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What documents do I need?

You'll need to have a full, valid licence issued in your country of residence and held for at least a year (some companies ask for 2 years). If your licence is not issued by an EC/ECA country, an International Driver's Permit may be required.

Regulations

The average minimum car hire age is 23 (21 with some companies), and the average maximum age is 70 (80 in some companies). There may be restrictions on the type and size of car younger drivers can hire. Rental rates may also be higher for younger drivers.

Most car hire companies provide emergency roadside assistance from AA (www.theaa.com/) (Automobile Association) or RAC (www.rac.co.uk/) in case of a breakdown, but check for this when you're booking.

You hire a car in 3 stages:

1. Booking

You can book your car with a car hire company either online, in person at their offices or through a travel agent. If you need a car when you arrive in Britain you'll usually find at least 1 car hire company at the airport.

Most car hire companies only take credit or debit cards as payment, but you may be able to pay with cash if you hire your car in person, through a travel agent or at the company's offices.

You can hire a car for up to 60 days with most companies, but check with your company to find out their maximum rental time. You'll be given a choice of vehicles, including small cars, family cars, and premium cars like a Mercedes or Lexus.

The hire company may also provide extras such as child car seats and storage racks, which will cost extra. Not all companies will include insurance in the cost of the car, so check before you book. You should not drive a car without the appropriate insurance.

2. Picking up your car

When you book your car, you'll have to choose a location to pick it up from, and return it to. When you pick up your car, make sure you check it for existing damage, and make the company aware of it so you won't be charged.

You'll have to show your driving licence and credit/debit card when you pick up your car, and you may have to sign an agreement with the car hire company, accepting responsibility for any damage to the car while you have it.

3. Returning your car

You'll have to agree a specific time and location to return your car, and you may be charged for returning it late. In some companies, a late return of over an hour can result in you being charged for another day's rental. Once your car is returned, the company will check the car for any additional damage and tell you your total hire cost.

Car hire cost

Prices for hiring a car vary depending on the type of car you want, how long you want it for, and the location you hire from (hiring a car from an airport can be more expensive).

Approximate car hire charge for 7 days:

• Small car: £130
• Medium-sized car: £220
• Large car: £290

Check with your car hire company for exact costs. You should not drive a car without insurance, so check whether this is included in the final cost or if you need to buy it separately.

London congestion charge

The congestion charge is a £8 daily charge to drive in central London at certain times. Check whether the congestion charge is included in the cost of your car when you book. If your car's pick up point is in the congestion charging zone, the company may pay the charge for the first day of your hire.

To find out more about the congestion charge, visit our Driving regulations page London congestion zone.