Motorhome Frequently Asked Questions
Motorhome Rentals
We have provided a list of the most frequently asked questions in relation to Motorhome hire.
The Basics
Q. Why take a driving holiday with a motorhome?
A. Having your own vehicle on holiday gives you the freedom and flexibility to do what you want, when you want to. Motorhomes offer great value for money with accommodation and transport in one. Whether you are travelling with a partner, friends or as a family, we have a range of vehicles of all sizes to suit your needs. If you are travelling for a long period of time, having a motorhome means you can have all the comforts of home whilst on the road. It gives the traditional roadtrip a fun twist.
Q. How old do I have to be to drive a motorhome?
A. Generally the minimum age to hire a motorhome is 21 years. Depending on the motorhome supplier there may be a surcharge for drivers aged 21-25.
Q. Do I need a special licence to drive a motorhome?
A. A full, valid non-provisional drivers license is fine for driving the majority of vehicles with the exception of a couple of vehicles in Germany. An International Drivers Licence is required and recommended in some countries.
Q. Do you offer discounts for long term hires?
A. Yes, motorhome companies will generally provide a long term discount for rentals over 35 days. This is available on application.
Q. Is there a cancellation fee if I cancel my motorhome?
A. DriveAway Holidays does not charge cancellation fees. However, all motorhome companies have a cancellation fee policy. DriveAway Holidays will request a deposit and/or full payment in order to request the booking with the motorhome company in those instances where the booking falls within the cancellation period.
Rates
Q. How are rental days calculated?
A. Rental days are charged per calendar day as opposed to 24 hour periods which is how car rental is charged. So, if you pick up a motorhome at 9am on 16 July and drop off at 9am on 30 July, this is considered to be 15 days. With a car rental, however, it would be 14 days.
| For example: |
Based on 24 hour periods |
Based on calendar days |
| 16 July 9am to 30 July 9am |
14 days |
15 days |
| 16 July 9am to 30 July 3pm |
15 days |
15 days |
Q. Is there a minimum rental period?
A. Yes. This varies depending on the supplier, country and vehicle.
Q. What is a seasonal rate?
A. The rate charged is determined by the season the rental falls in. For example, a 14 day rental crossing over two seasons could be charged at 7 days at the high season rate and 7 days at the mid season rate. Generally motorhome prices are based on seasonal rates, except in Canada where the rate is determined by the pick up date for the entire duration.
Q. What are Flex rates?
A. Flex rates are based on a simple system of supply and demand. If there are a lot of vehicles available to rent on a particular day, at a particular location, the rate is lower and vice versa. Booking early is recommended to get a good deal.
Q. Is there an insurance excess/vehicle liability and can it be reduced?
A. Insurance excess/vehicle liability and excess reduction/liability reduction amounts vary depending on the motorhome company, product booked, country and sometimes location. An excess reduction/liability reduction is not common in countries other than Australia and New Zealand.
Collecting the Vehicle
Q. Will I need a credit card to collect my motorhome?
A. Yes.
Q. Will a security deposit be required to collect my motorhome?
A. Yes, it is usually the insurance excess/vehicle liability amount or the excess reduction/liability reduction amount frozen/debited on your credit card (some companies authorise, freeze or debit the amount).
Q. Can I pick up and/or drop off a motorhome any time?
A. No, motorhome companies provide a specific period in which the motorhome can be picked up and dropped off. The exception would be in Australia and New Zealand, where motorhomes can be picked up anytime during opening hours.
Q. Can I pick up my motorhome in one city and drop it off in another?
A. This is known as a one way hire and are available on application except for rentals in Germany, Netherlands, Spain and Portugal. One way charges may apply.
Q. Are transfers available?
A. Transfers are available with most companies and are always on a request basis. Transfers may be included in the rental price, prepaid or paid on collection.
Q. Can motorhomes be delivered to hotels?
A. No. Due to their size, motorhomes cannot be delivered to hotels.
On the Road
Q. Are motorhomes manual or automatic transmission?
A. Most vehicles are manual transmission, except in the USA and Canada where all vehicles are automatic transmission. In some other locations, automatic transmission may be offered and will be available on a request basis.
Q. Where can I get information on places to camp with my motorhome?
A. DriveAway Holidays has put together a list of Helpful Links to assist you when planning your motorhome adventure.
Q. Are there restrictions to where motorhomes can be driven?
A. Yes, motorhomes must only be driven on sealed roads. Further travel restrictions may apply and vary depending on the motorhome company and country booked.
Q. What happens if my motorhome breaks down?
A. All companies offer a roadside assistance service. Details will be given at time of collection.
Last updated: 01 January 2012. All details are subject to change without notice.