Matching a hire car to your passengers and luggage
Tell the team how many people will travel and how many cases, buggies or bulky bags you expect. Seating and boot space are separate questions. Say whether you need an automatic or are happy with a manual, and mention any child seat request early so it can be checked before you are quoted. Include details for every driver who may take the wheel.
Picking a suitable car
Start with the journey and pick the car to match it. Smaller cars are suited to city driving and short stays, automatics make local driving easier, estates and SUVs give more room for luggage, and people carriers are a better choice for families or small groups. The range available includes the Fiat 500, VW Golf, Ford Focus Estate, Ford Focus Automatic and Hyundai i10 Automatic, subject to dates, driver details and availability. The precise make, model, transmission, seating, payload and licence position are confirmed when you are quoted, so treat the vehicles listed as a guide to the kind of hire on offer rather than a guaranteed reservation of a particular model.
Writing Down the Details Before You Ask
Before requesting a quote, it helps to have a short list of facts in front of you. Note the dates you want the car, including the start and end times, and whether those could shift if a different vehicle group becomes available. Write down the driver details you will be providing, along with where you need the car and whether you would prefer collection or delivery. If your trip involves passengers, count them and estimate how many bags will come along, noting anything unusually shaped such as golf clubs or a pushchair. Keeping these details in one place means you can answer questions quickly if the team needs to check anything before confirming the right vehicle group, delivery or collection options and price.
Choosing Around Driver Preferences
Every driver in your party may have their own preferences, and these are worth capturing early. Some people feel confident in an automatic, while others are used to a manual and would rather keep things familiar. If two or more drivers will share the car, ask each one what they need and record any differences so you can raise them when you enquire. You might also note whether boot space matters more than seat count, or whether an estate suits a bulkier load better than a saloon. These are choices you can organise before booking, and the team can then talk through the vehicle groups available, from compact city cars to people carriers, once you have set out your dates and requirements.
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Last checks before booking
Before you confirm the hire, check the key details: vehicle availability, driver requirements, mileage, insurance, delivery or collection arrangements and any extras you have asked for, along with driver age, licence history, the deposit, the insurance excess and any travel abroad. A clear request gives the date, the length of hire, the rough route, the delivery or pickup address, the expected passengers or load, and any particular requirements that might affect which vehicle is suitable.