FAQs about hiring a VW campervan

Can We Bring Our Dog?

Probably! We do offer dog-friendly campervan hire and well-behaved dogs are welcome.  We do stipulate a single labrador sized or two Westie sized dogs at most in our pet-friendly campervans. An additional charge is applicable to cover the extra cost for a deep clean. Please see our Campervan Holiday Extras page for more details. Oh and the dog stays downstairs please, no dogs in the pop-top….yes we were surprised too!

Can we take the Campervan to Europe?

Yes of course!  You will need to select the European Travel option when you book so we can make all the necessary arrangements. We recommend reading our guide if you are considering hiring a campervan and travelling to Europe.

Do you have Automatics?

We certainly do, in fact all of our vehicles are automatics to make driving effortlessly.  You can find out more details about the VW California Ocean or the VW Grand California 600.

Can We Leave Our Car With You?

You must certainly can. We have ample parking at our location and you are welcome to leave a single vehicle with us whilst you are out adventuring. The vehicle will be off the public highway, behind a locked gate and out of sight from the general public. Please note that customers leave their vehicles with us solely at their own risk.

Why Should I Book With You, What Makes You Different?

What makes us different? You mean apart from being the only renter to have a genuine and cool two-tone VW California Ocean to hire within 50 miles? 🙂 As a small family owned and run business, when you hire your VW campervan we will treat your booking as a holiday reservation and not a car rental. As such we charge per night and not per day like our competitors do. This means you effectively get an extra days use when you book with us. Because we know this is YOUR holiday it's important to us to provide you a stress-free and personal service.

Whats Your COVID Cancellation Policy?

You can read about our Covid-19 Cancellation Policy here

What Should I Bring?

Documents

We will need to see each drivers' full license (showing your current address), plus two of the following; utilities bills, credit card or bank account statement, council tax bill, self assessment tax bill. Which are less than 3 months old and address that matches your license. For UK drivers only we will also need to run a DVLA check on your license, for which you will need your National Insurance number. If you would rather not bring this along you can generate a 'check code' on the DVLA website (https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence) which you will need to share with us. Overseas licence holders, we will need to see your licence and passport.
Please note: we cannot hire the vehicle without these applicable documents so please ensure you have these organised to avoid disappointment.

Personal items

All you need to bring are towels, bedding, clothes and food. Pillows, sleeping bags or duvets appropiate for the time of year are recommended. We recommend soft bags rather then rigid suitcases to maximise the storage area of the California.

What's included?

Included within the hire of your VW California campervan is; fully comprehensive insurance for the driver, unlimited mileage, 1 bottle of camping gas, mains hook up lead, cooking equipment, crockery, cutlery and an outdoor table and chairs so you can enjoy the sunshine. All you need to bring are towels, bedding, clothes and food.
The van will come with at least a half of a tank of diesel, just bring it back with the same amount at the end of your holiday please.

  • Comprehensive Insurance
  • VW Assist – Breakdown and roadside assistance
  • Unlimited mileage (Ocean model only)
  • Mains hook-up cable
  • Gas bottle  (Ocean models) – One refill is included free of charge, subsequent refills are to be purchased locally.
  • Gas bottle  (Grand models) – A full 6KG gas bottle is provided.  Any refills are at the hirer's own expense.
  • Outside table and chairs
  • Crockery – Plates, Cups, Bowl, Glasses, Mugs etc
  • Cutlery- Knives Forks Spoons, Sharp Knifes
    Tin opener, bottle opener and corkscrew
  • Whistling Kettle
  • Washing up bowl
  • Washing up liquid, sponge/cloth
  • Tea Towels
  • Frying Pan and Saucepans
  • Cooking utensils
  • Colander
  • Cheese grater
  • Scissors
  • Chopping Board
  • Separate single ring camping stove + spare canister – to allow you to enjoy cooking under the awning

As part of your hire package, you will also find a copy of the Brit Stops book which has listings of pubs around the British Isles that allow you to stay overnight in your VW campervan on their premises, all completely safe and free. It's considered a common courtesy to sample some food and drink at the place you chose to spend the night but it isn't mandatory. Having used the Brit Stops service myself, I can personally vouch for this excellent scheme.

