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.
Planning a Short Break by Car
One of the first decisions to settle is how many days you actually need the car for, since a weekend away and a full week can lead to quite different booking arrangements. Write down your departure and return dates, then list everyone travelling and the bags they expect to bring, noting whether cases are soft or rigid. If you are carrying anything unusual, such as a pushchair, golf clubs or a cool box, record its approximate dimensions. Think through the route you have in mind and any stops along the way, and note whether anyone will be collecting the vehicle or needs it delivered. Keeping these details in one place makes it easier to ask focused questions when requesting a quote.
Preparing for a Work Trip
If the hire is for work, begin by fixing the exact dates and times you will need the car, including any early starts or late finishes that might affect the booking. Note the number of colleagues travelling, any clients who will join for part of the journey, and the luggage or equipment each person will have, such as samples, display stands or laptop bags. Where items have unusual shapes or sizes, jot down their measurements. Sketch the itinerary in order, including meeting venues and any deliveries, and record contact details for whoever is receiving goods or expecting you at each stop. Listing the questions you still need answered, such as collection arrangements or vehicle group, gives the team a clear picture when you ask for a price.
Explore other car hire areas
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.















