Terms & conditions

Minimum hire of a campervan is 3 nights unless otherwise agreed, and you can hire our campervans for up to 30 days at a time. If you would like a 2-night hire, we can accommodate this, but you will have to pay for 3 nights unless otherwise agreed.

During July and August, there is a minimum hire of 7 nights unless otherwise agreed with Defender Camper Hire.

Defender Camper Hire authorises the use of this vehicle for up to 1 passenger, including the driver. Each person must use the safety restraints provided at all times whilst the vehicle is in motion.

Drivers must be between 23 and 75 years old and have held a full licence for a minimum of 2 years. A refundable security deposit of £1000 to cover campervan insurance excess applies to all our campervan hires with UK driving licences and with non-UK licences held within the EU, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand. If your licence is outwith these countries, the licence will be checked by our underwriters who will notify us of any additional excess. There is an additional excess of £200 for drivers aged 23 to 25.

Main drivers must provide photo ID licence prior to hire commencement plus 2 items of residential proof of the main driver (2 utility bills from separate companies less than 3 months old are required by our insurers). If the driver does not have a photo licence ID, the paper licence and a passport are required.

• Details of any additional drivers are required in advance of the rental period.
• Drivers are personally liable for all legal penalties (e.g. parking tickets) incurred during the period of hire.
• Maximum of 1 driver per rental.
• All drivers must be present at the booking hire start day.

• Max 500 miles in the UK depending on hire
• UK standard vehicle insurance
• UK standard equipment & breakdown

Additional charge: international customers are charged a 3% currency conversion charge by our payment merchant provider Stripe. This goes directly to them and does not come to Defender Camper Hire.

Availability is on a request and confirm basis at the time of reservation.

A reservation is only binding after it has been confirmed by Defender Camper Hire and a deposit of 50% of the total booking hire fee has been received (or deposit as agreed in writing by Defender Camper Hire). Our terms and conditions including the cancellation policy will apply from this point onwards. Once the reservation is confirmed, a confirmation email will be sent to you, the customer.

Settlement of the remaining balance will be due 45 days prior to the booking rental start date.

A refundable security deposit will be held on your preferred payment card 4 days prior to the start of your rental period to cover insurance excess and any damages or road traffic fines incurred. Please note that some card payment holders do not facilitate holds on cards and therefore your deposit may be charged to your card by their request. Please ensure you check with your card holder. The security deposit will be released or refunded 7 days after the end of your hire, less any incurred costs for damages and fines.

I irrevocably authorise Defender Camper Hire to deduct from the security deposit any amounts due by me to Defender Camper Hire arising out of this agreement. The security deposit will be released or refunded directly to my payment card 7 days after the return of the campervan provided the vehicle is returned to the correct location, undamaged, with a clean interior and with a full fuel tank.

• Newcastle Airport transfer (up to 2 people)£50 each way
• Other airport / train station transfersPrice on request
• Dog cleaning (maximum 1 dog per hire)£40 per hire
• Porta loo plus tent£35 per hire
• Pop-up tent only£10 per hire
• Levelling ramps£20 per hire
• BBQ pack£25 per hire

Camping gaz: free camping gaz is included in the price of hire, with the cost of replacement refunded if you need to refill it during hire (subject to receipt). Alternatively, a full camping gaz bottle can be provided for £80. Note that this covers the cost of the gas only, not the bottle, which must be returned to Defender Camper Hire.

Our standard travel and cancellation policy applies to all bookings. We strongly recommend that customers obtain travel insurance covering any potential illnesses (including COVID-19), self-isolation requirements, and medical cover while on hire.

Standard cancellation policy

• More than 6 weeks (42 nights) prior to rental start date: full refund of deposit, less a £50 administration fee.
• Between 6 and 4 weeks prior to rental start date: 50% of the total hire charge, less a £50 administration fee.
• Less than 4 weeks before the rental start date: 100% of the total hire charge forfeited.

Government-imposed restrictions: full 100% refund if the government in your area or country introduces non-essential travel restrictions, making travel impossible.

I agree to pay Defender Camper Hire:

• All rental charges.
• The security deposit held on my credit card.
• The nominated cancellation fee in the event of cancellation before accepting delivery of the vehicle.
• The cost of any damage to the vehicle or third-party property, subject to insurance terms.
• All government fees and duties.
• Any parking fines, speeding fines and congestion charges incurred during the rental period, plus an administrative fee of £15 for penalties managed by Defender Camper Hire.
• Any accidents, including third-party property damage, not reported at the time of vehicle return, and associated administration costs.
• Any other fees or charges payable under this agreement.
• The daily rental rate for the period the vehicle is off-fleet for accident repairs.
• The cost of recovering a vehicle that has become bogged.

