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.
Planning a Car for a Longer Stay
Suppose your trip stretches over several weeks rather than a few days. In that case, it helps to write down the full date range, including any days you might arrive early or leave late, before asking for a quote. Note who will drive, whether any additional drivers need adding, and where the car should be delivered or collected at each end. If your plans might shift, mention that too, so the team can confirm what is possible. A longer hire often raises small questions, such as parking at your accommodation, so it is worth asking the property contact about spaces before you finalise dates. A short list of dates and driver names is usually enough to start.
Sketching an Arrival-Day Itinerary
What does your first day actually look like? Jotting a rough timeline helps you spot what the car needs to handle. Note your arrival time, where you are heading first, and how many people and bags will travel in the car on that opening day. If you plan to collect shopping, equipment or guests along the way, list those stops and their approximate timings. It is also sensible to record a contact number for whoever is expecting you, in case timings slip. When you request a quote, include this outline: the team can then talk through vehicle groups, from compact city cars to estates and people carriers, and whether delivery or collection suits your schedule.
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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.