Practical Car and Van Rental Ltd Avis 

I made a reservation request for a van in Harrogate, on the Harrogate website, where it lists opening times, pick up times and vehicle options. Got an email confirmation of request, which does say it needs to be confirmed, but with a Harrogate email and Harrogate phone number to call if I hadn’t had a confirmation in 36hrs. I didn’t hear anything so I called, to be told they don’t operate in Harrogate anymore, only Thirsk (30ml away). No message to this effect when I tried to book, no message on the webpages of the Harrogate franchise. There is no way a prospective client could know that no local vehicles are available, that could have been stated at the top of the reservation request email - just misrepresentation of their services, I guess they are hoping you will make the trip to Thirsk.

UPDATE: Despite the assurance from Practical Van Hire below this franchise is still advertising services for a Harrogate centre that it has closed

When moving house back in November we couldnt use our regular company due to them closing down. We found these and started as a very good company. Easy to use and friendly staff. But once the van was handed back and we were owed our deposit back things became very different. We are now on 4 weeks since giving the van back with no deposit returned. When challenging them on this was told it was my bank I had used. I contacted the bank whom confirmed it was not them and the van hire company needed to release the funds. I have continued to call and email the company and have now been ignored and no response. So close to Christmas and having a newborn the company have not tried to help and still blame the bank. We will never be using this company again very disappointed. Still no money back.

Great customer service @ MAN airport. Friendly service out from Victor and in with 2 lovely ladies. Van drove well. Thank you

Hired a van at very short notice from the Streatham branch. When I arrived at the facility the paperwork was completed quickly and efficiently, during which time the van was prepped and ready to use. All the staff there were welcoming, friendly and very helpful. Before taking the van I was given a thorough orientation of the controls, access points, petrol tank location etc. The van was just a few months old and had a high spec. When I returned the van, the process of handing it back was completed quickly and professionally. Will definitely use them again.

Rachel from Stockton branch was brilliant. Totally helped me when I was having the worst day. She was so efficient and kind. Car was great and exactly what I needed.

We needed to hire a Luton van for our house move. The solicitors gave us a date and Carol helped to arrange everything. Then they changed the date, not even giving us a firm date. Carol was so sympathetic, understanding and helpful. A real friend. When our date finally did come through she worked hard to get us the van. Because of Carol, our move went smoothly

Practical Hartlepool with Carol running it, are just the best!

Excellent service provided by Sunny at the Slough branch for our house move!

— they refund the deposit but suddently took a damage fee

I hired a van a large low base van from this company and while I was honest and immediately reported a low-speed incident involving minor damage (a dent and scrap from a height restriction while working), the aftermath has been an outright nightmare and demonstrates a complete lack of professionalism in their claims process.

The Problem:
Excessive and Unjustified Charges: The company has issued a claim for over £4,000 for a single dent. The invoice provided is highly questionable, listing approximately £3,000 for labour and including line items (e.g., checking sound pads, windscreen) that are completely irrelevant to the damage incurred. It appears to be an attempt at unjust enrichment.

Failure to Provide Evidence: Despite multiple requests, the company has failed to provide the core documentation required to validate this claim:

Original signed contract and Terms & Conditions.

Dated, original photographs of the damage.

A verified, independent, itemised repair quote.

Non-existent Communication: My questions regarding the excessive charges and requests for supporting evidence in previous emails have been completely ignored. They have simply issued threats of payment deadlines without attempting to offer a constructive resolution.

Conclusion:
This is a case of poor claims handling, opaque invoicing, and aggressive, non-responsive customer service. A £4,000+ demand for two dents, backed by zero documentation, is unacceptable. I formally reject the charges as unsubstantiated and urge others to be extremely cautious when hiring from a company with such a dishonest and non-compliant claims procedure.

I am disputing this claim and seeking independent quotes, as the current charges appear grossly inflated.

We hired a van from the Gloucester branch. The guy behind the desk has always been polite helpful and done his best to supply what we need.
I've used them multiple times and will again.

Very helpful and so clean van..price it was responsible …. Will rent again…

The pricing was good, the van was spotlessly clean, and lesley was really friendly and explained everything perfectly. Would definitely recommend.

We've booked this Gloucester company a few times and I can't fault them. Efficient, courteous and economical. I wouldn't go to anyone else now. Highly recommend.

Excellent service and vehicle was in good clean condition. Straight forward prices no additional costs or misleading advertisements
Had hired 3times in a month and will always use this company again

IMPractical Van Hire: Avoid!
Do not use this company; they are fundamentally unreliable. I have used them several times (even through they denied this when I complained after the most recent last-minute cancellation). They have cancelled last minute and changed what I booked to something wholly unsuitable. Do yourself a favour. Go elsewhere.

Booked a Luton Van for a house move via the Soham Cambridgeshire branch. On arrival at 9.00am I signed paperwork and paid while the vehicle was brought round to the forecourt for me.
The vehicle was 8 years old and tatty but this was not a concern since it would do the job required.
On driving away the steering felt overly light. I stopped to check and found that both front tyres were bald.
I took it back and the mechanic agreed that it needed a new tyre. He suggested fitting the spare but that turned out to be flat with a puncture. Said they could fit a new tyre but it wouldn't be ready until 3.00pm.
I declined and went elsewhere. Had to make do with a smaller van but at least it was safe.
Very poor show from Practical.

Excellent service from start to finish at the Washington branch! Renting the van was quick and hassle-free – the booking process was simple, and all the information was clear. The vehicle was spotless and in perfect condition. The staff were friendly, helpful, and truly professional. A special mention to John, who turned out to be an absolutely fantastic guy – he really went above and beyond. By far the best rental company I’ve used – highly recommended!

Hired from Practical before and couldn't be happier with the service ,
starting with the lovely Olivia at front of house .
Ending with the lovely Olivia when returning the van .
The merc van was a dream to drive and very practical .
Olivia is a credit to the firm with a lovely smile as soon as I went in ..thank you so much .

“Women don’t read paperwork”
If you do a google search for car hire in Tonbridge, you’ll see there’s a Practical location shown. (There isn’t, they’ve moved). But when my colleague booked a car for me, and the paperwork came from Tunbridge Wells this is what she was told when she queried it.
Unacceptably sexist, nasty attitude - would never use them for our business again.

Both Cath & John at Washington were very helpful, informative and friendly. Excellent service and well maintained vehicle. Would certainly use again and recommend them