An essential guide to renting a car during the festive season

Christmas is a time for getting together with loved ones and enjoying the festivities, but this time of year often takes lots of planning and preparation. When it comes to getting from A to B and travelling to see family and friends, don’t leave things to the last minute.
Relying on public transport can prove a nuisance at the best of times, let alone during the busy Christmas period. If you don’t own a car or have access to one that’s suitable, then why not consider hiring one instead? 

Car hire for the Christmas holidays could be the ideal option – and a very practical Christmas present too! In this article, we discuss the reasons why many people choose to rent a car during the festive season by outlining its many advantages. Read on to find out more… 

Can you hire a car during Christmas?

The short answer to this question is yes, you absolutely can hire a car during the Christmas period. In fact, here at J.D. Robertson & Co. Ltd  we welcome returning customers year after year who rely on our rental cars, MPVs, and vans during the festive season. 

Reasons to hire a car for the Christmas holidays

So, why do people choose to hire a car during the Christmas holidays? Well, there are a number of reasons for this. Below we list six of the most common ones that may give you some inspiration for why a rental car might just prove a great option for you:

Reason 1 – Travel home for the holidays

If you need transport to travel home to visit family, hiring a car can give you the flexibility to make the journey on your own schedule – without having to rely on public transport! 

Reason 2 – Accommodate house guests

Christmas is a time for giving, so a hire car may not necessarily be just for you to drive. If you have friends or family staying with you over the holidays, having an extra vehicle can help transport more people and make getting around a lot easier.

Reason 3 – Christmas shopping trips

Make light work of Christmas shopping with an ample-sized hire car. SUV and MPV models can provide all the space needed for gifts and shopping bags in the run-up to the big day. Why not keep hold of your rental vehicle until the New Year and make the most of the January sales too!

Reason 4 – Festive day trips

If you have a large family or are hosting friends, a hire car can prove handy for festive activities like visiting Christmas markets. Whatever days out you’ve got planned, don’t leave the travelling to chance. 

Reason 5 – Avoid the crowds

It can get very busy and crowded on public transport the closer it gets to Christmas. Bus, train, or plane delays and cancellations can be especially stressful during the festive period when you have exciting plans in place – having a hire car can make for a stress-free holiday and time away.   

Reason 6- Visit relatives in remote places

The UK may be a relatively small place but it can sure feel like a chore to travel when friends and family are located in more rural and remote areas of the country. Not all villages are easily accessible by public transport, so renting a car may be your only option in some cases. 

For fast, efficient and affordable Vehicle hire, contact J.D.Robertson & Co.Ltd on 01206 572368.

Are You Hiring One of Our Vans to go to London?

Hiring a van with J.D.Robertson & Co. Ltd is quick, easy and cost-effective. If you are travelling to London, you may wonder about the potential charges you could face in certain zones. Here we look at these charges.

What is ULEZ?

ULEZ stands for Ultra Low Emission Zone, which refers to an area in London where a fee is charged for driving the most polluting vehicles. This is a form of tax applicable for the ultra-low emission zone in London, brought in to comply with the European environmental factors aimed at reducing climate change and air pollution. While this is undoubtedly a positive move environmentally, it can cause drivers bother if they are not prepared or happen to have the wrong car in the wrong area! 

As the goal is to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality, the ULEZ applies to all vehicles, including cars, vans, buses, lorries and motorcycles. If the vehicle does not meet the required Euro emissions standards, it will incur a ULEZ charge which is currently £12.50 a day for most small vehicles.

Most of our hire vans are ULEZ compliant, and if you let us know at the time of booking that you intend to travel to London, we will do our utmost to ensure you are allocated a suitable vehicle. 

For more information on the ULEZ charge please visit https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone for more information on the ULEZ charge.

London Congestion Charge

It can be easy to mix up the congestion charge and the ULEZ, but it is important to understand the difference between the two if you are travelling to and within London. While the ULEZ is a daily fee for any vehicle not meeting the emissions standards, the congestion charge is a daily fee for travelling in the congestion zone during congestion hours. So, if you are travelling in a non-ULEZ compliant vehicle within the South and North circular roads, you will face both fees. The congestion charge is currently £15 a day.

To find out more about the London Congestion charge, click here.

Are you Crossing the QE2 Bridge?

When taking one of our hire vans over the QE2 bridge or through the Dartford tunnels, you have until midnight on the following day to ensure payment is made. Crossings for both directions are charged at £3 for a van. 

You can find more information on the QE2 bridge by clicking here.

