FAQ / Important Information

Depot

145 Nathan Way, Thamesmead, London, SE28 0AB

Nearest Stations

  • Plumstead overground station
  • Abbey Wood overground station
  • Woolwich Arsenal overground / DLR station
  • Woolwich Elizabeth Line Station (Crossrail) 

The 301 Bus travels along Nathan Way, going to Woolwich Arsenal station, Plumstead station and Abbey Wood overground and Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) 

The Elizabeth Line connects directly to Heathrow Airport . The journey time is about an hour . We can arrange collection from Abbey Wood or Woolwich Stations 

Collection and Return of Campers

  • Monday - Friday 0930 - 1600
  • Saturday 0930 - 11 am 
  • We are closed Sundays and Bank holiday Mondays.

We calculate our hire times by calendar days. So each day is counted as one, irrespective of what time you pick up / return the camper. Please be at the depot within 30 minutes of your booked reservation time and return the camper by the time stated on your contract. Late fees do apply.

Parking at the Depot

We don't have any onsite customer parking. There is limited parking in the surrounding area, or try www.justpark.com or  https://www.yourparkingspace.co.uk/locations/show/1620778641

Licence Requirements

A full drivers licence held for at least two years, which must be presented at the time of hire, be a minimum of 21 years of age and upto 76 years with a good driving history. ( you cannot drive on a provisional licence, P1 or P2 ) Additional cost applies 21-24 years

We accept from the following countries- UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and (South Africa pre authorisation required) For any other countries we will need to check with our insurance company.

We cannot hire to students (under 25) ,Professional sports persons or entertainers under our present insurance arrangements. Please note that hire to drivers ages 21-24 is dependent on prior approval by our insurer please notify us at least 2 days prior to rental with details, A charge may apply.

Any driver with more than 6 penalty points or a Ban within the last 5 years, or any insurance cover cancelled or denied please refer to us prior to booking.

Persons with Diabetes or Heart condition or any other "mental or physical defect or infirmity" please refer prior to booking.

Persons who have been involved in more than 1 accident in the last 3 years please refer prior to booking

Foreign Service Personnel born outside UK please refer prior to booking

Camper and Tent Specifications

Our campers are 4 seater, 2 berth, (We have a limited number that seat 5, please check when booking).

Each camper can sleep 2 inside on the fold out double bed, with an option of hiring a tent extension which sleeps 2 or a VW camper style tent, these sleep 4 with 2 rooms.

We do not provide bedding, this is an optional extra and comes as a bedding pack which consists of 2 sleeping bags, 2 pillows and cases.

All our Toyota campers are automatic, petrol and right hand drive.

The VW Transporters are Manual or Automatic,Diesel and right hand drive. 

Engine size ranges: 2.4 or 3.0 litre petrol

Distance on a tank: approximately 550km

Toyota Alphard dimensions: L4.841m x W1.806m x H1.935m

VW Transporter T5 dimensions L5.20m x W1.95m x H1.99m

Tent extension dimensions: 240cm x 240cm

VW style tent dimensions: L388cm x H182.5cm x D145cm

Pop Tops

Please be advised that the Pop Tops are Water Resistant NOT water proof . There is an extra insulation cover available for summer & Winter use in the Extras list.  In the case of heavy rain or winds it is advisable to park the vehicle so the rain & wind attacks from the rear of the vehicle . 

If you need advise please ask . 

Quotes - Booking Request

Fill in the dates, select the camper you are interested in, you now have the basic quote, fill in your details, Click reserve now. You can fill in the share plans box, Click next. Select your pickup and drop off times and fill in your personal details, Click next. If you need an additional driver or reduced liability or any of our other additional extras you select them here, check the booking details before Click next. Insurance page, unless you have selected either of our Reduced liability options you will have our basic insurance. You will pay a £500.00 excess in the event of an accident, Click next.

This is the booking page, if you wish to think about it or do different dates or a quote for a different camper don’t fill in your card details. We get a copy of your quote and let you know if we can accept your quote.

If you want to complete the booking request, fill in your card details if we are able to accept your booking, we will process the 20% non refundable deposit. The balance is processed 30 days before the collection of the camper.

If we cannot accept your booking request, you will receive a decline email.

We do not accept American Express.

Insurance Cover

We include Fully Comprehensive Insurance. The hirer is responsible for the excess of £500.00 for all damages.This covers the cost of damage to Third Party property including single vehicle accident, towing and recovery costs, theft, fire, break in or vandalism. Insurance also includes the cost of the daily rental rate for the period the vehicle is off fleet for accident repairs. This excess applies in respect of each claim, not rental. If you run into trouble, please let Getaway Campers know as soon as possible.

