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.
Weighing Up Everyday Car Sizes
If the car is for a family holiday, a weekly shop or a mix of both, the choice often comes down to size. A compact city car suits short solo trips, while an estate or SUV might be considered where several cases and a pram are involved. Before enquiring, note the number of regular passengers, the typical amount of luggage and whether any bulky items, such as a bike or golf clubs, will be carried. Writing down the dates and the address where the car is needed keeps the request clear. Questions to ask include which vehicle groups are offered for those dates and whether an automatic is available in each group.
Choosing Around the Driver's Preferences
Who will actually be behind the wheel? If several people plan to drive, it is worth listing each driver's details early, including any preferences for gearbox type or seating position. Some drivers prefer a higher SUV view, while others favour an executive saloon for meeting clients. Noting whether any driver would struggle with a manual, or needs extra space for a child seat, helps the team narrow the options. The preferred collection or delivery address can be recorded alongside. When asking for a quote, it is reasonable to request the price for two or three vehicle groups so the choice can be made with figures in front of you.
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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.















