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.
Preparing Questions Before a Quote
Begin by noting the dates you need the car, the details of everyone who will drive it, and where you would like to collect it or have it delivered. Once those basics are written down, think about what else you want to ask. Jot down questions about the vehicle groups on offer, such as whether an automatic or an estate would suit your plans, and anything you are unsure about regarding delivery or collection options. If your trip involves a specific destination, note the contact details of whoever is receiving you there in case timings change. Listing your questions in advance means the conversation with the team can cover the vehicle group, arrangements and price in one go rather than piecemeal, and any gaps you notice can be raised immediately.
Organising a Longer Stay
What does a week or more behind the wheel actually involve? If the hire covers an extended period, it helps to map out the days in advance. Write down the start and end dates, the places you expect to be on each day, and how many people and bags will travel with you. Note any items with unusual dimensions, such as ski equipment, a bicycle rack or extra-large suitcases, since these may influence which vehicle group fits your plans. Record the contact details for accommodation or hosts along the way, and think about whether your itinerary might change mid-stay. Questions worth raising with the team include collection or delivery arrangements, and anything about the vehicle group that remains unclear before you confirm the price.
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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.