Practical, simple steps to keep every hire safe, smooth and stress-free. This page is for both owners and travellers — use the sections that apply to you, and save the checklists for handovers and emergencies.

Quick Top Tips:

• Verify identity and licences before travel. XCamper requires ID checks and driving-licence verification for all travellers. Make sure they match on collection.
• Do a handover inspection together — photos are your friend.
• Keep emergency numbers to hand and report incidents via your XCamper dashboard straight away.
• Carry basic safety kit (hi-vis, warning triangle, first-aid kit) and country-specific items if driving abroad.

For Owners — keep your vehicle, income and guests safe.
Owners, your vehicle is your asset. These practical steps reduce risk and protect your earnings.

Before you list

• Ensure the vehicle is roadworthy: current MOT, service history and valid tax/insurance. State these clearly in your listing.
• Fit basic safety equipment: fire blanket, small extinguisher, first-aid kit and smoke/CO alarms where applicable.
• Prepare a clear manual with your rental rules and driving requirements (minimum age, pets/smoking policy). Put these in your listing and confirm in messages so there are no discrepancies upon collection.

Preparing for each hire

• Use the XCamper checklist at handover: extensive photos of exterior and interior, fuel level, odometer reading and condition notes. Save photos in your dashboard with timestamps should this be needed post hire.
• Walk through essential systems with the traveller (water, gas, heating, waste, battery). Show how to lock/secure the vehicle.
• Agree on collection and return times, and late-return fee if applicable (default collection time is 15.00 and return time is 11.00—any outside this window needs to be approved in writing between both parties) . Confirm delivery miles and any delivery charges in writing.

If something happens

• Record everything: take clear photos, get witness contact details and note times and locations.
• For damage or theft, report to police if required and contact your insurer immediately. Then log the incident with XCamper so we can support mediation.
• Keep receipts for any emergency repairs — these may be needed for claims or reimbursements.

For Travellers — enjoy the trip, respect the vehicle
Travellers: you’re borrowing someone’s camping vehicle. Treat it with care and follow the owner’s instructions.

Before you go:

• Check you meet the owner’s requirements: licence category, age, and authorised drivers. Complete XCamper’s ID and licence verification steps before booking.
• Read the vehicle listing, rules and handover instructions. Ask questions in the XCamper message thread so there’s a written record.
• Confirm what’s included (bedding, cooking kit, fuel policy, mileage allowance, delivery fees).

During handover:

• Do the walk-round together and record time, odometer and fuel level. Take photos of any existing marks — both sides should keep copies.
• Ask the owner to demonstrate drivability: mirrors, reversing camera, parking sensors and any quirks of the vehicle. Practice parking and reversing in a quiet spot if you’re new to larger vehicles.
• Get emergency contact numbers for the owner and XCamper support.

On the road

• Drive to local laws: stick to speed limits, follow road signs and respect any local restrictions (low-emission zones, single-track etiquette).
• Don’t drive under the influence. European countries have strict drink-driving limits — check before you travel abroad.

If something goes wrong

• Prioritise safety first: move to a safe place, switch on hazard lights and call emergency services if anyone is injured. Use 112 for emergencies across Europe.
• Document the scene with photos and notes. Keep receipts for any paid services.
• Report the incident via your XCamper dashboard as soon as you can and follow the owner’s instructions for insurance/repairs.

Vehicle Handover Checklist

• Collection time / return time agreed and recorded.
• Driver names and contact details confirmed.
• ID & licence verified (XCamper verification complete).
• Odometer reading logged.
• Fuel level recorded.
• Photo record made (4 exterior, 3–5 interior, close-ups of existing marks).
• Instruction walkthrough completed (heating, gas, electrics, waste).
• Emergency contact details exchanged.

Essential Safety Kit
(Aim to carry these as standard)

• Hi-vis vest(s) and warning triangle
• First-aid kit and a small torch
• Fire blanket and small extinguisher (owner)
• Headlamp beam adapters (if driving in Europe)
• Spare bulbs, fuses, tyre inflator/repair kit and jack
• Owner’s service/MOT documents and insurance details (or VE103 for hired vehicles going abroad)

Driving Abroad — short reminders

• Check whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for your destination and if a VE103 (Vehicle on Hire certificate) is required for hired vehicles leaving the UK.
• Some countries require a separate emissions sticker or vignette and specific equipment (hi-vis, breathalyser-advice varies) — check local rules in advance.
• Carry insurer and breakdown contact numbers and make sure your insurance covers the countries you plan to visit.

Emergency & Support Contacts

XCamper Support: support@xcamper.com — use this for booking-related incidents and evidence submission.
Owner support line (24/7): +44 (0) 20 8122 4410
Emergency services (Europe): 112

(Owners: also have your insurer’s emergency contact and your fleet account manager if you use one.)

Final notes — keeping things simple
Good handovers, clear photos and prompt reporting are the small actions that prevent big problems. XCamper’s verification, secure payments and support team are here to reduce your risk — but careful owners and considerate travellers make the community work. 

If you want a printable handover checklist or a quick pre-trip call with a member of our team, visit our Support pages or email support@xcamper.com and we’ll help you prepare.
Safe travels — and enjoy the road.

—Team XCamper