Every day, numerous drivers sign PCO car hire contracts to get behind the wheel of a licensed vehicle and start earning. However, not all car hire contracts are the same, and if you end up signing the wrong contract, you will be spending more money on the car than you expected.
The thing is, many car providers offer shiny deals to attract clients. But in many cases, those attractive offers come with hidden fees or terms and conditions designed to favour the car providers, not the drivers.
Remember that the stakes are huge when signing a PCO car hire contract. You need to save every pound possible to keep your profits high and expenses low, which is only possible when you sign the right contract.
In this article, we will mention a list of questions you should ask the car provider before signing the PCO hire contract to make sure you get the right deal. Let’s get started.
Question 1: What’s Included in the Weekly Rental Price?
Never sign a contract based on what’s shown in an ad. Some companies use bold claims like £180 a week or the cheapest deals in town. Most of the time, these deals don’t show the whole picture. They don’t mention what’s included in the package, and once you sign the contract, you realise that the fee mentioned in the ad covers the bare minimum, and nothing else.
So, the first thing you should ask is what’s included in the package before signing the contract. An ideal PCO hire package includes maintenance, servicing, breakdown cover, MOTs, and more.
If you have to choose between a £250 deal that includes all the services we mentioned above and a £180 deal that includes nothing, choose the £250 deal. Although it seems expensive on paper, it’s far cheaper than the £180 deal that requires you to pay for everything separately.
Question 2: Are There Any Mileage Limits or Charges?
Mileage limit is another important thing to be aware of before signing a PCO car hire contract. In case you didn’t know, a mileage limit is the number of miles you are allowed to drive per week.
Once you exceed that limit, you will have to pay a fee for every extra mile you drive. The fee usually ranges from 10 pence to 25 pence per mile, which may not seem much at first. However, when you drive hundreds of miles a day, these costs can add up quickly.
So, make sure your mileage limit aligns with the number of hours you plan to work weekly. Some companies offer unlimited mileage, while others between 1,000 and 1,200 miles. Get the exact number in writing to avoid any conflicts.
You should also ask whether you can increase your mileage limit when needed. Some companies will let you upgrade your plan without sky-high fees, while others won’t.
Question 3: What Type of Protection is Provided?
The type of protection you get matters a lot.
There are usually three types of protection that PCO hire companies offer: third-party only, third-party fire and theft, and comprehensive protection.
The first type only covers damages to third parties. The second type offers additional protection for fire and theft, while comprehensive protection covers you, the passengers, and third parties.
You should always choose a package that includes comprehensive protection because you will get cover for car body repair, third-party damage and much more in case something goes wrong.
Choosing any other package will require you to handle most legal and financial aspects on your own, which could be highly stressful and may eat into your profits as well.
Question 4: What Happens if the Vehicle Breaks Down?
Breakdowns can happen at any time. Sometimes, it could be a flat tyre while other times, a serious technical problem could cause an unexpected stop in your journey. When that happens, you are not only responsible for finding a reliable garage but also paying money out of your own pocket for repairs.
A reliable PCO car hire company includes breakdown cover in the package. So, before signing the contract, always ask whether 24/7 breakdown assistance is included or not. Having it included gives you peace of mind, knowing that you’ve got a solid backup whenever something goes wrong on the road.
Some companies also offer replacement vehicles if the repairs take more than a few hours. Ask the car provider about their replacement vehicle policy and make sure there aren’t any extra charges for the replacement vehicle. This will save you a lot of stress and money over time.
Question 5: Are there Any Upfront Costs or Deposits?
Some companies require you to pay upfront fees and a security deposit before handing over the car. The deposit could be anywhere between £200 and £1,000, depending on the car. Normally, the deposit is refunded as soon as you return the car in good condition. However, some companies look for excuses to keep your money because of minor scratches or excessive wear. Know the refund policy beforehand.
In addition to the deposit, you may also have to pay the admin fee. It could be £50, £100, or maybe more, and companies charge it for handling the paperwork. Ask whether it’s a one-time fee or if you will have to pay it every time you renew the contract.
You should also ask whether there are any upfront rental payments. Some companies require you to pay the fee for the first one or two weeks in advance. That’s money out of your pocket before you’ve even completed your first job. So, keep these costs in mind before signing the contract to avoid any surprises.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a PCO car involves many costs. However, finding a deal that puts your interests first isn’t so difficult with the right knowledge. So, do your homework and ask the car provider as many questions as possible before signing the contract to have a stress-free experience. Also, do not just believe their words. Try to get everything in writing. This will prevent many troubles down the road.
