Delivering quality vehicles and service, one rental at a time
Practical Car & Van Rental is the fourth largest vehicle rental company in the United Kingdom, with over 150 locations spread across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Irish Republic. With over 40 years of experience in self-drive hire, we take pride in delivering an unrivaled service and quality vehicles at competitive prices, offered to you by local businesses serving their local communities.
Car Hire
At Practical Car & Van Rental, we offer a diverse range of hire cars to cater to every requirement. From compact 3-door economy vehicles to large estate cars, people carriers (MPVs), 6/7 seaters, and executive cars, our selection ensures you find the perfect car for your needs. We also provide automatics, hybrid, and electric vehicles at select locations.
Van Rental
Our UK commercial van rental fleet covers a wide spectrum, extending from small courier vans through to refrigerated units and 7.5-ton lorries. Our intermediate vans range from short wheelbase (SWB) vans to medium wheelbase (MWB), long wheelbase (LWB), and extra-long (XLWB) vans. Additionally, we offer a variety of other sized lorries, Luton vans with or without tail lifts, and 17-seater minibuses at various locations. Long-term rentals may be eligible for preferential rental rates, as well as Customer Own Insurance (COI) rentals.
Airport Car and Van Rentals
We provide airport car and van hire services at most international and regional airports, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Stansted, and Manchester airports. With our online booking engine, you can easily choose and book your hire vehicle. Our system is designed to guarantee a vehicle at the time of booking, ensuring a stress-free experience.
Delivery and Collection
Practical Car & Van Rental offers deliveries to train, coach stations, and bus depots, as well as hotels, guest houses, businesses, and private addresses. If your chosen rental location does not meet your requirements, send them an enquiry, as most are flexible enough to accommodate adjustments to secure your desired rental booking.
Driving in Europe
If you plan on driving in the EU, inform the Practical location you are hiring from in advance to arrange for additional documentation and insurance, as mandatory surcharges will apply. Please note that all our vehicles are fitted with trackers, and traveling abroad without consent will void your insurance.
Positive Experiences
- The Birmingham Watery Lane franchise received high praise for their helpfulness and going above and beyond to help with a booking issue.
- The Wilmslow branch, particularly Lance and the team, were exceptional in their service.
- Practical Car & Van Rental Ltd's Flexi-Lease service was outstanding, with efficient and simple processes, and helpful staff.
- The staff at Practical were always helpful and accommodating, making the experience stress-free.
Negative Experiences
- A minibus rental experience was marred by a dirty and uncomfortable vehicle, and poor customer service from the rental location.
- A customer experienced poor service at the Digbeth location, with a rude and unhelpful staff member.
- Another customer had a disappointing experience at the Ash Motor Services location, with poor attitude from the staff, and what was perceived as an attempt to scam them over fuel costs.
