Christmas journeys often mean extra passengers, bulky luggage and longer drives than usual. If your own car is off the road or you need more space for family visits, hiring a car over Christmas can offer practical flexibility. However, the hire period, mileage allowance and return arrangements all deserve attention before you collect the keys.
At Lanes Car Hire in Bromley, we recommend checking the full hire terms alongside the vehicle and price. Here is how to plan your Christmas and New Year car hire and prepare for winter driving.
When should you book a car for Christmas?
Book your car as early as your travel dates allow. The run-up to Christmas brings busy roads as people travel to see family and begin their holidays. Before travelling, consult the RAC’s latest Christmas travel updates for information on expected congestion and busy departure periods. Forecasts change from year to year, so use the latest available guidance for your travel dates.
If you are travelling from Bromley or south-east London into Kent or further afield, allow extra time for congestion and unexpected delays.
To plan your booking:
- Confirm your dates early, including the return journey and any additional trips.
- Choose your departure time carefully. Travelling early or later in the evening may help you avoid some peak periods, although traffic varies.
- Check holiday opening hours. Ask about Christmas and New Year collection and return arrangements, especially on bank holidays.
- Allow a buffer for congestion, weather and road incidents.
Do not assume normal collection arrangements apply on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day.
Choose a car that fits your festive journey
Consider your passengers, luggage and route before choosing a vehicle. Suitcases, winter coats and Christmas presents can quickly fill a smaller boot.
Lanes Car Hire offers a Vauxhall Zafira seven-seater and SUVs for customers needing additional space. Think about luggage capacity as well as passenger numbers, particularly if every seat will be occupied.
For more guidance, explore our seasonal car hire guide and seven-seater car hire in Bromley article.
Four car hire terms to check
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Daily mileage limit
Lanes Car Hire includes 100 miles per day in its standard allowance, with additional charges for excess mileage.
Estimate your complete journey, including visits between relatives’ homes and the return drive. If you’re travelling further afield, establish the excess mileage rate before booking so you can budget for the complete trip.
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Late return charges
Lanes Car Hire charges one-fifth of the daily hire rate per hour of lateness.
Allow extra time for the return journey rather than relying on an optimistic arrival time. Your agreed return time should form part of your travel plan, particularly if you need to return the vehicle on a bank holiday.
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Additional drivers
Sharing the driving can make a long journey less tiring, provided every driver is authorised under the hire agreement.
Lanes Car Hire lists additional driver charges of £10 per day or £30 per week. Confirm the applicable charge and ensure the additional driver is registered and meets the company’s requirements before driving.
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Fuel policy
Lanes Car Hire operates a quarter-tank-to-quarter-tank fuel policy, with no refunds for unused fuel.
Note the starting fuel level when collecting the car and plan refuelling stops for longer journeys. This is particularly useful when travelling through unfamiliar areas or driving late in the evening, when finding a convenient fuel station may be more difficult.
Would a weekly or fortnightly hire save money?
If you need a car for several consecutive days, compare a longer booking with the total cost of daily hire. A weekly or two-week arrangement may suit people staying with relatives, visiting several households or needing temporary transport while their own car is being repaired.
Lanes Car Hire lists starting rates of £250 per week and £400 for two weeks for selected vehicles. These are not universal rates, so confirm the price for your chosen car and dates.
Compare the full hire cost, mileage allowance and applicable charges before deciding. See the car hire prices page for further information.
Planning tip: Before confirming your booking, check your collection time, return time, estimated mileage, fuel arrangements and additional driver requirements together. Resolving these details early can help prevent avoidable costs and confusion.
Winter driving tips for a safer Christmas journey
Rain, fog, frost and ice can make winter driving more demanding. Before leaving the collection point, familiarise yourself with the vehicle and check its condition.
Use this checklist:
- Tyres: Look for visible damage and signs of incorrect inflation. Raise concerns with the hire company before driving.
- Lights: Check that the headlights, indicators and brake lights work and are clean.
- Visibility: Confirm the screen wash is suitable for winter conditions. Clear the windows and mirrors and demist the windscreen before setting off.
- Fuel: Make sure you have enough for the first part of your journey.
- Phone charger: Set up your navigation before moving off.
- Winter kit: Carry a blanket, torch, ice scraper, de-icer and warm clothing.
Read the Highway Code’s adverse weather guidance, rules 226–237 before travelling.
In wet weather, stopping distances are at least double those on dry roads. On icy or snowy roads, they can be ten times greater. Increase your following distance, brake gently and allow more time. If severe weather makes the journey unsafe, reconsider whether it is essential.
What if your hire car breaks down or gets damaged?
Prioritise safety if a warning light appears, the car develops a fault or an incident occurs. Stop somewhere safe when possible and use your hazard lights as appropriate.
Check your hire agreement before arranging repairs or assuming a particular service is covered. If the vehicle is damaged, record the circumstances and take photographs when safe.
Book your Christmas car hire in Bromley
Plan your dates, check the hire terms and prepare for winter conditions before setting off. A little preparation can help you focus on your festive plans rather than unexpected travel complications.
For Christmas or New Year car hire, contact Lanes Car Hire, 27 Hayes Lane, Bromley, on 020 8290 4567. Review our car hire prices or book your car hire. Ask our team to confirm vehicle availability, holiday collection and return arrangements, and any applicable charges before booking.
