Hiring a car or van is often the most convenient way to travel, move house, or keep your business running smoothly. But many people worry about the costs. The good news? With a little planning, you can make car and van hire surprisingly affordable.
At Mercury Rent-A-Car, based in Burton upon Trent and serving customers across Tamworth, Lichfield and Derby we’ve been helping individuals and businesses get on
the road for over 30 years. Here are our top tips to save money on your next rental - and how we can help.
1. Book in Advance
Last-minute bookings are usually more expensive, especially during busy periods such as weekends, bank holidays, or the end of the month. By reserving your car or van early, you’ll secure the best rates and have more choice of vehicles.
At Mercury, you can book online or by phone in just a few minutes, guaranteeing your vehicle is ready when you need it.
2. Choose the Right Vehicle
Bigger isn’t always better. While it might be tempting to hire the largest van “just in case,” you’ll spend more on rental fees and fuel than you need to.
- For day-to-day trips, a small car offers excellent fuel economy.
- For small moves or deliveries, a compact Transit van is often enough.
- For large house moves or business relocations, a Luton van with tail lift or a 7.5-tonne truck may be the best choice.
- Not sure what size vehicle you need? Our expert team will guide you so you don’t end up overpaying.
3. Take Advantage of One-Way and Flexi-Hire
Driving back to return a vehicle can add unnecessary mileage and fuel costs. With one-way hire, you can drop your car or van off at a different branch, saving you both time and money.
If you need a vehicle for longer than a few days, our flexi-hire service is often more cost-effective than daily hire. It’s perfect for businesses during busy periods, or if you need a temporary replacement car.
4. Avoid Hidden Extras
The little things can add up quickly - but they’re easy to avoid. Always:
- Return the vehicle with the agreed fuel level.
- Stick to your hire period to avoid late fees.
- Give the car or van a quick tidy before returning it to prevent cleaning charges.
At Mercury, we keep things simple with clear pricing and no hidden extras.
5. Use a Trusted Local Company
National rental companies can sometimes add on unexpected costs or be less flexible. By hiring locally with Mercury Rent-A-Car, you’ll get competitive rates, personal service, and modern vehicles.
With branches in Burton upon Trent, Tamworth, Lichfield and Derby, we’re perfectly placed to serve local residents, students, and businesses. Plus, we offer free parking for your own car while you hire from us.
Ready to Save on Your Next Hire?
Whether you need a small car for the weekend, a van for moving house, or a fleet of vehicles for your business, Mercury Rent-A-Car makes car and van hire in the Midlands affordable and hassle-free.
📍 Serving Burton upon Trent, Tamworth, Lichfield and Derby and the wider Midlands, we’re your local experts in car and van hire.
👉 Get in touch today to book your next hire and start saving.