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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Classic car hire from Great Escape is a simple joy. On this page we’ve tried to answer some of the most common questions we get asked when people hire our cars. But please contact us by email or on 01527 893733 if you have a specific question.
Where are you based?
We operate bases throughout the UK: Worcestershire (near Stratford) , Yorkshire (Harrogate), Devon (near Exeter), plus Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, the Peak District and Shropshire (near Shrewsbury). Our sites have ample off-street parking for your own car. For security reasons we only provide precise location details when you book.
what is the INSURANCE EXCESS?
Like all car hire companies, our insurance includes an excess in the event of damage. When you collect the car we will take a credit card deposit from you to cover the excess. We take this as a credit card authorisation so we don't take money from your card unless the car is returned damaged. You may feel that this excess is quite high - our insurer sets the level based on the value of the car and we have no facility to offer insurance policies to reduce it. We are always fair and reasonable and our claim rate is less than 0.1% per annum.
can i leave my car with you?
If you are collecting one of our cars from our storage site then we can provide secure parking, either outside or in our locked garage. The sites are secure and discreet. However, parking is at your own risk and we cannot be responsible for your vehicle or possessions.
can children be carried in the cars?
Some of our cars have rear seatbelts - this is generally mentioned on the vehicle description. We are constantly upgrading our fleet so do check by calling us oon 01527 893733 if you are unsure. Some cars will also accommodate child seats.
do you allow pets in the cars?
In certain instances we will allow pets in certain cars. Please call to check in advance.
Can I take one of your cars abroad?
The standard requirements of our insurance mean that our classic car price list is for hire in the UK. If you wish to take a car abroad please call us and we can provide a quote. For our terms and conditions click here.
What happens if the car breaks down?
Our classic cars are covered by a full nationwide breakdown recovery service. There are no limitations and no hidden charges with our breakdown cover. If the recovery patrol cannot get you going they will return you either to our site or to your accommodation. We will try to provide you with an alternative car, but this is not guaranteed and is not a condition of your hire. We also offer an 8am to 8pm emergency contact service. We maintain our cars to high standards but they are old cars and the risk of breakdown is higher than it will be with a modern car. Full details on breakdown recovery are contained in the Information Pack supplied with each car and our policy is explained in our terms and conditions.
What insurance cover do you provide?
Every driver is covered by our specialist comprehensive insurance. Our insurance carries a variable excess dependent on the choice of car, from £750 to £2500. Please check the insurance excess online or call 01527 893733 if you are unsure. If you return our car with damage we may use this deposit to cover our loss.
where can i go in the car?
Most of our cars include unlimited mileage so you can go as far as you like in the hire time. However, we recommend around 100-150 miles per day as a comfortable distance. Bear in mind these are old cars. Your car is covered by breakdown assistance but the further you go from our site the less we can do for you if you break down and the more inconvenient it will be for you.
if the weather is bad can i cancel?
We try to be as flexible as possible but British weather is unpredictable. If we feel that the conditions are unsafe to hire the car or you will be very uncomfortable doing so, we may postpone the hire or allow you to switch cars. However, there is no refund in the event of poor weather and a vehicle postponement or switch is not guaranteed and is on a case by case basis.
Who is insured to drive the cars?
Our insurance restricts use to drivers between 25 and 75 who have held a full driving licence for at least five years. If you have had more than two speeding offences within the last three years or have been convicted of a more serious motoring offence at any point you must contact us before booking. There are a number of other restrictions – for full details see our terms and conditions. If you are in any doubt about eligibility, please email us or call 01527 893733.
What is the deposit for?
In addition to your hire fee, we ask you to agree to pay the insurance excess in the event of damage. We take credit card details to cover this but we do not deduct the money. We inspect the car with you before the hire period using a Vehicle Inspection Form, which you sign to confirm the condition of the car. If the car is damaged you will immediately forfeit the insurance excess. If the damage is less than the excess or you are considered not at fault, we will immediately refund the difference. We will discuss the problem with the hirer. We are reasonable and realistic but if we feel they are to blame we will obtain a quote for rectifying the work. Damage to our vehicles also costs us in time and lost revenue, which we may charge for. We cherish our cars and hope that you will treat them as if they were your own.
Can I use the car for track days?
Unfortunately not. Track days are increasingly popular but our insurance restricts use to public roads.
What fuel do the cars use?
Our cars run on unleaded. They will run happily on any unleaded fuel but we prefer that you use non-supermarket fuels. Supermarket fuels tend to have less detergent in them, which can lead to increased engine wear.