Hiring a Van for London Travel

When you hire a van, you are responsible for any charges incurred during use, including parking, permits and fees. Travelling through London doesn’t have to be stressful; planning ahead and checking up on potential fees will help make your van hire experience hassle-free.

Blog 92 Robertsons October 2024

Some of the best things to visit in Colchester

• Colchester Castle

A Norman castle built on Roman foundations. The part of the castle that’s visible from the outside is only about 300 years old. 

• Beth Chatto’s Plants & Gardens

A six-plus acre garden with exceptional grounds that offers serenity.

• River Colne

A 39 mile (62 km) river that flows through Colchester and the Essex countryside. There’s a riverside path that’s great for cycling. 

• Mercury Theatre Colchester

A theatre that offers a variety of performances, including family-friendly pantos, drag workshops, magic shows, and more. 

• Three Wise Monkeys

A hipster chain of craft beer pubs located at the bottom of the High Street. 

• Colchester Zoo

A lively zoo where you can get up close and personal with native and exotic species of animal. 

• Museums

Colchester has many museums, including the Colchester Castle Museum and the Hollytrees Museum. 

• Parks

Colchester has many parks, including historic estates and county parks. 

University Move-In Day Made Easy: Stress-Free Tips for a Smooth Start

Starting university is an exciting new experience in a student’s life. With the excitement of learning, making new friends, and establishing a sense of new-found independence, planning for move day can fall to the wayside. Starting university on the right foot begins with a smooth move-in day, setting your child up for success from day one. From packing advice to deciding on the right vehicle to move their uni gear, read this article for tips and tricks that will make a difference on move day to residence halls.

Planning the Move

Create a checklist

Before you even begin creating a checklist of things to pack or buy, check out if your university provides a halls inventory list or a suggested packing checklist. This takes a little bit of work out of the process for you, gives your insight into what past years’ students have brought, and what will be provided to you by the university. From there you can work on your own checklist based on the one provided – there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. 

Work backwards from the things you use on a daily basis to those you only use on occasion. The first checklist draft can be a list of everything you want to bring, but be sure to revise it a few times to make sure you’re not bringing unnecessary items. Remember that first year rooms don’t have much space beyond the essentials, so try and narrow down what you can. That being said, don’t forget a few décor items to make halls feel like home.

A burden shared is a burden halved

Once you’ve looked at the list of items provided and find you’re lacking necessities like a coffee maker or microwave, don’t rush out to the store to buy one. First, coordinate with your flatmates and evenly distribute who is bringing what. Not only is it a great way to break the ice, but it reduces how much you need to pack and spend. Furthermore, consider if any of the items you need to buy are things that can be purchased near the campus, like cleaning and cooking supplies. That way there’s one less thing you need to pack up in the car.

Find out moving day times

Each university is different, so find out your uni’s move day schedule. Do you have to sign up for a timeslot, or just turn up whenever you want? Finding this out early gives you plenty of time to work out logistics, such as booking a moving vehicle early. As many other families will be doing the same thing to move their kids into uni, it’s important you book early to ensure you get the vehicle you want for the dates that you need it. Even if you have your own car, renting a vehicle may be the better option as you can go for larger cars, vans, or minibuses to accommodate all the boxes and avoid multiple trips.

Assess load

To assess what size vehicle you need, pack away any items you don’t need regularly in advance. It will give you an idea of the weight and volume of your packed goods. Keep in mind that loading up your vehicle isn’t just a game of Tetris to fill to the top. You need to account for mirror and rear view window visibility, as well as space needed for people sitting in the car. Having a few extra hands as a move-in crew makes all the difference. Not only that, but a road trip from home to university with your family is a memorable experience, so be sure to make the most of that time together.

Packing Efficiently

Quality materials

Keep in mind how you’ll be transporting your things. Suitcases aren’t the best option as they’re bulky and can’t be used as efficient storage in situ. Plastic bins, however, are sturdy and can be used as under-bed storage for seasonal clothes and the supplies you don’t need immediately. They also stay in good shape for when you eventually need to move out at the end of the year.

Pack strategically

Think about the weight and size of the items you’re taking with you. Load up heavy boxes and items first and load lighter items on top. Think about weight distribution and get rid of excess weight where possible to reduce your mileage. You’ll be thanking yourself for not bringing heavy gear when you have to lug your boxes up flights of stairs!. If your vehicle can’t support the estimated weight of the boxes or is too small, don’t panic! Renting a larger vehicle is a simple, hassle-free solution.

