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.
Comparing Everyday Car Sizes
If you are weighing up which size of car to ask about, a written comparison of your usual loads can settle the question before you enquire. Note the number of seats you actually use each week, the typical quantity of shopping, pushchairs, sports bags or tools, and the longest items you carry, such as flat-pack boxes, golf clubs or a folded bicycle. Record approximate dimensions for anything that will not come apart, and think about whether a boot or a roof would be needed for regular trips. If your dates cover a school run and a weekend away, list both scenarios separately. When you contact the team, share these notes along with your driver details, and ask which vehicle groups they would suggest for each situation.
Travelling with Children and Bags
Should the journey involve young passengers, gathering the right information first can make the enquiry straightforward. Write down how many child seats or boosters are needed, whether you are bringing your own, and the folded size of any pushchair or travel cot. Count the bags each child will have, from small rucksacks to full cases, and note anything else that travels with them, such as car-seat bases, sleeping bags or toy boxes. If the itinerary includes an overnight stop or a day trip, list what changes between the two. Agree which adult will be the contact for the booking, and confirm the dates firmly. When you ask for a quote, include these details and any questions about seating layouts or delivery points that remain unanswered.
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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.















