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.
Working Out Driver Preferences
Begin with the details each driver should note down. Who will be behind the wheel, and does anyone in the party prefer an automatic over a manual? Record how many named drivers there will be, since this affects the information the team needs. Note whether any driver has a particular requirement, such as a familiar seating position or a preference for a higher driving view, which might point towards an SUV rather than a saloon. Consider the journey type too: a long motorway run may suggest one group, while short urban trips suggest another. When you request a quote, ask which vehicle groups are offered for your dates, whether your preferred choice can be confirmed, and what the delivery or collection options are at your chosen address.
Travelling with Children and Luggage
If children are in the party, a short list drawn up in advance keeps the booking conversation focused. Note how many youngsters are travelling, their ages and whether you will bring your own child seats or need to discuss options. Count the bags, buggies and any travel cots, recording rough dimensions for anything bulky. Ask whether the boot of your preferred group is expected to suit your load, keeping in mind that only the team can confirm the vehicle you will receive. Record each child's name and which adult is responsible for them on the day, plus any snacks or entertainment you plan to pack. Open questions might include whether the seat fittings in the vehicle match your own equipment.
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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.