Note: these costs are limited to the insurance excess amount, provided all terms and conditions are adhered to. If the insurance is deemed invalid due to a breach of terms by the hirer, the hirer is liable for all costs.

All charges and expenses payable under this agreement are due on demand by Defender Camper Hire. If I do not pay all charges when due, I agree to pay a late charge of 1.5% per month on the outstanding balance and any collection costs incurred by Defender Camper Hire, including reasonable legal fees.

If the customer consists of more than one person, each person is jointly and severally liable for all obligations under this agreement.

Collection

Please allow up to 1 hour for the handover of the campervan, including completing documentation and demonstrating the vehicle.

Airport collection and delays: if your flight is delayed, Defender Camper Hire reserves the right to:

• Charge an out-of-hours fee if the handover extends beyond agreed hours without prior arrangement.
• Postpone the collection or delivery of the campervan to the following day, subject to staff availability.
• Provide a list of suitable accommodation if collection is delayed.

No refunds will be provided for the first night if delayed due to late arrival.

Return

• Allow up to 30 minutes for the return handover and condition check.
• The vehicle must be returned with a full tank of fuel and in the same condition as when rented.
• It must be returned on the agreed date and before the specified return time.
• If you are delayed, you must notify Defender Camper Hire, and additional charges may apply.
• If the vehicle is returned early for any reason (accident, weather, theft), no refund or replacement will be provided.

I acknowledge that Defender Camper Hire retains title to the vehicle and that I possess the vehicle as a bailee only. I do not have any right to:

• Pledge Defender Camper Hire's credit in connection with the vehicle.
• Sell, assign, sublet, lend, pledge, mortgage, let on hire, or otherwise part with possession of the vehicle.

I agree that during the rental period, I will not, and will not allow the vehicle to be:

• Driven other than in a cautious, prudent and normal manner;
• Used in a manner that could cause damage;
• Driven in any prohibited area or outside the areas indicated by me to Defender Camper Hire;
• Driven by any person under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit;
• Left with the ignition key inside while unoccupied;
• Left unoccupied without the CD faceplate removed and the steering wheel security lock applied;
• Driven by persons under the age of 23 years or not legally authorised to drive the vehicle (driver details are set out in the rental agreement);
• Damaged by submersion in water or contact with salt water;
• Used for illegal purposes, races, rallies or contests;
• Used to tow any vehicle or trailer;
• Used to carry passengers or property for hire or reward;
• Used to carry more persons than permitted by any relevant authority, the vehicle manual, or this agreement;
• Used to carry volatile liquids, gases, explosives or other corrosive or inflammable materials;
• Otherwise used in breach of my obligations under this agreement.

I shall not make any alterations or additions to the vehicle without the prior written consent of Defender Camper Hire.

I shall take all reasonable steps to properly maintain the vehicle, including checking oil, water and batteries.

I acknowledge that Defender Camper Hire will reimburse me up to £50 for reasonable expenditure in repairing mechanical failures to the drivetrain and engine (excluding water systems, refrigerator, heating and audio equipment), provided that I produce relevant receipts, I have received prior consent from Defender Camper Hire, and the damage is not caused by my fault or breach of this agreement.

I agree to pay for the repair or replacement of tyres damaged during the rental period and will:

• Notify Defender Camper Hire immediately of any tyre damage;
• Await confirmation from Defender Camper Hire regarding tyre repair or replacement location;
• Replace tyres with the same brand and quality, or a like-for-like equivalent if the brand is unavailable;
• Pay repair or replacement costs directly or reimburse Defender Camper Hire accordingly.

I am liable for costs arising from incorrect fuel use (diesel or petrol), including but not limited to fuel contamination of the water tank or misfuelling the diesel tank. Customers with Premium Insurance Damage Waiver (IDW) are exempt from tyre damage charges.

In the event of any accident, loss or damage involving the vehicle:

• I will notify Defender Camper Hire immediately by phone; if unreachable, I will email and await their response before leaving the scene;
• I will obtain names and addresses of third parties and witnesses and report the event to the nearest police station;
• I will not admit liability or make any settlement offers to other parties;
• I will assist Defender Camper Hire in handling any claims, including providing information and attending court if required;
• I understand the excess or any amount due is payable upon reporting the event, not at rental completion;
• I will pay any costs relating to delivery of a replacement vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault; costs vary by mileage and time required and are at Defender Camper Hire's discretion.