Some clever packing will help move day flow quicker as well as maximise the space in your vehicle. The order you load up your van is the reverse order in which you will unload things. Make sure you load up boxes you need quick access to last. A well-organised move is easier with the right vehicle. If your current car is too small for the move, don’t try and make multiple trips back and forth. Instead, look into our high quality fleet of vehicles perfect for a small, medium or large sized move. If you aren’t sure which size you need, our friendly team is happy to discuss options.

Label everything

When packing items into boxes, be sure to do so by room or category so you can quickly find your things. Labelling is key to locating items and reducing the amount of half-dug through boxes. The last thing your kid wants is to run late for their classes because they can’t locate their textbooks. 

University Move Day

Drive carefully

It’s always important to practise safe driving, but especially when driving an unfamiliar vehicle with a full load of heavy gear. Make sure that your stuff doesn’t block your view of mirrors and rear window. When driving a J.D.Robertson vehicle, you can feel at ease that you’re behind the wheel of a reliable, well-maintained vehicle.

Be sure to give yourself plenty of time when driving to a new place, particularly a uni campus. The amount of one-way roads can be confusing and frustrating, particularly in a time crunch.

Take a break

Taking breaks, especially on a long drive, is important. It gives you the opportunity to rehydrate, eat, and stretch your legs, allowing you to feel refreshed and focused for the next leg of the trip. Be sure to walk around a little bit to reduce the likelihood of leg cramps and discomfort.

Unload efficiently

Efficient unloading begins with logistics. Be sure to check with the university about designated unloading areas closer to halls. Also, look into if there is any second and third year student support where they guide you to your rooms, parking, or even help you move your boxes. 

Check your room

Check your room first before bringing anything up as most halls will give you a checklist to ensure there isn’t any damage to the furniture or room itself. It’s easier to inspect the room when it’s empty. This is also a good time to do a quick wipe down of surfaces and vacuum, if necessary. Should there be an issue with the room or the move, selecting a flexible vehicle hire return policy means that should a delay occur, there’s no need to stress.

When renting a business vehicle long-term, who’s responsible for maintenance?

Renting a vehicle for the long term can be a great choice for businesses. But one question quickly arises: who’s responsible for maintenance work?

There are two sides to this question. First, the regular maintenance that’s needed to keep your car in good working order. And second, any emergency repairs or services that might be needed along the way.

One of the key advantages of renting business vehicles long-term is that you typically get maintenance and regular servicing as part of the contract. However, not all firms have the same policies. That’s why it’s so important for you to enter into the hiring process with your wits about you and relevant questions up your sleeve.

Ultimately, you need to know who’s responsible for what. If you don’t, you could end up paying unexpected charges. Here are five things to find out before you agree to a long-term business vehicle rental.

1. 
   Does your rental firm provide regular servicing?

A bad rental firm doesn’t care if you have a good experience on the road. They just want your payments coming in. A good one, by contrast, has your driving experience in mind at all times.

One sign of this is whether they offer regular servicing. A reputable firm will tell you when the vehicle next needs servicing and provide you with the details you need to arrange this.

Typically, it’s your responsibility to arrange the service but the service itself is covered by the rental firm. Always check the small print so you know your rights and responsibilities.

2. 
   Does your rental firm cover unplanned maintenance?

Regular servicing is one thing – but what about unexpected maintenance and repairs? Are they covered by your rental agreement?

A reputable firm will include cover for unplanned maintenance. You should be able to ring them – or the maintenance team they partner with – and get someone to look at the problem ASAP.

Having this in the contract can give you peace of mind, especially if you’re using the vehicle for long journeys or to transport key goods. 

As always, read the small print. Rental firms may cover unplanned maintenance but charge for puncture and blowout repair.

As in any transaction, both parties have responsibilities. If you don’t understand your side of the bargain, you won’t be able to uphold it. Make sure you know what charges might be expected in the event of unplanned maintenance.

3. 
   Does your rental firm provide breakdown cover?

A good rental firm will provide you with breakdown cover. In the event of a breakdown, you should be able to ring the number of your insurance provider and have someone sent out to get you on your way.

As with unplanned maintenance, you should always read the small print. While the rental firm should be responsible for breakdown cover, they may not be responsible for things like the arrival time of the breakdown crew.

4. 
   Will the rental firm provide a replacement if your vehicle has to be taken off-road?

This is another important thing to consider. In the unfortunate event that your vehicle has to be taken off-road, will the rental firm give you a like-for-like replacement?