Will you show me how it works?

Of course!  There is quite a lot to learn about these amazing vehicles.  You can become more familiar with the California by watching these videos

How Can I Book?

You can book your California experience in a number of ways. You can email, text us, book online, use the chat feature or simply call us. I know how frustrating it can be when you just want to speak to a person to talk things over, so we will happily discuss your booking requirements over the phone.

How Much Is the Security Deposit?

A security deposit of £1500 is required, we will normally pre-authorise this on the same card you made the booking with, 2 days before collection. The authorisation will expire 7 days after the Campervan return unless there is damage to the vehicle, its contents or any extra equipment you hire from us.

Can We Come and Have a Look at the VW Campervan for Hire in Southampton?

Of course. Please contact us in advance so that we can ensure we have a vehicle off-hire to show you around. Also, take a look at our videos to familiarise yourself.

Is It Really Unlimited Mileage?

California Ocean

For this go-anywhere vehicle, we do not limit your mileage. Go where you please without worry.

Grand California

The Grand California does have a mileage allowance.  875 miles per week is included, anything over this will be chargeable at 40 pence per mileage.

What Happens if We Have an Accident?

In addition to complying with the Road Traffic Act 1988 section 170, please also;
Obtain the names and addresses of any third parties and any witnesses.
Not accept blame or insist the other party is at fault.
Photograph damage to all vehicle(s) and registration number(s).
Call us on 07817018407 with the accident details within 24 hours.

What Happens if We Break Down

Our vehicle is brand new and maintained by VW so we sincerely hope this does not happen but in the unlikely event it does you are covered by VW Assist. In the event of a break down they will try to get you on your way again. If they can't then you will be recovered back to our location and we will reimburse you for lost hire days only on a pro-rata basis. We cannot be held responsible for any fees such as campsite bookings, tickets to the theatre etc, etc.

What Happens If We Break Something?

Unfortunately this will have to be paid for and the cost will be deducted from your security deposit.  We will provide photographic evidence of the damage where possible and provide invoice and reciept information to satisfy you that any deductions are fair and reasonable.

What Happens if We Run Out of Gas?

California Ocean models
A gas bottle will be provided but in the unlikely event that you run out, we will meet the cost of a single refill of gas on production of a valid VAT receipt and reimburse you. Any subsequent refills are at the hirers expense. 

Grand California models
A full 6kg gas bottle will be provided.  Any refills of gas in this model are at the hirers expense.

All models
Refills can usually be purchased at your campsite.  Remember that there is also a separate single portable gas burner supplied, should you get caught short whilst making the brekkie!

Any Restrictions on Who Can Hire? Any Small Print I Should Know About?

Unfortunately yes. Our insurance company does have a few criteria.
All drivers must be between the age of 25 and 75, have at least 2 years driving experience have no current traffic convictions or endorsements except minor ones, have no more than 6 penalty points on the driving licence and have not been involved in more than one accident in 3 years.

You should read our full Terms and Conditions displayed on the website but the salient points are copied here:

A security deposit of £1500 is required, we will normally pre-authorise this on the same card you made the booking with, 2 days before collection. The authorisation will expire 7 days after the Campervan return unless there is damage to the vehicle, its contents or any extra equipment you hire from us.

The hirer is responsible for a standard excess of £1500. In the event of any damage to the vehicle or third party property, fire or theft, the hirer will be liable for the excess. The hirer will also be fully liable for replacement or repair of windscreen, tyre or alloy wheel damage. Insurance cover provided is Fully Comprehensive.

Can We Add Additional Drivers?

You certainly can, but only one extra per hire. Provided they meet our insurance criteria there will be an additional charge of £9.5 per day. Just let us know their details when you book and we will take care of it.

Can We Smoke

Nope! Please do not smoke in or around the vehicle. You WILL lose your deposit if the campervan is returned smelling of smoke.

RENT A VW CAMPERVAN FOR YOUR ROADTRIP

To travel is to live