Defender Camper Hire recommends that customers obtain travel insurance covering illnesses (including COVID-19), self-isolation and medical care during hire.

The vehicle is insured with fully comprehensive coverage for vehicle damage and third-party property and medical costs, less the agreed excess. Medical cover for hirers themselves is not included.

I agree to pay an insurance excess of £1000 (or other amount agreed with Defender Camper Hire's insurers). Additional charges may apply based on driver history, occupation, licence origin, or if opting for Defender Camper Hire's Insurance Damage Waiver (IDW).

• The security deposit covers the insurance excess and is liable against damage costs.
• Damage resolution may take time; an administration fee may be charged in addition to repair costs.
• No insurance cover applies if I breach any terms; I am fully liable for all damages.
• Windscreen damage excess applies: £35 for chips; £180 for full replacement, deducted from the security deposit.
• Tyre damage costs will also be deducted from the security deposit.

Defender Camper Hire offers optional IDW cover to reduce excess and security deposit:

• Standard IDW (£18 per night) reduces excess and security deposit to £375, but windscreen, mirror and tyre excesses still apply.
• Premium IDW (£30 per night) reduces excess and security deposit to £375 and waives windscreen, mirror and tyre excess charges.
• IDW applies only to the first insurance claim; further claims require a new security deposit at standard rates.
• IDW is optional and must be decided at least one week before hire; it cannot be added later.

Subject to their obligation to deliver the vehicle, I release Defender Camper Hire, its employees and agents from any liability to me (regardless of fault) for:

• Loss or damage caused by breakdown, mechanical failure, accident or vehicle unsuitability;
• Loss or damage to property left in or on the vehicle, service vehicles, premises or car parks recommended by Defender Camper Hire;
• Loss or damage to property left in my own or loaned vehicles on Defender Camper Hire premises.

I indemnify and will keep indemnified Defender Camper Hire and its agents against claims, demands and expenses (including legal costs) arising from my use or possession of the vehicle. If Defender Camper Hire cannot provide the vehicle due to a prior accident or fault, they will attempt to provide a replacement or refund the full hire price.

• Vehicles may only be driven on sealed or bitumen roads.
• Defender Camper Hire reserves the right to restrict vehicle use in certain areas at their sole discretion due to weather, road conditions or other reasonable causes.

• No animals may be carried without prior consent from Defender Camper Hire.
• A £35 cleaning charge applies for up to two dogs. The vehicle must be returned reasonably free of pet hair and dirt.
• Additional cleaning fees may be charged if adequate cleaning is not performed.

• “I”, “me” and “my” refer jointly and severally to the customer(s).
• “This agreement” includes the rental agreement, insurance motor rental agreement, and these terms.
• “Defender Camper Hire” means Defender Camper Hire Ltd.
• “Customer” means the person(s) named in the rental agreement and any credit card holder paying charges.
• “Living equipment” includes but is not limited to TV/DVD player, CD player, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils.
• “Overhead damage” refers to damage occurring above 6 feet (1.83 metres), including to third-party property. This damage is excluded from insurance and the hirer is fully liable.
• “Rental period” means the duration stated on the rental agreement, including any extensions.
• “Vehicle” means the rented vehicle, including tyres, tools, accessories, living equipment, documents and any replacements.
• “Security deposit” means the amount held against damage as detailed in the insurance motor rental agreement.
• “Insurance Damage Waiver (IDW)” means Defender Camper Hire's optional insurance reducing excess on the first claim.

Defender Camper Hire may terminate this agreement and repossess the vehicle without notice if:

• I breach any term;
• The vehicle was obtained by fraud or misrepresentation;
• The vehicle appears abandoned;
• The vehicle is not returned on the agreed date or is believed unlikely to be returned;
• Defender Camper Hire reasonably believes passenger safety or vehicle condition is endangered.

I understand no refunds of rental charges or security deposit will be made if the agreement is terminated.

Any changes to this agreement must be in writing and signed by both Defender Camper Hire and me.

This agreement is governed by the laws of England.

I warrant that all information I provide to Defender Camper Hire is true.

This document constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. No other oral or written agreements apply. Defender Camper Hire reserves the right to amend rental charges without notice.