
Frequently Asked Questions
Find out everything you need to know about campervan hire from Big Blue Campers in Worcestershire below. We have been hiring vw campervans since 2013 and each camper comes with a detailed handbook which should tell you everything you need to know. If you can’t find the answer to your question on this page, please use the form below or email us directly. We will reply as soon as possible.
What's changed since the Covid pandemic?
In order to maintain social distancing, and the highest possible hygiene standards, we have made some changes to the way we operate.
When you collect your van it will have been deep cleaned with an antibacterial treatment, and some surfaces may still be damp to touch. They will dry quickly.
We need to collect 2 pieces of ID and some driver license details, which is now all done by email in advance of collection, and all payments are made online.
When you collect your van, it will be ready to drive away, with the key in the ignition. Prior to collection, you will receive an email with a link to our "Virtual Handover". This is a series of video tutorials which explain how everything works, and answers all of the most frequently asked questions.
Who can drive the campervans?
Anyone over 21 and under 80 years old, who has held a full UK driving license for 3 years, can drive our vans. You must provide a copy of your driving license and 2 forms of suitable ID to meet the insurance requirements. There is an additional excess if you are aged 21-24 or 75-79, have been banned or had specific convictions in the past. We will advise you of this at the time of booking, and does not affect the cost of your hire. The main driver's insurance is included in the hire cost. Up to 3 extra drivers can be added at just £5.00 person / day part.
What is included in the standard hire?
Fully comprehensive main driver insurance, UK breakdown cover, cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils and equipment, cooking gas, tea & coffee and lots of other little extras. If you are planning on travelling to Europe, you will need to add our European travel pack to include suitable insurance and European breakdown cover. An average of 200 miles per day is included, additional miles at 15p/mile.
Each campervan has: * Sink * 2 ring gas hob (with gas bottle) * Fridge * Rock and roll bed for two ‘downstairs’ * Pop-top roof bed for two with mattress ‘upstairs’ * Sat nav * USB Charging points * 2x 3 pin, 240v plug sockets (mains hook-up required) * Electric hook-up cable with 3 pin socket adaptor (2 pin with Europe pack)
We also provide: * Kettle * Saucepan * Frying pan * Cunning device that lets you make toast on a gas hob * Sharp knife * Scissors * Food Storage containers * Washing up liquid * Torch * Smoke & carbon monoxide detector * Fire extinguisher * Fire Blanket * Tea, coffee, sugar & coffee mate * corkscrew and bottle opener * can opener *Salt & pepper (and other spices) * Cheese grater * Measuring jug * Cooking utensils * Cleaning materials * Curtains and front windscreen cover * Gas bottle * Full tank of diesel
Please note that to comply with Covid guidelines for summer 2020, we have chosen to supply sugarcane disposable plates and bowls, paper cups (triple lined) and wooden disposable cutlery. These are bio-degradable (except for the plastic lids on the cups) and you can re-use them for the duration of your hire. We ask that at the end of your hire you dispose of used items in a suitable recycling bin, or bring them back to to the barn where we can recycle them for you! If you would prefer to use metal cutlery, and proper plates / mugs, please feel free to bring your own and take them home at the end of your hire.
You can choose to add: * Extra drivers * Bike or storage Rack * Drive-away awning * Camping table and chairs * Comfy camping chairs * European travel (compulsory if travelling to Europe) * Pet pack (compulsory if bringing up to 2 dogs)
How many people does a camper sleep?
All of our campers sleep at least 4 adults, but as each van is slightly different so it's worth exploring each one for specific sleeping arrangements. We can also offer a toddler hammock that can be placed over the front seats and you can always add an awning as an extra bedroom if needed.
Can we bring a dog?
Of course, nothing beats taking your best friend (or two) along with you on your holiday! Just book our superb pet package before you travel and we'll include seat covers, a travel water bowl and cover the extra valeting required when you get back.
I do not have a UK driving Licence, can I still hire a campervan?
Our insurance covers driver with a full licence from the EU, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. You must have no more than 6 penalty points and be aged 21-79.
I have points on my licence; can I still hire a Camper?
We are required to check everyone's license through the DVLA license check process. You can hire with 3 or 6 points, although it may affect your security deposit. Unfortunately our insurance doesn't cover drivers with more than 6 points.
Can we leave our car with you?
Of course! Our secure premises is monitored by CCTV. However, we do have to state that you leave your vehicle and contents at your own risk.
Are the campervans suitable for child seats?
All our campers are fitted with 3 point seat belts in the front and back, making them a great option for children requiring a child seat. As the seats have other uses (storage/bed etc) they are not equipped with isofix.
How do payments and the security deposit work?
When you select your dates and book, you will be asked to pay 50% of the hire fee as a booking deposit. The balance is then due 4 weeks before you collect your campervan. Whilst you have the campervan in your possession, we hold a charge against a credit or debit card for £500, but do not take the funds. This is released when the camper is returned without damage.
What time is pick-up and drop-off?
You will be able to choose a pick-up time when you book, between 12 and 3pm. Drop off will be before 11am. This ensures we have enough time to get the campers cleaned and checked over so that the next people to use them enjoy the same high standards that you will experience. If your campervan is not booked out on the same day, we may be able to be flexible on these times.
Can I take a camper to Europe?
Absolutely! Our location is perfect for a European adventure. You need to let us know if you're leaving the UK so your van can be properly insured, has upgraded breakdown cover, has it headlamps adjusted to drive on the right etc. We will also make sure you have everything you need to stay legal with a European compliance pack, including a VE103 form from the Department for Transport. This is a legal requirement when talking a hire vehicle to Europe.
Can I come and visit the campers before booking?
Of course you can, you can even climb in and have a good look around to see which one will suit you best, and go for a test drive. Give us a call beforehand just to make sure we have at least one campervan available for you to explore!
Is the mileage limited?
The daily mileage limit of 200 miles is averaged over the term of your hire. So over a weekend, you can drive 800 miles, or 1600 miles per week! Additional miles are charged at just 15p per mile.
What do we need to bring with us?
Simply bedding, clothing and food! Your camper will have almost everything else you need included as standard. Once you've booked you will receive a full inventory to double check!
Please not that since the Covid 19 pandemic, we now supply disposable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery. These are designed to be reused, but ultimately composted or recycled. If you prefer, please bring cutlery and plates from home to use during your hire, and take them with you when you leave.
Do the Campers have electric hookup?
Yes, all our campervans have new 240v hook ups, fitted by a qualified electrician and certificated to ensure your safety. A hook up cable is supplied. They also come with at least 2 cigarette power sockets and dedicated USB charging points.
How is the fuel charged?
Your campervan will have a full tank when you collect it, and we ask you to return with the same amount of fuel. There is a petrol station within a mile of our barn, in both directions.
Can I smoke in the Campervan?
Sorry, all vans are non-smoking and fitted with both smoke and CO2 detectors. If there is evidence of smoking we reserve the right to charge an additional £50 valeting fee.
Are our belongings covered by the insurance?
No. Our insurance covers the camper and not it's contents. We advise you to take out your own travel insurance as you would for any holiday.
Can you deliver the Campervan to me?
We are happy to collect you from the local train station for free (Worcester). You can also leave your own vehicle with us during the hire period if needed. We can sometimes offer a pick up and drop off service, please contact us for a quote. This service is subject to availability and prices will vary depending on time and location.