Rival Support Blog: Revolution Software help & FAQs

Christmas Opening Hours 2011

2011-12-15T10:31:00.001Z

During the Christmas period, our opening hours are as follows:

Fri 23rd Dec 2011 - 9:00am to 3:30pm

Sat 24th Dec 2011 - closed

Sun 25th Dec 2011 - closed

Mon 26th Dec 2011 - closed

Tue 27th Dec 2011 - closed

Wed 28th Dec 2011 - 9:00am - 1:00pm

Thu 29th Dec 2011 - 9:00am - 1:00pm

Fri 30th Dec 2011 - 9:00am - 1:00pm

Sat 31st Dec 2011 - closed

Sun 1st Jan 2012 - closed

Mon 2nd Jan 2012 - closed

Tue 3rd Jan 2012 - normal opening hours resume.

May we take this opportunity to wish all our customers and partners a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at RIVAL.

Get the latest updates to REVOLUTION

2011-10-31T16:51:00.001Z

We are pleased to confirm that the latest version of REVOLUTION has now been released and should be downloaded and installed immediately.

This version includes the recent update to enable you to print off your Month End Insurance Declaration as well as still adhering to all the relevant Allianz endorsement rules and age criteria contained in the last update in July, and specifically fixes an issue with the IN10 endorsement code exclusion period.

You should also continue to refer to the Operators Guide issued and the F7 insurance checker for rental validation, and if you have any queries please do not hesitate to call your Regional Sales Manager or contact RIVAL on 0800 328 8833.

Download the latest version of REVOLUTION 1.09.96 here...

To view our FAQ sheet on updating your software, click here...

For REVOLUTION Support call 0800 328 8833.

Using the RIVAL Support pages

2011-08-22T07:58:00.000+01:00

Welcome to our Support pages - offering you videos, FAQ's and resources which you may need to operate your software and rental business effectively - with a little help from RIVAL.

There are many different ways to get help and information on our site, and here are some suggestions on how to find it quickly and easily.

Quick-Links: Across the top of our Support pages, you will find our three 'quick-link' buttons. You can use these to get easy access to the most often viewed items on our site.

Clicking one of these button will give you a list of all the posts we've made under that label - letting you scan for the forms, videos, headings, or information that could help you best.

Keyword Search: At the top of every page on our site you have the facility to search for keywords that relate to your enquiry. This will generate a list of all the pages and posts that contain your keyword, simply choose the one which is most relevant.

Recent Posts: We have chosen to create our support pages in a 'blog' format, so each subject or resource appears as a titled and dated post. A lot of the support questions we have tend to be similar or related to a specific cause, so by looking through the 'recent posts' could lead you quickly to the information you need.

Labels: At the end of every post in the Support and Interactive pages are 'labels'. These are used to link subjects and resources that we think are similar. By clicking on any one of these 'labels' a list of all the posts we have logged in that category.

RIVAL Toolbar: To get quick and direct access to both the Interactive and the Support pages of our site, which include our most recent FAQ's, tutorials, blog posts and Tweets, why not download our free RIVAL community toolbar?

It simply sits at the top of your Internet Explorer, Safari or Firefox web browser and gives you instant access to the online resources RIVAL offers - you can even use it to see the latest BBC News and Highways Agency Traffic feeds - all direct to your browser and at the click of a button.

>>You can click here for the link...

What Next?: If you cannot find the answer or information you were looking for, you can use the 'Get in Touch' pages to log a request for further IT support or training, get a quote or general information from RIVAL and to get contact details for our business and employees.

RIVAL Insurance Services Ltd - the self drive hire insurance specialists

Need a Claim Form?

2011-07-01T00:01:00.005+01:00

All UK claims from 1.7.2011, whether involving vehicle damage or otherwise, must be notified within 7 days direct to:

Allianz ‘Claims START’ Tel 0800 587 5858

Claims handlers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and will take all details over the telephone. There is no need to complete a Claim Form – this will be compiled from the telephone conversation and sent to you for signature. A Claim Number will be immediately allocated and repair authorisation or inspection (depending on extent of damage) will be arranged promptly.

You must, however, still submit a copy of the driving license and the Rental Agreement.

You must also forward, unanswered, any Third Party correspondence to Allianz.

