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.
Write down your driver preferences
Start by noting the details that shape your choice of car. If you prefer an automatic, say so when you enquire, since vehicle groups vary by date and location. Think about how many people will travel with you and how many bags need to fit, then describe both figures rather than the number of adults alone. A preference for a higher driving position, extra boot space or a particular fuel type can all be passed to the team, who will match your requirements to what is available on your dates. Mentioning these points early helps avoid a swap later in the week and keeps the arrangement straightforward from the outset.
Planning the return journey
It pays to plan the homeward leg at the same time as the outward one. Note your expected return date and whether it might shift, then ask the team what happens if your plans change partway through the hire. If the car needs to be left somewhere other than the agreed collection or delivery point, raise that when you first get in touch, as options depend on the arrangement made. Work out roughly when you expect to finish on the final day and build in some slack for traffic or a delayed departure. Having the return mapped out means one less decision to make at the end of your trip.
Explore other car hire areas
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.















