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.
How the right vehicle is confirmed
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 Return Journey by Car
Deciding how long you need the car is usually the starting point for a return journey, so work backwards from the date you plan to be back. Write down the outward date, the return date, and any overnight stops between the two. Note who will be driving on each leg and whether the drivers might change, since the team will ask for driver details anyway. It can also help to list the address at each end of the journey and where the car should be collected from or returned to. If the return time is uncertain, say so when you enquire, and ask what happens if the journey overruns. Questions worth raising include whether the vehicle group can be changed if your plans alter, and which collection or delivery options could fit the schedule you have drafted.
Sharing Trip Details with Companions
Once the outline of the journey is fixed, think about who else needs to know it. A short message to your companions covering the travel dates, the meeting point and the expected arrival time can prevent crossed wires on the day. Note each companion's contact number, and if someone is being met at the far end, record the name and number of the person meeting them. It is also worth agreeing who holds the booking reference and who speaks to the team if questions arise. When you request a quote, include the driver details for everyone who may drive, the dates, and where the car is needed, then ask about handover arrangements at both ends. Any companion with specific needs, such as extra luggage, should be noted in the same enquiry.
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Things to check 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.















