The weekly price matters, of course. But the real test of a PCO (or PHV to use the modern term) hire firm is what happens on a wet Tuesday, when a tire blows on the A406, or when a minor scrape threatens to leave you without a vehicle for days. The right company keeps you earning without drowning you in a sea of paperwork. Here’s how to spot one that will serve your needs.

A clear breakdown of terms

Ask for a written breakdown that names every charge: weekly fees, deposit, insurance excess, mileage rules, admin fees (e.g. for PCNs or document reprints), late returns, and end-of-hire costs. Get their fair wear-and-tear policy in plain English, not just a link to a 108-page document you can barely understand. 

If the answers feel slippery now, the invoice won’t be any kinder when you get it later. Take the contract home; read it when you’re not being rushed, and ask for clarity (in writing!) if it’s difficult to understand. 

An exact car

You don’t want to be hiring “a Prius type” – you should be hiring a specific vehicle. See the PHV license (plate), MOT, and hire-and-reward insurance for that car before you sign. 

Check names and dates match –  photograph the documents at handover, and email the photos to yourself. If they say, “We’re waiting on the plate,” assume that means you’ll also be waiting on your earnings.

Downtime is the hidden cost

Servicing, tires and routine repairs should all be predictable. Ask which garage companies like Westgate Hire use, typical turnaround times, weekend availability, and what happens if a job overruns. 

Do they provide a courtesy car or a quick swap from fleet? Is 24/7 breakdown cover included, with recovery to a partner workshop rather than just a lonely tow? Good companies can describe the process in two minutes without you having to go hunting for answers.

Accidents and scrapes

You want to find a company with a fair excess and a clear accident management path. Are dash cams fitted? Will the firm share footage to support non-fault claims and protect your deposit? How quickly do they put you in a replacement car while insurers argue? “It depends” usually means that you’ll be left waiting.

The right powertrain for your needs

EVs can be brilliant in London – quiet, ULEZ-friendly, cheap per mile – if charging fits your kind of circuit. Ask about real-world range with heater and wipers on, rapid charger availability near your patch, and home charging options. 

If you work long, late shifts or live in a flat with no driveway, a hybrid may be a bit less stressful to use, and just as profitable. A good provider talks about the trade-offs of using different options; a pushy one persuades you to take what they have.

Choose the company that is clear on money, tidy on compliance, quick when things go wrong, and honest about which car suits your specific needs. Do that, and you’ll spend more evenings working – and far fewer arguing about paperwork.

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