Ty went above and beyond regarding some important documentation for me. His customer service is second to none! ALWAYS a pleasure! Thank you!! Also want to thank, Steve, Alex and Callum for ALWAYS... See more
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Review summary
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What people talk about most
Reviews shaping this summary
We had been left dangling after Enterprise let us down for a pre-booked hire, the night before the hire. We tried Europcar but they couldn't provide a vehicle. We then contacted U-Drive and all our wo... See more
Company replied
We hired a van from Poole, the online booking tool was easy to use, follow up questions on the phone were easily resolved, staff were very friendly, explained everything clearly and the pick up and re... See more
Company replied
Exceptional service and assistance. Another firm let me down and with just two hours to find another car and to get to Stonehenge for a tour they delivered a service efficiently and without fuss.... See more
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Company details
About U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Written by the company
U-Drive is a family-run vehicle hire company based in the South West, with a network of locations across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon, Somerset, Glamorgan, and the North West. We’ve been providing high-quality vehicles and excellent customer service since 1982. Our fleet is maintained to the highest standard, and our knowledgeable team is here to help with all your vehicle hire needs.
In addition to our car and van hire services, we offer flexible short-term and long-term hire options for businesses and public sector organisations available through U-Drive Pro at u-drivepro.co.uk. Explore our wide range of commercial vehicles, including EVs and specialist options. We can also fit any accessories, vehicle livery, and Chapter 8 requirements. Experience the difference of working with a company dedicated to providing the best vehicle hire experience.
In addition to our car and van hire services, we offer flexible short-term and long-term hire options for businesses and public sector organisations available through U-Drive Pro at u-drivepro.co.uk. Explore our wide range of commercial vehicles, including EVs and specialist options. We can also fit any accessories, vehicle livery, and Chapter 8 requirements. Experience the difference of working with a company dedicated to providing the best vehicle hire experience.
Contact info
Fancy Road, BH12 4QH, Poole, United Kingdom
- 0800 980 9966
- marketing@u-drive.co.uk
- www.u-drive.co.uk
4.6
Excellent
6k reviews
No recent history of asking for reviews
This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative
Replied to 57% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 24 hours
How this company uses Trustpilot
See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.
Staff really helpful
Staff really helpful, renting a luton van was simple and easy. Only needed it for one day in the end. Thanks for all your help.
18 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Thank you for your 5-star review! We're glad to hear the Luton van hire was simple and that the team were helpful throughout. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again next time you need us.
Kind Regards,
U-Drive Customer Service
Does what it says on the tin
Does what it says on the tin. No fuss, easy transaction.
7 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Thanks for your 5-star review, Glen! We're glad to hear everything was straightforward and hassle-free. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon.
Kind Regards,
U-Drive Customer Service
Sharks
I paid my £100 deposit, but only received £70 back. I was told that "scratches" had appeared on the vehicle in the 3 hours that I had it. They hadn't. I sent them 2 emails 7 days apart and they didn't have the courtesy to reply to either of them. I have subsequently discovered that I am not alone in falling foul of this sharp practice. They need to learn that ripping their customers off is not a good business model.
28 February 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Hello Mr Salt,
Thank you for your review and we are sorry to hear that you were unhappy with our service.
For clarification, our customer service team have contacted yourself with our response email (originally sent to yourself on March 11th), explaining the reason for your retained deposit. It is possible that this message may have been filtered into your junk folder and therefore missed.
We sincerely apologise for any misunderstanding. To confirm, your deposit was not retained due to damage, but due to a fuel discrepancy. This is in line with our like for like fuel policy, which is clearly displayed in our branch and communicated at the time of vehicle collection.
If you have any further questions or require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kind regards,
U-Drive Customer Service
Came through when others cancelled!
Had two different rental companies cancel my van the week and day of house move, U-drive went above and beyond to get a van ready for me with less than an hour's notice.
Achia was brilliant, explained everything I needed and got me on the road as quickly as possible!
13 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Hi Nathan,
Thank you for your review and 5-star rating! We’re thrilled to hear that Achia and the team were able to get you on the road so quickly, especially after the last-minute cancellations. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to Achia – she’ll be delighted to hear them!
