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.
Working out which car size suits everyday life
If you are weighing up whether a small hatchback will do or something larger makes sense, it helps to look at your usual week rather than a single trip. Note how many people travel with you most often, what the boot usually holds, and whether you regularly carry pushchairs, sports kit or shopping. Record the dates you have in mind, since availability of each vehicle group can shape the choice, and list any extras such as child seats or a second driver you would want to add. When you ask for a quote, share the passenger count, the number of bags and any awkward items with their approximate dimensions. The team can then talk through the options, from compact city cars to estates and people carriers, before anything is booked.
Travelling with children and their bags
Should children be joining the journey, a little preparation at the booking stage can settle most questions in advance. Write down how many child seats are needed, the ages of the children and whether you are bringing your own seats or asking about them when you enquire. Count the bags as well as the passengers, including prams, travel cots and cool bags, and note anything longer than the boot such as skis or a buggy board. If your dates are fixed, say so when you request a price, and mention whether you would collect the car or prefer it delivered. Any question you have about seat fittings or boot space is worth raising early, so the team can confirm which vehicle groups suit your list.
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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.