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.
Packing for a Short Break
The first decision worth settling is how much luggage you plan to take. Before requesting a car, it helps to list each case, bag or item along with its rough dimensions, so you can compare that list against the vehicle group you have in mind. A compact city car suits a couple of small cases, whereas a family heading away for a weekend might prefer an estate or a people carrier with more storage room. If you are carrying anything unusual, such as a pushchair, golf clubs or a bicycle, note its size and mention it when you enquire. You can also sketch a simple itinerary showing when you leave, where you are staying and when you return, since this shapes the hire dates you request.
Organising a Longer Stay
If your trip runs for a week or more, a little extra preparation can make the enquiry smoother. Start by fixing the exact dates, including any chance you might extend or return early, and note the driver details for everyone who may get behind the wheel. Building a full inventory of passengers and bags helps too: record how many people are travelling, how many suitcases, and whether any luggage is oversized. Where you are staying, it can be worth confirming arrival and departure arrangements with your accommodation contact so you know when the car is actually needed. Finally, prepare a few questions for the team, such as which vehicle groups are available for your dates and whether delivery or collection suits you better.
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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.















