EasiHire Wigan — Customer Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before Renting a Van in Wigan
Your complete, honest guide — from choosing the right size van to driving safely, loading properly, and getting on the road without stress.
📍Wigan, Greater Manchester✍The EasiHire Wigan Team
Whether it’s a house move, a tip run, a furniture collection, or a trade job — renting a van is one of those things that seems simple until you’re standing at the counter realising you’ve forgotten something. We’ve been helping Wigan customers hire vans for over 35 years, and in that time we’ve heard every question, solved every problem, and seen every mistake. This guide answers all of it — before you even pick up the phone.
What Documents Do You Need to Bring?
This is where first-time hirers often trip up. Turn up without the right documents and we can’t hand over the keys- no matter how urgently you need the van. Here’s exactly what you need:
📋 Your Document Checklist — Don’t Leave Home Without These
- Valid photo driving licence — UK or EU. Must be current and undamaged. If your licence is the old paper type only (no photo card), contact us in advance.
- Licence check code — dated within 21 days and not previously used. You can get this at Gov.uk/check-driving-information. Our Wigan team can help you get it at the branch if you bring your National Insurance number.
- 2 separate proofs of address — dated within the last 3 months. Utility bill, bank statement, or HMRC letter all work. Mobile phone bills are not accepted.
- Credit or debit card — in your name, for the hire payment and deposit. We cannot accept cash or borrowed cards.
- You must be aged 25–75 — and have held a full licence for at least 2 years. Younger drivers (23–24) may be considered — contact us before arriving.
⚠️ International licence holders: EU, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand licences are accepted — no licence check required. For all other countries, contact us at least 24 hours before your hire so we can check with our insurance provider.
First Time Driving a Van? Read This First.
Every year we hand keys to customers who’ve never driven a van before. It can feel daunting — but it really doesn’t need to be. Here’s what our team always tells first-timers at the Wigan branch:
1) Adjust your mirrors before you move an inch
You have no rear window view — your wing mirrors are everything. Take two minutes before you set off to adjust both sides so you can see all the way down the van’s body and beyond. Our team will help you with this before you leave.
2)You’re taller than you think
Most vans exceed 2 metres in height. Multi-storey car parks, drive-throughs, low bridges, and some petrol station canopies can all catch you out. Plan your route and know your height — we’ll tell you the exact dimensions before you leave.
3)Brake gently — especially when loaded
Van brakes are engineered for a full load. When the van is empty, they can feel sharp and responsive. When loaded, stopping distance increases. Keep a bigger gap than you normally would, especially on the M6 or A49.
4)Take corners wider than a car
The rear of the van tracks inside the turning circle of the front. If you take a tight left turn the way you would in a car, the rear of the van may clip the kerb or another vehicle. Swing wider and you’ll be fine.
5)Know your speed limits
Vans under 7.5 tonnes (all ours) follow standard car speed limits. There’s no special restriction — but remember that a heavier load affects stopping distance, so motorway driving warrants extra caution.
6)Don’t Rush — We’ll Walk You Through Everything
At EasiHire Wigan, we never just throw you the keys. Our team will show you the lights, wipers, fuel cap, and any quirks of your specific van before you drive away. First-time hirers: please allow an extra 10 minutes at collection. It’s time well spent.
How to Book Your Van — Step by Step
Booking with EasiHire Wigan is straightforward. Here’s exactly what happens from your first enquiry to driving away:
Check availability — online, phone, or WhatsApp
Use our online booking system at easihire.co.uk, call us on 01942 778899, or WhatsApp 07446 855379. Tell us your dates, what you’re moving, and where to, and we’ll confirm which van is right and whether it’s available.
Get your documents ready
Use the checklist above. Get your licence check code from Gov.uk — it takes about 2 minutes. Gather your 2 proofs of address. Don’t leave this until the morning of your hire.
Arrive at 44 Queen Street, Wigan WN3 4HX
We’re in the town centre, easy to find, close to both railway stations and the bus interchange. First-timers: allow 20 minutes at the branch. Returning customers: often 5 minutes.
Vehicle walk-around and handover
We’ll inspect the van together, note any existing marks on our condition report, show you how everything works, confirm the fuel level, and agree a return time. Then you’re off.
Return the van on time, on fuel
Return to Queen Street at the agreed time, with the same fuel level as collection. We’ll do a joint walk-around on return, confirm everything is in order, and release your deposit — usually within 24 hours on credit card.
Ready to check prices and availability? Visit our Van Hire Wigan page for our full fleet, pricing table, and online booking – or call 01942 778899 to speak to the Wigan team directly.
Written by the EasiHire Wigan Team
44 Queen Street, Wigan WN3 4HX · 01942 778899 · wigan@easihire.co.uk · Serving Wigan for over 35 years
Ready to Book Your Van?
Call our friendly Wigan team, WhatsApp us, or book online in minutes. Same-day hire available. Open 7 days — including Sundays 9am–12pm.