Want to set up your own rental or leasing business? Learn more about where you can go to get business help.
If you are thinking of starting a new business the Government provides lots of free advice and support which is available here and also regarding registering a business.
The BVRLA provides some basic support around what you need to consider if you are planning to set up a rental or lease operation. We are unable to provide any detailed business advice other than what is stated below.
Legal Implications
There is no statutory requirement setting vehicle standards other than general product liability legislation and general consumer protection legislation such as the Consumer Rights Act which govern what terms may be used and will be upheld in contracts entered into with consumers.
There are no special legal requirements for setting up a rental company beyond the normal legal requirements when starting up any other type of business.
Statutory Requirements
There is no statutory regulation or licensing scheme for the rental industry other than the nature of a hire agreement may require your company to be registered with the Financial Conduct Authority.
For further information visit the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) website, or contact them on their firm helpline on 0845 606 9966 or 0300 500 0597.
Buying a franchisee/licence
You may decide that the best way of entering into the industry is by way of a franchise agreement where vehicles systems and financing support are available. Companies who offer franchising arrangements in the industry are set out below.
Europcar UK Ltd
Europcar House, Aldenham Road, Watford, Herts, WD2 2LX - tel: 01923 811000
United Rental Group Ltd
Durrant House, Holywell Street, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 7SJ - tel: 01246 282000
Practical Car & Van Rental Ltd
21-23 Little Broom Street, Camp Hill, Birmingham, West Midlands, B12 0EU - tel: 0121 772 8599
Vehicle Rental Services Ltd
The Court Yard, 18 Station Parade, Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 2PB - tel: 01494 678949
Hertz UK Ltd
Hertz House, 11 Vine Street, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 1QE - tel: 01895 6270
Green Motion
Aspen Farm, Sheep Lane, Woburn, MK17 9HD - tel: 03338884000
Herd Hire
Rivermead House, Hamm Moor Lane, Addlestone, KT15 2SF - tel: 01372 747333
Virage Point, 4th floor Virage Suite, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 ONH -
Specialist insurance companies
The following companies specialise in rental company insurance or brokering and can advise on risk issues and the level of cover required for self drive vehicle hire insurance.
- Arthur J Gallagher Insurance Brokers
– tel: 0208 018 7455
- MS Automotive (London) Ltd
– tel: 0207 480 5461
- Park Place Insurance Services Ltd
– tel: 01592 643 666
- Rival Insurance
– tel: 0344 8000 688
- Sentinel Insurance Solutions Ltd
– tel: 01189 311008
- Towergate Insurance
– tel: 0844 892 1434
- Spencer Hayes Salary Sacrifice-
tel: 0161 711 0304
Specialist business administration and computer software companies
Jaama Ltd – tel: 0844 8484 333
Nexus Business Solutions (RentMan) – tel: 0870 787 2211
Prohire Software Ltd – tel: 01795 434000
Coastr - tel: 0800 6895 687
Membership of the BVRLA
The BVRLA is the trade association representing and regulating the rental and leasing industry more information on the benefits of members is available here.
The BVRLA’s Codes of Conduct sets out minimum standards for its sectors of membership including: rental, rental broker, leasing and fleet management and commercial vehicle and minibus operation.
