

The deposit may be taken as a pre-authorisation on a credit or debit card. This means the money is placed on hold rather than being physically taken from the account.

What Does Motorhome Hire Insurance Include?

When you hire a motorhome from Roam N' Roost, insurance for two approved drivers is included as standard. This means eligible customers can have two drivers covered as part of their hire.

Along with cover for two approved drivers, full breakdown cover is included to provide support while you are on the road.

Before booking, take a moment to read the relevant hire information. This can help you check what is included and make sure you are aware of the requirements for your trip.

How Driver Checks for Motorhome Hire Work

Driver checks are an important part of the motorhome hire process. They help confirm that each driver meets the requirements for the vehicle and insurance.

For UK drivers, you will need to provide the information needed for a DVLA licence check. Drivers may also need to provide details about any driving points or convictions.

If you have an EU or international licence, different information may be required. It is best to provide accurate details when asked so there are no delays later.

The checks are normally completed before your collection date. This gives the hire company time to review the information and confirm that everything is ready.

Preparing Your Driving Licence and Documents

Getting your documents ready early can make the process much easier.

Each driver may need to provide a copy or scan of their driving licence. You may also need to provide two proofs of address and complete an insurance questionnaire.

It is important that the information you provide is correct and up to date. If anything has changed since you made your booking, let the hire company know as soon as possible.

Keeping all your documents together can also save time before your trip. You do not want to be searching for important paperwork on the morning you collect your motorhome.

What Happens on Collection Day?

Collection day is when you receive the motorhome and get ready to start your trip.

You will need to complete the required collection steps and provide the correct payment card for the excess deposit if this is being taken by pre-authorisation.

The physical card is important. Contactless payments and Apple Pay cannot be used for the card pre-authorisation. If you forget your card, this can cause unnecessary problems, so check your wallet before leaving home.

Take some time to listen to the handover information and ask questions if you are unsure about anything. It is better to understand how the motorhome works before you leave.

What to Do Before Returning the Motorhome

Before returning to the motorhome, check the vehicle and make sure you have followed the return instructions.

Remove your personal belongings and check storage areas carefully. It is easy to leave small items behind when you have been living in the motorhome for several days.

You should also make sure the vehicle is returned in the condition required by the hire terms. Looking after the motorhome during your trip can help reduce the chance of damage.

If there is any issue with the vehicle, make sure you report it as required. Clear communication can help make the return process smoother.

Why Choose Roam N' Roost?

Choosing a motorhome hire company is about more than finding a vehicle that looks good. You also want a clear booking process and information that helps you prepare for your trip.

Understanding the payment, insurance, driver checks, and excess deposit before booking can make the whole experience easier.

It also helps to know what you are responsible for before you collect the vehicle. Taking a little time to read the hire information can save confusion later.

With clear information and good preparation, you can collect your motorhome knowing what to expect and focus on enjoying your journey with Roam N' Roost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the booking deposit?

The booking deposit is the amount paid to secure your motorhome booking. It is separate from the excess deposit taken when you collect the vehicle.

What is the difference between the booking payment and collection deposit?

The booking payment secures your booking, while the collection deposit is taken as part of the vehicle hire and insurance arrangements.

What driver details are needed?

Each driver may need to provide a driving licence scan or photo, a DVLA check code where applicable, two proofs of address, and an insurance questionnaire.

Do I need to provide proof of address?

Yes. Drivers may need to provide two proofs of address as part of the checks before the hire.

Do I need to bring my physical card?

Yes. If the deposit is being handled through card pre-authorisation, you need to bring the physical debit or credit card with you and know the PIN. Contactless payments and Apple Pay cannot be used for this type of transaction.

What happens if I damage the motorhome?

The hirer remains responsible for the applicable excess if damage occurs during the hire.

Can I take out separate excess insurance?

Yes. Some customers choose to take out third-party excess insurance. Many policies can reimburse the hirer for an excess or deposit retained because of damage, subject to the policy terms.