Standard Qualification Rules

2011-06-30T08:40:00.004+01:00

For our quick-reference guide to the most common insurance requirements for UK customers that come into effect from 1st July 2011 - simply view, download or print them from here...

Please refer to your Policy document and Operators Guide for full details of the procedures and requirements for insurance cover in the UK. The quick-reference guide previously issued for Eire customers is also still available for your reference via this portal.

Remember, for hirers outside the above requirements or if you are having difficulty viewing the Standard Qualification Rules in this portal, you can request an authorisation code or a copy of the guides by calling our Insurance department on 0800 328 8833, or your Regional Sales Manager.

Driving in GB on a foreign licence

2011-06-30T00:30:00.003+01:00

For advice on driving in Great Britain on a licence issued in another country, why not use the interactive tool provided on the Directgov website?

Remember, RIVAL Insurance has additional rules in place, including age and endorsement requirements, and these can be found on visiting our post on Standard Qualification Rules or by contacting the Insurance Department on 0800 328 8833.

Use the DVLA 'Driving in GB' interactive tool by clicking here...

To get general advice from the DVLA on Driver Licensing click here...

Opening Hours - Easter 2011

2011-04-21T11:38:00.005+01:00

Our office opening hours over the Easter and May holiday periods were posted here until 5th May 2011.

Regards

Rival

Telephone system fault now fixed

2011-01-25T15:18:00.006Z

The earlier technical fault with the RIVAL telephone system (direct calls to the 0800 3288833 number) is now fixed.

You can once again call the RIVAL freephone number instead of the advised direct dials.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Regards

Rival.

Standard Agreement T&C's

2011-01-01T08:24:00.000Z

If you need further copies of our standard Terms & Conditions for your rental agreements you can view, print or download the appropriate one's here...

If you are having trouble viewing the T&C's in the above portal, you can also click on the one you need here...

Rival T&C's pdf

Prohire T&C's pdf

Eire T&C's pdf

Opening Hours - Christmas 2010

2010-12-20T10:55:00.007Z

Our opening hours over the Christmas period were posted here until 4th January 2011.

Wishing a Happy New Year to all our customers.

Rival

Snow chains or winter tyres - where they are mandatory.

2010-12-17T07:21:00.005Z

As the snow continues to fall in much of Europe today, it is worth checking the advice given by the Foreign Office when driving abroad - including requirements in some countries and at certain times of the year that winter tyres may be compulsory – e.g. Germany.

To visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for information about driving abroad click here...

RIVAL Insurance has additional rules and requirements for providing insurance cover when vehicles are taken out of the UK and these can be found in your Procedures Manual and by contacting the Insurance Department on 0800 3288833.

The AA also has advise on snow chains and winter tyres in European resorts on its website - which you can access by clicking here...

UK VAT and IPT standard rate changes from 4th January 2011 – updating your software

2010-12-14T08:30:00.005Z

As the standard rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) changes on 4th Jan 2011 from 17.5% to 20.0% you will need to update the rate in your Revolution software package.

To do this, simply go to ‘General Maintenance’, then ’Set up and General Information’ and then ‘VAT/Nominal’ where the rate can be updated – remember you will need to ‘accept amendments’ before returning back to your main menu. We suggest that you change the VAT rate in Revolution on the morning of 4th Jan 2011 before any new business is carried out but after your previous month-end has been run.

The standard rate of Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) also changes on 4th Jan 2011 from 5.0% to 6.0%. This will be automatically updated by our servers when you run your January 2011 month-end.

If you need help updating the VAT rate in your Revolution software please contact your Regional Manager, log a support request on our website, or call the RIVAL offices on 0800 3288833.

Please note, RIVAL Insurance Services Ltd is not able to advise you on VAT or any other taxation matters, only to inform you how to change the VAT rate charged on the software we provide. Any open rental agreement created before the VAT rate is changed on Revolution will carry the VAT rate in force when it started, even if it is invoiced after 4th Jan 2011. For information or guidance on VAT, including ‘the special rules for sales spanning the change of rate’ and how to ‘account for the right rate of VAT for continuous supplies of services’ you should contact HM Revenue & Customs or an independent tax advisor.

You can visit the HM Revenue & Customs website for information on VAT by clicking here…

You can request Revolution software support by clicking here…

Driving licence 'period of grace' cut to four weeks

2010-11-22T07:29:00.001Z

Drivers who incur three or more penalty points on their licence for a single offence now have just 28 days in which to return it to the appropriate enforcement authority (police, courts or Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) before it is revoked.

