Film & TV Car Hire | Worldwide

Hero car vs background car

A hero car is driven on camera, often by a named cast member; it carries the scene. A background car dresses the period by being parked in shot or sometimes driven by a stunt double. The two have different requirements: hero cars must be reliable, presentable on camera, and (often) drivable by someone with a standard licence. Background cars only need to look right.

Period accuracy

Productions usually specify the year (often as a window: 'pre-1970', 'mid-1960s'). The model year matters less than what's visible on screen: yellow registration plates (UK, post-1973) date a car instantly; chrome bumpers vs rubber bumpers date an MGB; pre- vs post-facelift indicators date a 911. The listing should photograph all four sides plus interior.

Insurance and releases

Productions must carry their own production insurance covering the car during filming. The owner signs a release for the days the car is on set. BookAclassic's standard rental cover does not extend to commercial filming use; the listing should disclose 'film/TV work permitted' and the production carries the cover.

Daily rates

UK rates for picture-car hire are typically: background classic £150–£400/day, hero classic £400–£900/day, hero high-value (DB5, RR Phantom) £1,200–£3,000/day plus owner attendance fees. Multi-day blocks usually attract a discount; first-day prep / wrap-day are often half-rate.

Booking checklist

• Disclose 'film/TV use' to the owner at booking.
• Provide a production insurance certificate naming the owner as additional insured.
• Sign a release covering the dates the car is on set.
• Confirm which cast/crew will drive (or whether it stays parked).
• Plan transport: many productions wrap and trailer the car to/from set rather than self-driving.
• Brief continuity on details such as wheels, plates, badges, and interior items.