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.
Packing for a Short Break
The first decision worth settling is who travels with you and how much each person brings. Before requesting a quote, sketch a simple list: one medium suitcase per traveller, a pushchair, a set of golf clubs or a cool box, depending on the trip. Noting approximate dimensions and the number of soft bags versus rigid cases helps the team suggest a suitable group, whether that points towards an estate or a people carrier. You might also record the dates you want the car, including whether the return falls on a weekend or weekday, since this can shape the options presented. If collection or delivery matters, mention the address and any timing window you have in mind, leaving the remaining questions open for the team to answer.
Preparing for a Work Trip
For business travel, start by writing down the itinerary: the day you need the car, where meetings are held and when you expect to hand it back. If a colleague will also drive, gather their details early so the team can factor them into the quote. Think about what goes in the boot, too, perhaps a laptop bag, a folding display board or boxes of printed material, and note roughly how many items and their sizes. Where the trip involves visiting a client, note the contact name and number at each stop in case plans shift. If you have preferences around an automatic gearbox or an executive saloon for particular meetings, raise them when enquiring and keep a note of what still needs confirming before you commit.
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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.