Previously, convicted drivers were allowed up to 12 months to surrender their driving licences for endorsement. The change follows a decision taken by the Home Office on 7 November. Employers may want to ensure that employees who drive on company business are made aware of the new rule, and review how frequently they check their employees' driving licences.

source:BVRLA

New V5Cs: What To Look For When Completing VE103Bs

2010-08-31T19:15:00.002+01:00

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has clarified how its recent introduction of the newly redesigned vehicle registration certificate (V5C) will affect users of the VE103B vehicle on hire certificate.

BVRLA members referring to one when completing a VE103B should note that:

• the reference to D3 (body/type) on the VE103B equates to D5 body type on the new V5C

• the reference to D2 (model/type) on the VE103B equates to D3 model on the new V5C.

Further information on the VE103B can be found on the 'Vehicles travelling abroad' page of the BVRLA website by clicking here...

source: BVRLA

Need help over the bank holiday?

2010-08-22T17:23:00.000+01:00

Our offices in Birmingham will be closed over the August Bank Holiday period, but if you need authorisation codes or a software support callback then click on one of these links to find out how to contact us:

To log an IT Support request click here...

To find out how to contact a Regional Sales Manager click here...

This blog has moved

2010-04-30T17:43:00.001+01:00

This blog is now located at http://rivalsupport.blogspot.com/. You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds or you may click here. For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to http://rivalsupport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

Vehicle On Hire Certificates: No Car Pool Exemption

2010-04-12T09:01:00.000+01:00

The BVRLA has received a number of enquiries regarding the driver information required on Vehicle on Hire certificates, especially as it affects drivers of 'pooled' cars.

The Vehicle on Hire certificate (VE103) is the only document to provide legal proof that the driver of a vehicle they do not own has the owner's permission to take it out of the UK. Like the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the BVRLA strongly advises that the driver's name be included on the certificate. It is a risk to omit the driver's name or to replace it with the name of the fleet manager overseeing the car pool as if stopped the car is likely to be impounded.

The BVRLA is authorised to supply Vehicle on Hire certificates to members (known as the VE103B). For further information contact BVRLA Member Services.

To visit the BVRLA website click here...

source: BVRLA

VAT changes effective 1st January 2010

2009-12-15T20:51:00.003Z

Since December 2008 and up to the 31st December 2009 the standard VAT rate has been 15.0% in the UK, and 20.5% in Eire. From 1st Jan 2010 this will change to 17.5% in the UK and 20.0% in Eire.

The seller of VAT rated goods must ensure the VAT rate they charge is correct and in accordance with the current rules. You will need to amend your Revolution software to the new charging rate effective from 1st January 2010.

If the renter paid an upfront deposit or payment before the end of 2009, they are entitled to pay the VAT rate applicable up to 31st December 2009 and beyond - if it was stated as such at the time of supply. If the renter did not pay an upfront deposit, or there is no written confirmation of the VAT rate, he or she will be charged the VAT rate prevailing at the tax point (i.e. the invoice date).

Follow these steps to change the VAT rates on your system:

Invoice all Rental agreements on or just before before 31st December 2009
Run the December month end
Change VAT rate on Revolution (via General Maintenance, then Set Up and General Information, and then VAT/Nominal tabs). For UK sites, change VAT code 1 to 17.5% and leave the remaining 2, 3, 4 and 5 at 0. If you are not VAT registered you should leave them all at 0. For Eire sites, please use the set up you have already and simply alter the 20.5% rate to 20%.
Exit Revolution (otherwise the new VAT rate will not be saved) then reopen Revolution.
Reopen all rental agreements where applicable.

NB. If you need to reprint an old agreement or invoice, it will show the VAT amount calculated at the VAT rate which was in force at the time the invoice was raised.

Still using W98 and Adobe 6?

2009-11-03T09:34:00.003Z

Following our latest version update, a small number of sites are getting the following error message when running their month-end.

"Font widths for "Arial" not obtainable (This function is only valid in Win32 mode.)"

This is happening where the program is installed on a PC still using Windows 98, and where the latest Adobe Acrobat version that can be installed on that operating system is v6.

We have released an updated Revolution software version (1.09.90) to fix this error and allow our software to print using the older versions of Adobe.

