Our Top Car Rental Tips for a Stress-Free Devon Getaway
- Chief Vehicle Rentals
- 14 hours ago
- 4 min read
Taking a trip to Devon is exciting, but making sure you hire the best-suited vehicle for your needs makes all the difference. Whether you’re heading to the coast, exploring Dartmoor, or visiting friends and family across the South West, being prepared takes a holiday from being good to great. Below, we share our top tips for booking, preparing, and making the most of your self-drive hire, drawn from our years of experience serving customers across Torbay, Paignton, and the wider Devon area.
What Should You Think About Before Booking Your Devon Car Hire?
Before you book, it's worth thinking about timing, budget, and what you'll actually need from your vehicle. Devon gets busy during school holidays and the summer months, so booking your car hire or van hire ahead of time helps secure the vehicle and dates you want, rather than settling for whatever's left.
It's also worth checking your documents early. To hire a car in the UK, you'll generally need a full driving licence held for at least 12 months, proof of ID, proof of address, and a payment card. If you hold a UK licence, it's a good idea to generate your DVLA check code in advance via the gov.uk licence service, as some hire companies will ask for this at collection.
Finally, think about how you'll be paying for fuel and mileage. At our Torbay branch, every hire includes a full tank of fuel and unlimited mileage. Just make sure you return it with a full tank to avoid any extra charges at the end.
In short: book early, have your documents ready, and confirm what's included before you arrive.
Which Vehicle Suits Your Devon Getaway Best?
Devon’s roads and attractions suit a bunch of different visitors. A small to medium car is ideal for couples or small families who are exploring beaches, towns and country lanes, while larger vehicles such as an MPV or minibus make better sense for bigger groups, extended family or trips where you are bringing a large amount of luggage.
If you're still unsure, our Minibus & MPV Hire page has more details on seating and luggage capacity, or you're welcome to call our Torbay branch and talk it through with the team.
In short: match the vehicle to your group size and luggage, not just your budget.
What's Included When You Hire a Car for Your Devon Trip?
Understanding exactly what's included in your hire helps you avoid any surprises later. Every vehicle from our Torbay branch is under 24 months old and comes with a full tank of fuel, free unlimited mileage, and no hidden charges. Each car also features modern safety technology, in-car cameras, and GPS trackers, giving you extra peace of mind as you explore unfamiliar roads.
We'd always recommend asking about the excess and any deposit before you drive away, as this varies depending on the vehicle group. It's also worth asking whether delivery and collection are available if you're flying into a nearby airport or arriving without your own transport, as this can save you a taxi journey on both ends of your trip.
In short: confirm fuel, mileage, insurance excess, and delivery options before you sign anything.
How Should You Prepare for Driving in Devon?
Devon's scenery is part of the appeal, but its roads can catch out drivers who aren't used to the South West. Many rural routes are single-track with passing places, particularly around Dartmoor and the coastal villages near Torbay, Brixham, and Newton Abbot. The Highway Code's guidance on country roads is worth a quick read if it's been a while since you last drove on narrow lanes, especially around reversing into passing places and giving way to oncoming traffic.
Steep hills and tight bends are common too, so allow extra time for journeys rather than relying on satnav estimates designed for motorway driving. If you're heading out to more remote spots, it's sensible to check the Met Office forecast beforehand, as coastal weather in Devon can change quickly.
In short: allow extra time, take single-track lanes slowly, and check the forecast before rural journeys.
What Should You Check Before You Set Off?
A quick check before you leave the branch can save a lot of hassle later. We'd suggest:
● Walking around the vehicle with a member of staff and noting any existing marks
● Confirming fuel level and where your nearest fuel station is
● Testing lights, indicators, and the handbrake
● Adjusting mirrors and seating before pulling away
● Storing the hire agreement and contact number somewhere accessible
Our team at the Torbay branch is always happy to run through this with you at collection, so don't hesitate to ask questions if anything isn't clear.
In short, a five-minute check at collection prevents most on-the-road headaches.
How Can You Get the Most from Your Self-Drive Hire?
Once you're on the road, a little planning helps you make the most of your time in Devon. Group your sightseeing by area rather than criss-crossing the county, since distances can take longer than they look on a map once you factor in rural roads. If you're planning a longer stay, ask about our rates for extended hire, as flexible terms are available whether you need the vehicle for a weekend or several weeks.
If your trip includes business as well as leisure, our Corporate Fleets service may also be worth a look for longer-term or repeat hire arrangements.
In short: plan routes by area, ask about flexible terms, and use local knowledge to save time.
Ready to Plan Your Devon Getaway?
If you're ready to book, our friendly team at the Torbay branch is on hand to help you choose the right vehicle for your trip. Give us a call on 01803 520494, or get in touch via our contact page to check availability and get your Devon getaway underway.