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 Before You Book
Before requesting a quote, it helps to note a few basics on paper. Start with the driver's full details, the dates you need the car, and whether you would prefer collection or delivery to a specific address. If more than one person might drive, record each name so the team can confirm what is needed. Think, too, about the kind of driving you expect to do: if you strongly prefer an automatic, or you want an estate rather than a compact, say so at the outset rather than after the vehicle group has been set. Noting your preferences alongside the practical details gives the team a clearer picture and reduces back-and-forth emails.
Planning Luggage for a Short Break
If the car is for a short trip away, it is worth listing what you plan to bring before the vehicle group is confirmed. Count the passengers first, then set out the bags separately: how many suitcases, holdalls or rucksacks, and roughly how large each one is. A family of five with four large cases has different needs from a couple travelling with two overnight bags, and the difference matters when choosing between a compact and an estate or SUV. Note any extras such as pushchairs, sports gear or a folded wheelchair, since these take up room that is easy to forget. Include your destination and the names of any additional drivers when you ask for a quote, and raise any open questions you still have.
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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.