What age restrictions are there on the insurance?
Cars
Between 21 and 22, having held a full driving licence for at least 2 years with no endorsments.
22-24 having held a full licence for at least one year with one minor conviction.
25-75 having held a full licence for at least one year with two minor convictions.
MPV’s, Minibuses and 4x4’s
Between 25 and 72, having held a full driving licence for at least 5 years.
Light Commercial Vehicles
Between 23 and 72, having held a full driving licence for at least 2 years.
Is insurance included in the rate quoted ?
Alchemy Cars come with fully comprehensive cover unlike most rental companies that cover only third party then charge a whole list of separate insurance's raising your cost, There is only one extra insurance with us which is optional This is an excess reduction policy which will reduce your excess to £200 Plus Vat £250 Plus Vat on Vans and unlike other policies ours includes windscreen, key and tyre damage.
What category on my licence do I need to drive vans?
Category B
Cars, 4x4’s, MPV’s and Light Commercial Vehicles up to and including a maximum weight of 3,500kgs and no more than 8 passenger seats.
Category C1
Commercial vehicles up to and including a maximum weight of 7,500kgs.
Category D1
Minibuses with no more than 16 passenger seats.
Category E
Permits towing, and will be added to another category, for example B+E, C1+E or D1+E.
Can I tow with an Alchemy Vehicle?
Yes, with third party cover only.
If I have an accident, which is not my fault, will I get my deposit or excess back?
If the accident is not your fault yes, however, a disputed claim can take a long time to settle. In some cases if we are unable to claim for the damage and any losses, for example the other party gave false details, drove away from the accident or are uninsured, then you will lose your deposit and may have to pay the full value of the agreed insurance excess. We recommend that you consider taking out our ERC insurance to protect you.
What is ERC?
Our Excess reduction cover reduces the excess payable by the hirer in the event that the hired vehicle has been involved in an accident. This will reduce the excess from £850 on cars £1000 on van, £1,200 for non UK down to £200 plus vat on cars £250 plus Vat on vans, depending on endorsements, driving experience, type of vehicle being hired and the intended use of the vehicle. The hirer is normally responsible for the excess Our ERC also covers you against windscreen damage and tyres unlike many other rental companies.
The above amounts change with convictions or accidents so please make sure you tell us about any of these before you arrive.
The hirer is responsible if:
- The accident is their fault.
- There is no one to claim against.
- The other driver has no insurance.
- Cover does not cover the following
- Damage caused above windscreen height of a commercial vehicles.
- Damage coursed to clutch from inappropriate driving, over riding and overloading.
Can I hire a vehicle without a UK Licence?
If you are a temporary visitor to the UK, you can drive for up to 12 months on a non-UK driving licence. You will need an International Driving Permit and your National Driving licence at the time of hire. Your International Driving Licence is mandatory if your driving licence is written in a language different to the one of the renting country and/or in characters that can not be read. Note that your International Driving Licence is valid only if accompanied by your normal Driving Licence. Driving Licences must be valid in the country of rental. If you do not hold an International Driving Permit, you will need to provide evidence that you are a temporary visitor and that you have not been in the UK for longer than 12 months (i.e) a stamped entry in your passport.
If I have penalty points on my licence can I hire a vehicle?
We can cover you for up to 9 points within the past 5 years, for minor convictions i,e speeding, parking. If you have convictions for Driving while under the influence of Drink or Drugs or Driving with No Insurance or have been banned from driving within the last 5 years we will not be able to insure you. If you have more than 6 points on your licence you may still be able to hire subject to conditions.
Can I take a vehicle overseas?
Alchemy vehicles may be taken over seas, however, this must be agreed in advance. There will be extra charges such as European breakdown cover and green card. Please contact us for more information.
Can I have additional drivers?
Adding an additional driver is possible subject to an extra charge all drivers will be required to show their driving licences and we will need to know before the hire commences, we are unable to add further drivers once your rental has begun.
Do you include breakdown cover?
Yes all vehicles are supplied with 24 hour Roadside,Recovery.
Is the deposit refundable?
Yes so long as no additional charges are due, for example returning the vehicle late, damage, refueling, valeting or excess mileage.