Getaway Campers strongly recommend that you have personal travel insurance while travelling.

Liability of damage (reduced liability insurance) is available.

Reduce liability (option A) to £250.00 - £6.00 per day

Reduce liability (option B) to £0.00 - £18.00 per day

All prices inc VAT and the full Bond is still payable in all events.

Security Bond

It is £500.00 for all drivers aged 25 - 75 years of age. 21-22 and 75-8up to your 80 birthday the Bond is £1000.00.   23-25 years have a Bond of £750.00 

The security bond payment is payable on all occasions. The security bond refund is processed back onto the card on the 7th working day after the return of the camper. This may take an additional 2-3 days to show up in the banking process. There may be a delay if there is a damage issue on return of camper if we are awaiting an estimate on the damage.

You can reduce your excess though by selecting one of our other insurance options, which is a great way of having peace of mind. Remember the full security bond is still payable on collection of the camper.

Documentation Required

  • We need to see the driver/hirers drivers licence and DVLA code (for UK licences)  (DVLA code available from www.gov.uk)
  • You will need your National insurance number-UK licences only if you haven't got your DVLA code. 
  • Passport or other suitable photo ID
  • 2 proofs of address, valid for the previous 3 months (Utility Bill, Bank Statement, Council Letter (Unsure? Just pop us an Email and ask) NOT Mobile Phone Bill or TV/Satellite Bill
  • Please bring a credit card for the security bond if it hasnt been pre charged 
  • If in any doubt please pop us an Email to check prior to collection 

Audio System & Phones

The campers are all fitted with USB sockets for charging.

The audio systems has a USB socket to allow phones to interface , but we do recommend that you bring a couple of USB leads.

The Audio Systems are also Bluetooth compatible.

European Travel

You will need to select European Insurance pack from the additional extras list.

  • 1-8 days: £59.00
  • 9-19 days: £114.00
  • 20-29 days: £179.00
  • 30 plus days: free
  • VOH Certificate £18.00

* All prices inc VAT

The additional European cover allows travel in all EU countries plus Switzerland, Croatia, Norway, Iceland and Monaco. EU countries include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

If there are any countries outside of this list that you think you would like to go to please get in touch well before your collection dates and we will ask our insurers. We do not cover Albania, Bosnia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.

From the 1st July 2012 it is compulsory to carry a breathalyser test kit in France. These are included in your EU insurance pack.

If travelling through France and Spain, you need to carry a spare pair of spectacles. Travelling in Europe from 2017 there are several new emission zones throughout Europe and the campers have to be registered in these areas. This is constantly changing and information is currently limited so would suggest a good Google search before departure.

It is a requirement that if you are travelling in EU countries that you purchase a Vehicle On Hire Certificate (VOH). This is available on our additional extras list at £18.00 and avoids any potential problems that you could encounter in Europe. The VOH Certificate is a legal replacement for the V5 document that is proof of ownership for the vehicle. We cannot issue the original document. Please note that we require 10 working days notice to produce this. VOH Certificate £18.00.

Portugal

Please note if travelling through Portugal, Foreign registered vehicles MUST pay all tolls in advance at a Portuguese Post Office. They have a automated system that does not allow any payment on the actual toll roads. To avoid any fines we recommend avoiding toll roads.

Switzerland

When travelling through Switzerland you will require a toll pass, available from any service station.

Please note that Getaway Campers is not liable for any costs incurred in the event that you are refused entry into the countries listed above or any tolls incurred while driving in any countries.

Booking a Ferry

We cannot supply a registration number as we cannot guarantee there won't be any last minute change of vehicles. Most ferry companies will let you input Hire car or TBC for the registration number.

Breakdown Cover

If you have any mechanical troubles, we provide free 24 hour roadside assistance in the UK and Europe. Full details of this cover are in your rental agreement. This covers any mechanical issues you may have during your travels. We also provide a Euro emergency kit with the EU insurance pack, which is legally required under EU Law, plus we include jump leads just in case you leave the lights on.

Cancellation of Hire

Your deposit is non-refundable should you choose to cancel your reservation at any point after booking, but it is transferable if you tell us at least 14 days prior to your collection date. This is then valid for another 6 months. Please note this is at our discretion and is subject to individual circumstances and time of year.

If the hire is cancelled 14 days or more prior to hire and the fee is paid in full then a 50% refund will be issued .

Cancellations made within 14 days of your pickup date will not be transferable or refunded and will be charged 100% of the total hire cost. Should you cancel your booking once your hire had started, you will not receive a refund.

