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.
Setting Out Your Return Journey Dates
One early decision worth settling is whether your outbound and return legs fall on the same day or spread across several. If you are arranging a return journey, note both dates and the times you expect to travel, since this shapes the vehicle group the team quotes. Record where the car is needed at each end, including any collection or delivery arrangement you would prefer, and add a contact number for anyone meeting you on arrival. Where the return time is still uncertain, say so when you request a quote and ask what flexibility exists within the dates you have given. Jotting down your itinerary, including stops you already know about, gives the team a clearer picture and helps you compare quotes on a like-for-like basis.
Choosing a Car Around Driver Preferences
Driver preferences are another area where a little preparation helps. If more than one person will be behind the wheel, list each driver's details and note whether anyone prefers an automatic, would rather have an estate than a saloon, or needs extra room for luggage. Passengers and bags can be counted in advance: note how many people are travelling and roughly how much luggage each brings, including any bulky items with dimensions you can measure at home. Ask the team whether the vehicle group you want is offered with the features you have in mind, and confirm what each named driver needs to provide before collection. If preferences conflict, decide which matters most before you book, and keep a short list of questions ready so nothing is left to assumption.
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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.