Booking Your Campervan

Once you know the kind of vehicle you need, three decisions shape your booking: which quote gives the best value for your trip, how much liability you want to carry for damage, and which extras to request. Here's what to check before you confirm.

Compare quotes like for like

• Search with your real trip. Use the same pick-up and drop-off locations, dates and driver details for every option. Changing any of them can change the price and availability.
• Filter for what you can't do without, such as the number of beds or an automatic gearbox. Then open More details to check the bed layout, bathroom and fridge, and whether the living-area air-conditioning needs a powered site.
• Compare the conditions as well as the price. In Grid view, the Supplier Information section compares inclusions and charges across rental companies. It's a general guide, so check the vehicle details and booking conditions too. Look at the kilometres included, the bond and excess, one-way and depot fees, and the cancellation terms.
• Check availability. An Instant Confirmation option can be confirmed as you book. An On Request option needs the rental company's approval first.

Our guide to DriveNow's comparison tools shows how to use each view and filter. Understanding pricing explains what a quote usually includes and what you pay on top.

Decide how much liability to carry

Every hire includes standard cover, but you are liable for damage up to the excess shown in your quote, unless an exclusion applies. The rental company also usually takes or holds a bond on your card at pick-up. The excess, the bond and the cards accepted for it depend on the rental company, the vehicle and the option you choose. Before you confirm, check them in your quote and the rental terms, including whose name must be on the card and whether you have enough available credit or funds. Your main options are:

• Standard liability: no extra daily cost, but usually the highest excess and bond.
• Excess reduction: a daily fee to lower your maximum liability. It may also lower the bond, but not always.
• All-inclusive package: combines excess reduction with some extras. What it includes, the liability and the bond vary, so compare them in your quote.
• Third-party excess insurance: may cost less for your trip, but you pay the rental company first and then claim from your insurer, subject to the policy's terms. You still pay the standard bond at pick-up. Check that the policy covers campervans.

Whichever option you choose, exclusions still apply. Check what each option says about roof, underbody, windscreen and tyre damage, because some options or separate products cover them and others don't. If you don't choose excess reduction when you book, you can still add it at pick-up before you sign the rental agreement. You can't add it once you're on the road. Insurance and excess reduction compares the options, bond types and when you are fully responsible.

Request extras and child seats

You can request extras such as chairs, a table, extra bedding or a GPS in Step 2 of the booking page. Not every item is available with every rental company or vehicle. Extras you don't pay for when booking are usually paid at pick-up. Your confirmation shows which items are payable there. If you want several extras anyway, compare an all-inclusive package with adding them separately. Our guide to optional extras gives typical prices and explains when you can add or change items.

Child seats are on request and subject to availability. Use the Comments box on the booking form to give each child's age and height, and check that your vehicle can fit the seats you need. Child seat hire explains which vehicles can take them and how to choose a restraint.

After you book

Depending on how far away your pick-up date is, you pay either a deposit or the full amount when you book. Making payment explains when the balance is due, and Managing Your Booking covers changes and cancellations.

All Booking Your Campervan guides

1. Getting the most of using DriveNow's comparison tools
2. Insurance and excess reduction
3. Optional extras
4. Child seat hire

Part of the Campervan Hire Handbook.