It’s important to note that the definition of “like-for-like” may vary from firm to firm. You may not necessarily get the same make and model. But a reputable firm will give you the same type of vehicle so that you can continue to carry out your business as usual.

5. 
   Will the rental firm keep in contact?

Once you’ve rented your vehicle, you don’t want to be pestered – but you also don’t want to be left alone. For this reason, you should check whether your rental firm will keep in contact with you.

Among other things, occasional but regular calls from your rental firm show that they’re committed to keeping on top of their maintenance obligations. In return, you get the chance to demonstrate that you’re taking care of the vehicle, and to report any minor problems.

What are the advantages of long-term vehicle hire for businesses?

Hiring vehicles can be advantageous for businesses of all kinds. However, it’s especially useful for businesses that don’t yet have the capital to buy vehicles outright.

In this situation, businesses face a choice. They can rent in the short-term or the long-term. Both types of rental can be beneficial, providing you with a vehicle that meets your mileage, driving and insurance requirements (and taking care of troublesome compliance, too). So why go for a long-term rental?

First off, long-term rentals are flexible, making them easy to manage and budget for. You’re rarely locked into a fixed-term contract but can renew your agreement each month. This means that if your situation changes, you’re not in a fix. On top of this, long-term rentals tend to be more cost-effective than short-term ones.

Secondly, long-term rental gives you access to a wider range of vehicles. You can get the exact spec that your company needs rather than settling for something not quite right.

And finally, a good rental firm will include maintenance, servicing and some form of insurance in their agreement. The result? A form of vehicle hire that serves the needs of your business without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

When you rent a business vehicle, you’re entering into a contract with the rental firm. That’s why you need to be sure you understand your rights and responsibilities with regard to maintenance.

At J.D.Robertson & Co Ltd , our priority is to get you on the road and we’re always transparent about our maintenance policy. We don’t hide behind corporate jargon and we don’t read from a script.

So if you’re looking for long-term vehicle rental in the East of England, call 01206 572368 . We’d love to set you up with the right vehicle for your firm.

What’s The difference between Vehicle Rental & Leasing?

When it comes to hiring a vehicle, there are different types of agreements that you can choose from depending on your requirements. Two of the most common options are rentals and leasing. Rentals involve short-term agreements, usually for a few days or weeks, whereas leasing involves a longer-term commitment of several months or even years. In this blog we will explore the differences between the two in more detail, helping you to better decide which type of vehicle rental is right for you.

What is a Vehicle Leasing Agreement?

Leasing a vehicle involves an agreement where you pay a monthly fee for the use of the vehicle for an extended period of time, usually between two to five years. At the end of the agreement, you can either return the vehicle, extend the lease or buy the vehicle at an agreed-upon price. The vehicle is usually new or slightly used and remains the property of the leasing company unless you buy it at the end.

Pros & Cons of Vehicle Leasing

One of the main advantages of leasing a vehicle is that it’s often more affordable than buying a new car outright. The monthly payments are generally lower than those of financing a vehicle purchase. Another major advantage of vehicle leasing is that you don’t have to worry about maintenance or repairs – these are usually covered by the warranty.

That being said, there are also disadvantages to leasing a vehicle. One of the main disadvantages is that you’re not building equity in the vehicle as you would if you were purchasing it. Additionally, you may find that you are subject to strict mileage limits, and you could face additional charges at the end of your term if you exceed those limits.

What is a Vehicle Rental Agreement?

Vehicle rental is an agreement in which you pay a daily or weekly fee for the use of a vehicle. Rentals are usually for short-term periods, and the vehicle can be returned at any time. The rental company owns the vehicle and is responsible for maintenance, repairs, and insurance, but you may be charged if you damage the car before you hand it back.

Pros & Cons of a Vehicle Rental

One of the main advantages of renting a vehicle is the flexibility it provides. You can choose the type of vehicle you need for a specific purpose, such as moving or travelling, so there’s always something to suit your needs. In addition, there is no long-term commitment, meaning you can return the vehicle at any time.

However, one of the main disadvantages of renting a vehicle is that it can be more expensive than leasing or financing a vehicle purchase, especially if the rental is for an extended period. 

Agreements With J.D.Robertson & Co. Ltd

J.D Robertson & Co. Ltd, offer rentals with no additional cost, making it a winning choice for those looking for short-term vehicle usage with flexibility and no long-term commitments. J.D Robertson & Co. Ltd, you can choose from a wide range of vehicles, including cars to vans. For more information, contact one of our specialists on 01206 572368.