Extra drivers

An extra driver is an additional £6.00 per day.

Sat Nav

All our campers have built in Sat Nav systems with a CD / DVD player with Bluetooth connections.

Please note that the Sat Nav is only a guide and Getaway Campers accepts no responsibility if the Sat Nav is incorrect on occasions - roads do change! You may need road maps for some Eastern European countries. The Audio system also plays standard UK DVDs.

Pets

Yes, you can bring along your pets. We do request that they do not travel on the mattresses and the vehicle is returned clean and hair-free. Failure to do so will result in a cleaning and valeting fee. (We advise you fetch covers to protect the seats and mattresses).

Luggage

We highly recommend soft bags to make maximum use of the storage area.

Hire Period

We have a minimum 7 day hire period during our high season. If you are looking for a shorter hirer, do a quick quote, we will email back if we can accept a shorter hire.

Please Note VW Transporters must be returned during office hours 9-16.30 Mon - Fri  Alphards can be returned out of hours at Hirers Liability 

London Congestion Zone, ULEZ Zone, ON AUTOPAY

The London Congestion Zone and ULEZ charge area can be a bit tricky, but the areas are heavily sign posted. The Congestion charge currently is Daily  07.00  - 22.00 Hrs but the ULEZ is 24/7 .(Please check for latest information on www.tfl.gov.uk)  Because of this and the unfamiliarity of many visitors we have these Vehicles on Auto Pay. These charges are congestion charge £15.00 per day AND ULEZ £12.50 per day in addition. The best thing is to either take alternative routes or park your camper in a suburb for the day. From September 2021 the ULEZ extended to NORTH & SOUTH CIRCULAR ROADS.  Some of our more recent vehicles are ULEZ Compliant, please check with the office or E mail us. Payments will be charged to your card or deducted from the Security Bond. 

Our depot is outside the Congestion Zone and ULEZ areas until the expansion on 29th Augist 2023 when we will be inside the new zone. 

The Alphards and Auto Transporters  are NOT ULEZ compliant so if they enter the zone will incur a charge. After 29th August 2023 we will pay the outward and return date charges , Any other charges in that time will be hirer responsibility and will be charged 

Details correct at June  23

Dartford Crossing ON AUTOPAY

Dartford Crossing is on automatic payment so no need to worry, the reduced charge will be charged to your card or deducted from your security bond

Rotherhithe Tunnel

The VW Transporters are not permitted to use Rotherhithe Tunnel due to Size & Weight. We advise you to use an alternative route or a fine will be issued by Tfl  . 

Parking

Parking in the UK and Europe is pretty easy. Like anywhere, please remember that local laws to apply and any infringements are your responsibility. You can often park and sleep in truck stops, but there are heaps of caravan parks and camping grounds in the UK and Europe offering great facilities at minimal cost. All of our campers come with the AA Britain and Ireland Camping Ground Guide to make life easier as well.

Please note that highway service stations do require you to pay for staying more than 2 hours. They have cameras in operation and will fine you, so please bear this in mind. If we receive any parking infringements we will usually charge this directly to the card on file plus a £20.00 administrative charge.

Child Seats

Our campers have front air bags and the rear seat has one lap belt and one three point belt. If you have to use a child seat you will probably need a seat belt extension these are available at your own liability. They can take child seats that are certified for lap belts, three point belts and booster seats. All child seats are used a your own liability. Getaway Campers accepts no responsibility for any fitment or use of child or booster seats. The new Toyota Alphard has Isofix fittings for Child Seats!

Campsites

Each camper comes with the AA Britain and Ireland Camping Ground Guide. We don't presently provide information on European sites in the campers, but you can check out our Travel Advise page on our website for more information. We recommend that you book campsites in advance for June - September.

A useful website are www.freedomtogo.co.uk, www.campsites.co.uk, www.pitchup.com, www.coolcamping.com. www.search4sites.co.uk

Festivals

To make sure you can get your tickets and a camper you need to get booked up as soon as tickets become available. Please email us a quote and we will get back to you with the availability. We do have very limited availability for music festivals. Priority will go to long term hire booking.

Additional Costs

There are no hidden costs. Once you have selected your dates and any extras you might require from the additional extras list, that's it.

Make sure you select the correct amount of days for European Insurance cover, tent extensions or bike racks. There are bedding packs, so there's less washing for you to do! We also hire 240v transformers so you can use low wattage items, (please ask if not sure). We also have external power leads for teh Alphards which connect to camp site power and have an UK plug socket on the other end. (VW Transporters have integrated camp site connectivity)

There is a security bond payable on collection of the camper. Please refer to security bond information.