Vehicle Inspection and Demonstration
What happens when you're shown your campervan at pick-up, how to check and record existing damage, and the questions to ask before you drive away.
Vehicle walk-around inspection
After the paperwork is done, a staff member takes you out to your campervan. They walk you around the outside and through the inside, inspecting the vehicle and showing you how it works.
Any scratches, chips or dents should already be recorded on the rental agreement. Still, compare what you see with the Vehicle Condition Report in the rental agreement. If anything is missing, ask a staff member to add it to the report. You're free to take photos or videos of any damage for your own records. Note the name of the staff member who helped you, as it makes anything discussed on collection day easier to follow up. Better still, have what was discussed written on the rental agreement. This record helps you avoid unexpected charges when you return the vehicle.
Next, the staff member shows you the vehicle's features, including how to use the important appliances and how to operate the features and get the best from them. They also show you the storage areas and the attachments on the outside of the van. To help you set up for your first night of camping, they'll show you what to switch on or plug in.
Some rental companies show you a walk-through instruction video instead of a demonstration inside the vehicle.
Make a checklist of anything you need to do, switch off, take down or close before you drive off.
Ask plenty of questions. If you're unsure about a function, ask the staff member to run through it again. There are no silly questions, especially if it's your first time hiring a campervan or something in the instruction video confused you.
Your campervan comes fully equipped, but check that you have everything you need. You can ask for things such as extra pillows, extra blankets if the nights will be cold, and extra picnic chairs if there aren't enough for everyone.
Your vehicle should come with a full tank of fuel. If it's a little under, check with staff that it's noted on the rental agreement.
Once you're confident and ready to start your journey, adjust your seat and mirrors, buckle up and set off.
Next steps
- Using campervan features: a reminder of how the van works
Part of Picking Up Your Campervan in the Campervan Hire Handbook.