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.
Building Flexibility Into Your Day Plan
If your day could go in several directions, it pays to plan with flexibility in mind rather than a fixed schedule. Start by noting your hire dates and the places you expect to visit, then mark which ones are fixed appointments and which are optional. Record the number of passengers joining you and what each person plans to bring, such as shopping bags, pushchairs or sports gear, so you can consider whether a particular body style suits your load. Where a stop depends on someone else, such as a shop collection or a friend you are picking up, keep their contact details on your list. Any questions about extending the hire or changing the vehicle group can be raised when you ask for a price.
Preparing a Car for a Work Trip
A work trip often begins with a decision about which vehicle group fits the week ahead. List the meetings or site visits in your diary, the dates you will need the car, and whether the trip involves an overnight stay. Note the items you expect to carry, including briefcases, samples, tools or a suitcase, and jot down the approximate dimensions of anything bulky. If you will be meeting a client or collecting goods, record the relevant contact name and number in case arrangements change at short notice. It is also worth thinking about your own details as the driver, such as who else might need to drive, so the team has everything required to confirm the right vehicle group, delivery or collection option and price.
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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.