First-Time Car Hire Made Easy
Before You Book Our Affordable Car Hire in Preston
At Easihire, we get first-time car hirers every day—and we understand how confusing the process can seem at first. So, we want to help with a small guide for First-Time Car Hire Made Easy, providing advice, from choosing the right vehicle to understanding insurance and paperwork, which is a lot to take in. Our goal is to make your experience smooth, transparent, and stress-free from start to finish. To help you feel confident before you arrive, here are our top five tips for hiring a car for the first time.
Book Early for the Best Choice and Value
We always recommend booking your car hire as early as possible. Early bookings usually mean a wider selection of vehicles, especially during busy travel periods. Waiting until the last minute can limit your options and possibly struggling to find an available car.
When choosing your car, think about your needs rather than going bigger than necessary. Smaller cars are often more fuel-efficient, easier to drive, and simpler to park—perfect for first-time hirers or city driving. If you ever need advice, our teams are happy to help you select the right vehicle for your journey.
Take Time to Understand the Insurance Options
Insurance is one of the most important parts of car hire, and we believe in being clear and upfront about how it works. All our vehicles come with standard cover, which includes a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). However, there also comes an excess, meaning you may be responsible for part of the cost if the vehicle is damaged. With our car hire, this is set at £1250
To give you peace of mind, we offer optional additional cover that will significantly reduce this excess amount. While some customers choose third-party insurance, we always encourage you to understand how claims work and what is covered before deciding. It’s also important to note that certain areas—such as tyres, windscreens—are not included in our policies.
Know Your Fuel Policy Before You Drive Away
Fuel policies can sometimes cause confusion, so we aim to keep ours as simple as possible. We operate with what we believe is the best option, which is a like-to-like policy. This means what fuel is in when you collect your car, is the same when you return your car—no hidden fuel charges, no surprises.
Inspect the Vehicle With Confidence
Before you set off, we encourage all customers—especially first-time renters—to take a moment to inspect the vehicle. Our team will walk you through any existing marks or wear, but it’s always a good idea to take your own photos or video for your peace of mind.
Check the exterior, wheels, windscreen, and interior, and make sure everything matches the condition report. This quick step helps protect both you and us, ensuring complete transparency from the start of your rental.
Bring the Correct Documents
To make your pickup quick and hassle-free, please ensure you bring all required documents. This includes a valid full driving licence, 2 x proof of address, and your DVLA Licence Check Code. All of our car rentals also require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the payment and excess/deposit.
If you’re unsure about licence requirements or payment methods, we recommend checking with us in advance—we’re always happy to clarify.
We believe first-time car hire should feel simple, supportive, and straightforward. By booking early, understanding your cover, checking fuel terms, inspecting the vehicle, and arriving prepared, you’ll be ready to enjoy the road ahead with confidence. We look forward to welcoming you and being part of your journey.