Complaints Handling Policy

Complaints Handling Policy


Complaints Handling Policy

Car or Van Specialist Vehicle Hire Ltd
Morbec Farm
Southend Arterial Road
Wickford
Essex
SS12 9JF


1. Policy Statement

Car or Van Specialist Vehicle Hire Ltd is committed to providing excellent customer service. We recognise that, on occasion, things may not go as expected. We view complaints as an opportunity to learn, improve our services, and restore customer confidence wherever possible.

We are committed to handling all complaints fairly, consistently, professionally, and in accordance with the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) Code of Conduct.


2. What Is a Complaint?

A complaint is any expression of dissatisfaction, whether written or verbal, regarding:

  • The standard of our service
  • The condition or availability of a vehicle
  • Damage charges
  • Vehicle maintenance or repairs
  • Invoicing or administration
  • Staff conduct
  • Any aspect of our business operations

3. How to Make a Complaint

Complaints may be submitted by:

Email: hire@carorvan.co.uk

Post:

Customer Services
Car or Van Specialist Vehicle Hire Ltd
Morbec Farm
Southend Arterial Road
Wickford
Essex
SS12 9JF

Customers should include:

  • Full name and company (if applicable)
  • Vehicle registration or rental agreement number
  • Details of the complaint
  • Dates and supporting evidence (where available)
  • The outcome they are seeking

4. Our Complaint Process

Stage 1 – Acknowledgement

We will acknowledge receipt of every complaint within 5 working days, in line with BVRLA requirements.

Stage 2 – Investigation

A manager who has not been directly involved in the matter will investigate the complaint by:

  • Reviewing all documentation
  • Speaking with relevant employees
  • Considering photographs, telematics, inspection reports, and repair records where appropriate
  • Contacting the customer if further information is required
Stage 3 – Response

Our aim is to provide a full written response within 30 working days.

If additional time is required due to the complexity of the investigation, we will keep the customer informed and provide regular progress updates.


5. Possible Outcomes

Following our investigation we may:

  • Uphold the complaint in full
  • Uphold the complaint in part
  • Reject the complaint where evidence does not support the claim

Where appropriate we may:

  • Offer an apology
  • Correct an administrative error
  • Refund or credit charges
  • Arrange remedial work
  • Provide an explanation of our decision
  • Introduce improvements to prevent recurrence

6. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

If a customer remains dissatisfied after receiving our final written response, they may refer the complaint to the BVRLA Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Service, provided the complaint falls within its jurisdiction and our internal complaints procedure has been exhausted. The BVRLA operates a government-approved ADR scheme for disputes involving its members.

Further information can be found at:
https://www.bvrla.co.uk

Please note that the BVRLA will normally only consider complaints once we have issued our final response.


7. Complaint Records

We maintain a secure complaints register recording:

  • Date received
  • Customer details
  • Nature of the complaint
  • Actions taken
  • Outcome
  • Date closed

Records are retained in accordance with our Data Protection Policy and applicable legal requirements.


8. Learning From Complaints

All complaints are reviewed periodically by senior management to identify:

  • Service trends
  • Training requirements
  • Process improvements
  • Opportunities to improve customer experience

Where systemic issues are identified, corrective actions will be implemented.


9. Confidentiality

All complaints are handled confidentially and in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Information will only be shared where necessary to investigate and resolve the complaint.


10. Contact Details

Customer Services

Car or Van Specialist Vehicle Hire Ltd
Morbec Farm
Southend Arterial Road
Wickford
Essex
SS12 9JF

Email: hire@carorvan.co.uk

Website: www.carorvan.co.uk


Policy Approval

Approved by: Managing Director
Review Frequency: Annually, or sooner if legislation, BVRLA requirements, or business operations change.