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.
Travelling with children and luggage
If you are bringing children along, it helps to note their ages and how many child seats or boosters you will bring before you request a quote. Write down the number of suitcases, pushchairs and any travel cots, along with roughly how large each item is, so the team can talk through which vehicle groups might suit. An estate or people carrier gives more room than a compact option, though the final choice depends on what is available on your dates. You might also list which bags belong to which passenger, which makes the packing list simpler to check on the day. Any question about seat fitting or in-car facilities can be raised with the team when you enquire.
Planning a longer stay by car
For an extended trip, consider fixing your start and end dates early, including any flexibility if your plans could shift by a day or two. Make a note of everyone travelling, their luggage and any extra equipment such as sports gear or work materials, then record approximate dimensions for the bulkiest pieces. If the car needs to be dropped off or collected somewhere specific, give the full address and a contact number for whoever will receive it. It is also worth asking whether the vehicle group you prefer can be held while you finalise arrangements, and what happens if your return date changes. Listing these details in advance gives the team clear information to work from when confirming your booking.
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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.