Kind Regards,
U-Drive Customer Service
Hire process is simple,damage log was…
Hire process is simple,damage log was more extensive than I would have been able to identify.
The vehicle was well presented and performed perfectly.
6 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your review! We’re glad to hear the vehicle was well presented and performed perfectly, and that the hire process was straightforward. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon.
Kind Regards,
U-Drive Customer Service
Bristol Dept. Friendly and Professional Service, Cheap Prices
Quick and easy online booking system. Dealt with the Bristol branch, good accessibility. Asha was brilliant, super friendly and professional; made the check in and out process a breeze - highly recommend
8 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Thank you for your 5-star review, Jess! We're delighted to hear that Achia made your experience so smooth and enjoyable. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to her, and we really appreciate your recommendation.
Kind Regards,
U-Drive Customer Service
We had been left dangling after…
We had been left dangling after Enterprise let us down for a pre-booked hire, the night before the hire. We tried Europcar but they couldn't provide a vehicle. We then contacted U-Drive and all our worried vanished. The van we hired was perfect for our needs, and Asha, who processed our booking could not have better. We are now converts to U-DRIVE and will definitely use them in the future.
6 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Thank you for your fantastic 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear that Achia and the team were able to turn things around and get you the perfect van for your needs. We really appreciate your support and look forward to helping you again in the future!
Kind Regards,
U-Drive Customer Service
Reply from U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Thank you for your 5-star review, Benjamin! We're delighted to hear you had a great experience with the team at our Cardiff branch. We'll be sure to pass on your kind words to them, and we hope to see you again soon.
Kind Regards,
U-Drive Customer Service
Ty was a huge help in quickly getting…
Ty was a huge help in quickly getting me back on the road with a hire van. A friendly and very helpful team
5 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Hi Rebecca,
Thank you for your 5-star review,! We're really pleased Ty and the team were able to help get you back on the road quickly. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to helping you again in the future.
Kind Regards,
U-Drive Customer Service
Reply from U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Thank you for your 5-star review, Anthony! We're glad to hear the van hire was easy and stress-free. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon.
Kind Regards,
U-Drive Customer Service
Great experience
The booking process was easy and helpful and all necessary information was provided. The phone was answered quickly too! Upon collection, Ty was very friendly, completed the adminstration efficiently and explained all we needed to know. The van itself was ideal for purpose and in pristine condition. Could have done with a little more support with instructions on using a hybrid electric as unfamiliar with it. Maybe an email or text with basic instructions would have been helpful and reassuring, but this is probably just me being out of date! Overall great experience and would recommend.
5 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Thank you for your review. We’re pleased to hear the booking process was easy and that Ty provided friendly and efficient service when you collected the van. It’s great to know the vehicle suited your needs and that you had an overall positive experience. We appreciate your feedback and recommendations, and hope to see you again in the future.
Kind Regards,
U-Drive Customer Service
I hired a van from the Southampton…
I hired a van from the Southampton branch. The whole process from booking online to collecting in person was incredibly simple and straightforward. I was served by Euan who explained every detail of the hire process clearly and professionally.
The van was well presented and great to drive. I received copies of the inspection sheets at both the start and end of my hire, which were also concise and easy to understand.
I will definitely use U-Drive again.
27 February 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Hi Sean,
Thank you for your 5-star review! We’re really pleased to hear that the whole process, from booking online to collecting the van, was simple and straightforward. It’s great to know Euan explained everything clearly and that the van met your expectations. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to welcoming you back again in the future.
Kind Regards,
U-Drive Customer Service
U-Drive with Callum!
First time using U-Drive, expecting renting a car to be a difficult process, and they couldn't have made it easier. Callum in Poole has sorted my friend and I out with a van, he was positive, friendly, and helpful, and helped to sort out some issues whilst on the road as well! Callum is an asset to your team.
30 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Hi Thomas,
Thank you for your 5-star review, Thomas! We’re thrilled to hear that your first experience with U-Drive was easy and positive. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to Callum – he’ll be delighted to hear your feedback. We look forward to helping you again in the future!