To download the fix and the latest version click here...

Contact your Regional Sales Manager if you need help downloading the update.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

2009-09-01T13:15:00.000+01:00

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is honoured in over 150 countries outside of the United States, and it is issued in a folder that explains the data entries and vehicle permissions granted.

IDPs are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Their purpose is to allow persons travelling abroad to avoid potential problems arising from language barriers. An IDP is proof that you hold a valid driving licence in your own country, they are only a supplement to a valid licence, not a replacement, and are not valid in an individual’s country of residence. It is not always necessary to have one, since many countries recognise each other's licenses. It is intended to overcome the difficulties drivers may have while travelling in other countries that may have widely varying license requirements.

It is printed in 10 languages - the five United Nations official languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese) plus German Arabic, Italian, the Scandinavian languages and Portuguese.

BVRLA members can get further information on foreign driving licences by requesting the ‘ID Checking Guide’ by emailing: info@bvrla.co.uk

To become a member of the BVRLA click here...

source: BVRLA

National Speed Limits for Vans

2009-09-01T13:00:00.002+01:00

When driving a van, be aware that the national speed limits are different from those for cars, depending on the road you are on. Lower speed limits will apply in built up areas and on many local roads. These lower limits are the same for both cars and vans.

Cars may be driven at up to 60 miles per hour (mph) on single carriageways and up to 70 mph on dual carriageways. Vans may be driven at up to 50 mph on single carriageways and up to 60 mph on dual carriageways. A dual carriageway is a road that has a central reservation separating the carriageways.

If you are driving a van on a motorway the speed limit is 70 mph, like cars, unless you are towing a trailer. If you are towing a trailer the motorway speed limit is 60 mph.

Any vehicle towing a trailer is not allowed to use the outside lane where there are three or more lanes in use in the same direction.

These long-standing national speed limits for vans are the same for all goods vehicles that have a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of no more than 7,500 kilograms (kg).

Remember, RIVAL Insurance has additional rules in place for its scheme, including age and endorsement requirements. We also exclude the use of vehicles for towing.

For the full details on the Directgov website click here...

source: Directgov website

The Highway Code

2009-09-01T12:56:00.001+01:00

New online version - the code applies to all road users.

This version has been adapted for online use from the Department for Transport's current printed version of the Highway Code. In any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, only the Department for Transport's current printed version of the Code should be relied upon.

For their full online guide to the Highway Code click here...

source: Directgov website

Driver Licensing Guidance

2009-09-01T09:00:00.012+01:00

For guidance and advice on driver licensing - including entitlements, medical rules, obligations and endorsements - we suggest you visit the Directgov website.

Remember, RIVAL Insurance has additional rules in place for its scheme, including age and endorsement requirements, and these can be found on our standard Qualification Rules (UK), Qualification Rules (Eire) and Minibus & Large MPV Additional Rules sheets.

To visit the DVLA website click here...

Marketing data in Revolution

2009-09-01T08:41:00.004+01:00

While Revolution is primarily a Rental software product, it does have some very useful marketing functions too. The following reports will give you access to some of the key marketing data held on the software.

Agreement Analysis: (Reports, Agreement reports number 6.) Here you are able to use a date range of who has rented in the last 6 months and access their spending details . You can print or export the list to Excel or Acrobat and to use how you wish.

Mailshot Labels Print Tool: (General reports number 8.) Here you can choose all renters (or Companies) or pick off a list one by one before exporting to an Excel document. If you recorded any customer’s email addresses, this is exported too.

Customer Source Analysis: (Management Reports D.) Here all agreements are listed monthly by source code (this is how they heard about you, as entered when you raise their first rental agreement) and converted to a percentage. This can be used to help marketing strategies ongoing.

Remember: All the reports found in Revolution can be exported to Excel.

Prohire Software Support

2009-09-01T08:00:00.003+01:00

If you are using the Prohire Software system and need IT support or training, please contact Prohire in the first instance.

Support: 01795 434010

Additional information and advice may be available by contacting your Regional Sales Manager.

To view the Prohire online tutorials click here...

To visit the Prohire online support site click here...

FAQ: Additional Driver

2009-08-31T09:00:00.009+01:00

For our FAQ information sheet on how to add an additional driver to an open rental agreement simply view, download or print it here....

