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.
What should you tell your travel companions?
Who needs to know what before the trip begins? If friends or family are sharing the car, agree the details early rather than on the day. Note the collection and return dates, the pickup point, and who the named drivers will be, then circulate a short message so everyone holds the same information. Include a mobile number for each traveller and the address of any stops on the itinerary, such as a hotel or a relative's house. If plans change, update the group and the hire team together so the booking reflects the latest arrangements. It is also worth recording who is bringing what, so luggage, child seats and equipment are not duplicated or forgotten when you finally set off.
How do everyday car sizes compare?
Thinking about size before you request a vehicle saves guesswork later. A compact city car suits a couple with overnight bags, while an estate offers more room for pushchairs, golf clubs or boxes from a shopping trip. SUVs and executive saloons sit in different groups again, and people carriers carry several passengers plus their belongings. Rather than picking by appearance, list what will actually travel with you: the number of people, each suitcase or bag, and any awkward items such as skis or a folded wheelchair with their approximate dimensions. Pass that list to the team with your dates and they can confirm which group fits your plans. If you are unsure between two sizes, ask them to describe the difference before you commit.
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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.