Kind Regards,
U-Drive Customer Service
We hired a van from Poole
We hired a van from Poole, the online booking tool was easy to use, follow up questions on the phone were easily resolved, staff were very friendly, explained everything clearly and the pick up and return were handled smoothly and efficiently. I would definitely recommend U-Drive and will use them again, thanks all!
30 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Thank you for your 5-star review! We’re delighted to hear that the booking, collection, and return process all went smoothly and that our team made everything clear and friendly. We really appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back to U-Drive soon!
Kind Regards,
U-Drive Customer Service
Ty was very helpful
Ty was very helpful, polite and EXTREMELY funny. The experience was very smooth and easy. We hope that the next time we hire its just as pleasurable.
31 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Hi Kirsty,
Thank you for your 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear that Ty made your experience smooth, easy, and even a bit fun. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to him and look forward to welcoming you back for your next hire!
Kind Regards,
U-Drive Customer Service
Great, stress-free van hire experience
I had a great experience with U-Drive and would happily use them again.
The booking process was easy to complete online. After booking, I called with a couple of questions and the staff were friendly, helpful, and took the time to explain everything clearly. Picking the van up on Saturday morning was straightforward, and the staff were professional and easy to deal with.
The van itself was excellent. It was a Volkswagen long wheel base, very clean, comfortable, and easy to drive. Returning the van on Sunday morning was simple and stress-free, which I really appreciated as I needed it for a full 24 hours and was initially a bit worried about the return timing.
I did go over the daily mileage allowance, but this had all been explained clearly beforehand. The additional charge was very reasonable and was simply deducted from the deposit with no issues.
Overall, a smooth and hassle-free experience with great customer service throughout. Highly recommended.
24 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Thank you for your fantastic review and 5-star rating, Lawrence! We’re delighted to hear that the whole process, from online booking to returning the van, was smooth and hassle-free. It’s great to know the team were friendly and helpful, and that the Volkswagen van met your expectations.
We really appreciate your recommendation and look forward to helping you again in the future!
Kind Regards,
U-Drive Customer Service
Excellent customer service from start…
Excellent customer service from start to finish. Helpful and professional throughout the process. The team at Poole come highly recommended.
10 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Hi Richard,
Thank you for your 5-star rating and review! We’re really pleased to hear you received excellent service from start to finish and that the team were helpful and professional throughout. Your recommendation means a lot, and we hope to assist you again in the future.
Kind Regards,
U-Drive Customer Service
Scores 100% on customer service.
We had a medical emergency just before Christmas and were unable to return the vehicle at the agreed time. U drive collected next day costing us no more than a train fayre and also refueled it at cost. We'll done all involved and thank you.
22 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Hi Andrew,
Thank you for your 5-star review! We’re glad we could help during a stressful situation and that our team made the process easier for you. We really appreciate your kind words and hope to assist you again in the future.
Kind Regards,
U-Drive Customer Service
Ty made my experience great
Ty made my experience great - he was friendly with the admin at the outset, and a cheery presence throughout the pick up. When I returned the excellent van on a bitterly cold morning, my car wouldn’t start and he jumped started it using his own car despite having other things to do - Ty is a legend.
The reason I give 4 is because I later received an email claiming that I had created a scratch on the van - but this was a clearly obvious damage from the off; the guy who did the initial sign out check didn’t raise it so I assumed it was logged as pre-existing. Have contacted U-drive to raise this and would expect there to be no further action. But it is worth it to raise clear damage for them to acknowledge in similar circumstances.
Anyhow, respect to Ty!
3 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Hi Simon,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for sharing your experience. It’s great to hear that Ty made such a positive impression and went the extra mile to help. We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to him.
We also appreciate your feedback and comments. Thanks again for choosing U-Drive, and we hope to welcome you back in the future.
Kind Regards,
U-Drive Customer Service
Kayleigh from the Southampton branch…
Kayleigh from the Southampton branch was so friendly and helpful she explained the process of hiring clearly . Thank you kayleigh!!!
27 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from U-Drive | Car, Van, Minibus & Truck Hire
Thank you for the 5-star review, Jasmin! We’re delighted to hear that Kayleigh at our Southampton branch was friendly and helpful, and that she clearly explained the hire process. We’ll be sure to pass on your thanks to her. We really appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon.
Kind Regards,
U-Drive Customer Service
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