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
Deciding whether to book an estate or a compact car for a short break becomes simpler once you write down what's actually coming along. List each traveller's bag, noting whether it's a soft holdall, a rigid suitcase or a weekend duffel, and add the awkward extras: boots, a cool box, a foldable pushchair or a set of golf clubs. Rough dimensions or a quick description of each item give the team something concrete to work with. Note the dates, including whether you'd collect the car the evening before departure, and where you need it delivered. If two people plan to share the driving, mention both sets of driver details at the enquiry stage.
Sketching an arrival-day itinerary
An arrival-day plan is worth sketching out before you request a quote, because it can affect the dates you ask for. Work backwards from your first commitment, such as a check-in time, a dinner booking or a family gathering, and note the time you'd need the car available that morning. Record any stops on the way, such as a shop or a pharmacy visit, and who needs to be contacted when you arrive, including names and phone numbers. If your plans depend on a ferry, train or flight, keep the confirmation numbers together with the hire details. Ask the team about collection or delivery times for your chosen dates so the itinerary and the booking line up from the start.
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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.















