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.
Tallying passengers and everyday cargo
If you are torn between two sizes of car, a quick tally of your everyday needs can settle the question before you enquire. Count how many people travel with you most often, then count the bags, pushchairs, shopping or sports kit that usually come along. Measuring any item you regularly carry, whether a folded buggy, a set of golf clubs or a dog crate, and noting the figures gives the team something specific to work with. You might also think about whether you prefer an automatic, whether rear space matters for taller passengers, and how often the car will carry a full load rather than just one or two people. Include these notes with your quote request.
Sketching your arrival-day itinerary
If your hire starts on the morning you travel, sketching the first few hours of the day can be worthwhile. Note when the car is being collected or delivered, who will sign for it, and what time you hope to leave. If the day involves stops, such as collecting a relative, picking up tickets or calling at a shop, list each one with its address and the time you expect to be there, and add a phone number for anyone you are meeting. Where a stop depends on someone else being ready, a quick message the evening before can confirm the arrangement. When you request your quote, ask anything unclear about the handover, such as where collection takes place and what to bring with you.
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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.