Can I cancel the reservation?
Alchemy Cars reserves the right to charge 100% of the reservation as a cancellation fee for late cancellations or no shows. Late cancellations are within 3 days of your start date which starts from 8.00am on the day of your booking. Alchemy Car and Van Rental reserve the right to increase the cancellation time period at the time of the reservation without notice. UK School Holidays, Bank Holidays (UK), Christmas and Easter rentals have a minimum 1 week cancellation period. Any cancellations within 1 week of the agreed rental start time (at the time of the reservation) will be charged a cancellation charge.
If I have forgotten my driving licence, can I still take the vehicle ?
No. The driving licence is mandatory and vehicles cannot be realised without.
Can I book a vehicle and pay for it even if I won’t be the person who picks it up and drives it ?
No, the Credit Card holder who pre-paid the booking has to be the main driver (renter) as this will be mentioned on the rental agreement.
What documents do I need to present when I pick up my car ?
- 1) your normal driving licence, issued by your country of residence (N.B. For licence holders from the UK, where the driving licence is issued in 2 parts, both parts of the licence need to be presented) and held for a minimum period according to local legislation or conditions.
- In addition to your normal Driving Licence, your International Driving Licence is also mandatory if your driving licence is written in a language different to the one of the renting country and/or in characters that can not be read. Note that your International Driving Licence is valid only if accompanied by your normal Driving Licence. Driving Licences must be valid in the country of rental.
- 2) your identification document such as your passport (or your national identity card) if non UK. A utility bill issued less than 3 months ago and showing the same address as on the utility bill.
- 3) your valid credit card with an expiry date after the due check-in date.
Do I need to check the condition of the vehicle prior leaving the location ?
Yes, you have to check that the vehicle condition report reflects the actual vehicle condition. If damage is not listed you must inform a member of staff before you leave or you will remain liable for it.
What do I need to do if I lose the keys ?
"In the event of loss of vehicle keys, you will need to contact us or a mobile locksmith for replacements, there will be a charge made for any cost involved regarding loss or replacement of keys.
Is there mileage limit on vehicles
Yes,vans carry a 150 miles daily limit 700 per week 10p there after Cars carry a 150 mile daily limit 5p there after
Are there any additional charges ?
"Additional charges to your basic rental rate may include: Additional Driver charge: when there is more than one driver associated with a rental, Young driver surcharge, CD
After hour service: If you pick up or return the car outside the normal opening hours,Damages & Theft: up to the limit of the waiver excess if this protection has been subscribed to, otherwise up to the limit of the vehicle’s value."
Fines: Parking Tickets, Traffic Violations
"Parking tickets and any traffic violations are the responsibility of the renter who must pay them before returning the vehicle. Congestion charges or fines received after the rental will be charged directly to the renter, including a surcharge for late payment, if any. Administration fee applies: this will be charged in addition to the fines."
Do I need to return the car with a full tank ?
"Most of the time, vehicles are supplied with a full tank of fuel. Alchemy cars will charge for missing fuel at the end of the rental. Alchemy cars rates do not include fuel.
- 1) Return the car with the same level of fuel as when picked-up. No refuelling cost applies.
- 2) Return the car with less fuel than when picked-up and pay a refuelling service charge - higher rate than in service stations.
Lost items
If you need to contact Alchemy cars regarding any lost items, please call, However, please note that Alchemy cars can accept no liability for items left in the vehicle at the end of the rental.
Can I return the vehicle outside of opening hours?
Yes, you may return your vehicle when Alchemy cars has closed, however you are still held resonsible for it until booked in by a member of staff. please check return facilities when picking up the car.
CAUTION: The vehicle will remain your responsibility until it has been checked by a Alchemy cars representative.
Is insurance included in the rate quoted ?
Alchemy Cars come with fully comprehensive cover unlike most rental companies that cover only third party, There is however an excess to this.
Further cover is available such as our ERC which will reduce your excess and unlike other policies ours includes windscreen and tyre damage.
Where do I collect the rental vehicle?
You collect your vehicle from Totnes Railway, Station yard. Delivery and Collection can be made. Please be aware that additional charges will apply for this service.