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.
Sketching an arrival-day itinerary
What does the first hour after you arrive actually look like? Writing down a rough sequence for the day helps you spot which details still need answering. Note when the car needs to be ready, who is travelling with you, and whether there are collection points, keys to pick up or appointments with fixed times. If someone is expecting you, record their contact details so you can pass them on or reach them if plans shift. Listing the passengers by name, along with any bags or items each person brings, keeps the picture complete. Questions worth settling early include where the vehicle will be delivered or collected, who holds a spare set of keys, and how you will confirm timings on the day itself.
Preparing for a work trip
Before a work trip, it pays to set out the schedule on paper so nothing depends on memory. Note the dates you need the car, the meetings or site visits booked, and any buffer you want between appointments. Work out the passenger list, including colleagues joining for part of the journey, and list what each person is carrying, such as samples, display materials or a laptop bag. Recording approximate dimensions for bulkier items lets you discuss vehicle groups with the hire team rather than guessing. You might also note who to contact at each destination and whether they expect a particular arrival time. Open questions to raise when requesting a quote include delivery and collection arrangements and which vehicle group suits your needs.
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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.