Cost of Car Hire
across the UK

# Car Hire Trade Body Accreditation

The main trade bodies overseeing car hire in the UK include the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), which represents major operators and sets industry standards for safety, customer service and business practices. The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) also covers some car hire providers, particularly those operating within the travel sector, and offers financial protection to customers. Additionally, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and Distance Selling Regulations provide baseline legal protections, though membership of a trade body goes beyond these minimum requirements. Some providers may also display compliance with ISO standards or hold specific licensing from local authorities, though these vary by region. Understanding these schemes helps identify which providers have committed to transparent practices and dispute resolution procedures.

Verifying a provider's accreditation is straightforward: check the BVRLA website directly for a current member list, or look for logos and membership numbers displayed on the car hire company's website and booking pages. You can also contact the trade body to confirm membership status, as websites are sometimes not updated promptly. Accreditation matters because it indicates the provider has undergone background checks, maintains proper insurance standards, and has agreed to follow a code of conduct including clear pricing and fair cancellation policies. Accredited members also typically have access to formal complaint procedures and dispute resolution services, meaning you have recourse beyond small claims court if something goes wrong. For customers, this accountability reduces the risk of hidden charges, vehicle quality issues, or unresolved complaints.

Accredited car hire providers do often charge slightly more than unaccredited competitors—typically 5 to 15 percent higher for equivalent vehicles and rental periods. This premium reflects the costs of maintaining compliance, contributing to industry standards bodies, and operating more robust customer service infrastructure. The additional expense is usually justified because accredited providers are less likely to impose surprise fuel