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.
Picking a suitable car
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 driver preferences
Note down what the main driver actually wants from the car before you enquire, because those preferences shape the vehicle group you ask about. Some drivers prefer an automatic for stop-start driving or unfamiliar roads, while others are happy with a manual and find it familiar. Think about seat height, ease of parking, and whether the driver would rather have a smaller car or extra space for passengers and bags. If more than one person may drive, record each person's details and their preferences, then compare them to see where they overlap. Where preferences conflict, decide which one matters most for this trip and note the compromise you have settled on, so you can state it clearly when the time comes to request a quote for specific dates.
Coordinating several passengers
When more than one passenger is travelling, a short shared plan keeps everyone informed. List who is coming, where each person needs to be picked up or dropped off, and any time constraints they have, such as a train to catch or an appointment to attend. Ask for a contact number for everyone in the group, then note whose phone should be called first if arrangements shift. Agree how much luggage each person is bringing, including any large or awkward items, and whether anyone needs particular seating for comfort. Share the final itinerary with the group before the hire date so nobody is guessing, and update it if plans change, because the details you originally noted may no longer match the booking you confirmed.
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Last checks 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.















