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.
What to note before asking for a quote
A few written notes make the enquiry stage straightforward. Begin with your travel dates, including the exact times you would need the car from and until, and whether there is any wiggle room if availability is tight. List the drivers who may use the car, since the team will need their details. Record where you want to collect the vehicle or have it delivered, and note the destination if that affects your plans. Think about passenger numbers and luggage, including pushchairs, golf bags or bike racks, so the right vehicle group can be suggested. Finally, write down every question you have, from fuel arrangements to what happens if plans change, so the quote you receive answers them all in one go.
Planning the return leg
Return journeys deserve as much attention as outward trips, especially when timing matters. Note the date and approximate time you expect to head back, and consider what might influence it, such as a later flight, an event overrunning or a shop closing early. Record where the car needs to be at the end of the hire and whether that differs from the starting point. If someone else will handle the return, perhaps a family member or colleague, note their contact details so arrangements can be confirmed with them directly. Keep a note of fuel stops you might need and any items that must come back with you, from shopping to borrowed equipment. Listing these details early leaves fewer questions open when you speak to the team.
Explore other car hire areas
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.