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.
Packing for a Short Break
The first decision is how many cases you are actually taking. Once that is settled, list what each traveller plans to bring — one suitcase each, a shared holdall, a couple of soft bags — and note anything that will not fold flat, such as a pushchair, golf clubs or a cool box. Approximate dimensions for the bulkiest pieces help the team judge which vehicle groups to suggest. If you are collecting the car on the morning you leave, note the pick-up time and who will be there to sign. A contact number for wherever you are staying can also be worth recording. Send the list with your dates and ask any questions before you book.
Choosing Around Driver Preferences
Preferences behind the wheel vary, so it pays to think them through before enquiring. Decide whether an automatic or a manual suits the named driver, and note if anyone else might drive during the hire period. Consider seating position, ease of access for older relatives, and whether the driver prefers a smaller car for narrow roads or something larger for longer stretches. If a child seat is needed, write down the child's age and whether you will bring your own. Details of where the car will be kept overnight and how much driving you roughly expect can also go on the same note. Hand everything over with your dates, and ask which options the team is able to confirm for you.
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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.















