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.
Finding a car to suit the trip
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.
Factoring in Driver Preferences
Before asking for a quote, decide who will actually be behind the wheel and what they are comfortable driving. Some drivers prefer an automatic, others want a specific size they are used to, and a few prefer to stick to a general type of car they have driven before. Note down each driver's preference, along with whether more than one person might share the driving during the hire period. If the group is split between two preferences, record both rather than picking one and hoping for the best. Questions that often remain open include whether an unfamiliar vehicle type is acceptable for a longer trip and whether the main driver's preference outweighs a second driver's request for something different.
Packing for a Short Break
For a few days away, list what each traveller plans to bring and be realistic about the total. A weekend bag each is a different proposition from a suitcase, a holdall and a coat per person, and the distinction matters when choosing between a compact car and an estate. Note any single bulky item, such as a folded pushchair, a set of golf clubs or a cooler box, alongside the general luggage count. Ask passengers to confirm rather than estimate, since people tend to undercount shoes, toiletry bags and things bought on the return journey. The questions still to settle are whether roof space or a boot alone is expected to be used, and whether anyone plans to add items between booking and departure.
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What to confirm on the phone
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.















