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.
Writing Down the Details Before You Call
Before requesting a quote, it helps to have a short written summary ready. Start with the hire dates, including whether you might need the car for an extra morning or evening, and note the driver details for everyone who may get behind the wheel. Record where you would like the car delivered or whether you would rather collect it yourself. If the trip involves passengers, list how many people are travelling and roughly how many bags each will bring, since a people carrier might suit a family group while a compact suits a solo traveller. Jot down any preference for an automatic or a particular body style. Keeping these notes in one place means you can answer questions quickly if the team needs clarification before confirming a vehicle group and price.
Planning Ahead for a Longer Stay
If the hire covers a week or more, think through how your plans might shift across that period. It may be worth noting appointments or commitments already fixed in the diary, then marking days that are still open, so you can decide whether a smaller car is sufficient or a larger vehicle would suit occasional extra passengers. Consider who you might need to visit and whether any journeys could be combined into single outings. If friends or family expect you at a certain time, note their contact details in case plans change and you need to let them know. You might also list any bulky items, such as a pushchair or golf clubs, with their approximate dimensions, and ask the team which vehicle groups would accommodate them. Any question you have about delivery arrangements can be raised when you request the quote.
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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.