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.
Details worth writing down first
Start by writing down the details that shape any car booking. Note the dates you need the vehicle, including whether an early start or a late return matters, and list every driver who might get behind the wheel along with their details. Record where you want the car delivered or collected, and whether that address changes during the hire. If you have a preference for an automatic, an estate for extra boot space, or a compact car for town driving, put that in writing too. Passenger numbers and how many bags or cases each person brings are worth listing, since a people carrier and a small automatic suit very different parties. A clear written brief gives the team everything needed to suggest the right group.
Questions to prepare before a quote
Before requesting a quote, prepare a short list of questions so nothing is left vague. Ask which vehicle groups would suit your party and luggage, and whether the model you prefer is offered for your dates. Check how delivery and collection would work at your chosen address, including timing on the first and last day. If your plans could shift, ask how a change of dates would be handled and who to contact. You might also confirm what the team needs from each driver when you enquire, and whether anything else should be noted in the booking. Writing these questions down keeps the conversation focused and helps the team give a complete answer covering the vehicle, arrangements and price in one reply.
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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.