FAQ: Additional Driver

You can also watch our tutorial video about adding an additional driver by clicking here...

FAQ: Amending and Extending

2009-08-31T09:00:00.008+01:00

For our FAQ information sheet on how to amend or extend an open rental agreement simply view, download or print it here...

FAQ: Amending and Extending

FAQ: Interim Invoicing

2009-08-31T09:00:00.002+01:00

For our FAQ information sheet on how to create Interim Invoices simply view, download or print it here...

FAQ: Interim Invoicing

FAQ: Breakdown Cover

2009-08-31T08:01:00.003+01:00

For our FAQ information sheet on how to setup or amend the breakdown cover details printed on your Revolution rental agreements simply view, download or print it here...

FAQ: Breakdown cover

FAQ: Linking to Sage

2009-08-31T07:01:00.001+01:00

For our FAQ information sheet on Linking with Sage simply view, download or print it here...

FAQ: Linking to Sage

Get the FREE RIVAL Toolbar

2009-08-14T09:00:00.025+01:00

To help you get quick access to the RIVAL Interactive and the RIVAL Support pages, aswell as access to our most recent tips, tutorials and tweets, why not download our RIVAL community toolbar?

It will simply sit at the top of your Internet Explorer, Safari or Firefox browser and give you instant access to just some of the resources RIVAL offer - you can even use it to see the latest BBC News and Highways Agency Traffic feeds - all direct to your browser and at the click of a button.

Download the free RIVAL toolbar by clicking here... and let us know what you think of it.

Tutorial #1: How to Put a Vehicle on Fleet

2009-08-01T10:30:00.020+01:00

In our first online tutorial you'll see how to add a vehicle to fleet, simply click on the video play button below to watch.

Why not check out our full YouTube channel here... www.youtube.com/rivalinsurance

Tutorial #2: Adding an Additional Driver

2009-08-01T10:15:00.001+01:00

In the second of our online tutorials, you'll see how to add an additional driver to a new rental agreement, simply click on the video play button below to watch.

Why not check out our full YouTube channel here... www.youtube.com/rivalinsurance

Tutorial #3: Raising a Credit Note

2009-08-01T10:00:00.012+01:00

In the third of our online tutorials, you'll see how to create a credit note on an invoice which has been paid, simply click on the video play button below to watch.

Why not check out our full YouTube channel here... www.youtube.com/rivalinsurance

Tutorial #4: Raising a Credit Note

2009-08-01T09:00:00.004+01:00

In the fourth of our online tutorials, you'll see how to create a credit note on an invoice which has not yet been paid, simply click on the video play button below to watch.

Why not check out our full YouTube chanel here... www.youtube.com/rivalinsurance

Tutorial #5: Running your Month End

2009-08-01T08:45:00.006+01:00

In the fifth of our online tutorials, you'll see how to run your month end, simply click on the video play button below to watch.

Why not check out our full YouTube chanel here...

www.youtube.com/rivalinsurance

Revolution Support website

2009-07-31T14:09:00.002+01:00

The dedicated Revolution support utility site gives us access to the latest versions, updates and utilities.

To access Revolution Support click here...

To download the MSXML 4 installer package click here...

BVRLA Guide to Car Rental

2009-07-23T11:00:00.010+01:00

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has launched its updated guide to help users enjoy a successful car rental experience, whether they are driving for business or leisure.

The downloadable brochure provides simple step-by-step guidance on the complete car rental process – including advice on selecting a quality-assured hire company, understanding the rental agreement, what to do in the event of a breakdown or accident, how to ensure a smooth return of your vehicle and what to do if you have a complaint.

Britons hired an estimated twelve million cars and vans in the UK in 2008. The new BVRLA car rental guide has been launched to coincide with the school holidays, traditionally the busiest period of the year for rental companies.

“As with many other purchasing decisions we all make, car rental can be a lot simpler and less stressful if customers are more familiar with the process and more aware of the choices available,” said David Alexander, operations director at Europcar and chairman of the BVRLA’s Rental Committee.

“Five minutes spent reading this guide will help explain the roles and responsibilities of both the customer and the car rental operator and should eliminate many common areas of misunderstanding.

“More and more people are waking up to the financial and environmental benefits of pay-as-you-go motoring and this guide will help customers make a more informed decision when they come to rent a car.”

Download the BVRLA Guide to Car Rental from their website.