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.
Notes to Make Before Enquiring
Before contacting the team, it helps to write down a few basics: the dates you want the car, the names and details of anyone who will drive it, and where you would like it delivered or collected from. If you already know your preferred vehicle type, note that too, whether it is an automatic, an estate for extra luggage or a people carrier for a larger group. It is also worth recording roughly how many passengers and bags will travel with you, since this gives the team something concrete to work from. If any drivers have particular preferences, such as needing an automatic gearbox, listing these early can shape which vehicle groups are suggested when you ask for a quote.
Planning the Return Leg
If your trip involves coming back at a different time or on a different day, note both directions when you enquire rather than only the outward journey. Consider whether the return might fall on a weekend or outside normal hours, and write down any flexibility you have around collection and drop-off times. It can also help to think about where the car will be handed back, especially if that differs from where you received it. If the return timing depends on another appointment or event, keep a note of that commitment so you can share it if asked. Any questions about late returns or amended dates can be raised with the team before you commit, leaving you with a clear record of what was agreed.
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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.