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.
How the right vehicle is confirmed
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.
Building flexibility into your day plan
A flexible plan for the day begins with a simple list of the places you intend to be and the times that matter. Mark the fixed points first, such as a check-in, a meeting or a ferry. If the car is needed for more than one day, note the dates for each part and whether collection or delivery suits you better at either end. Write down who will be driving and their details, since the team will ask. Where a stop might run long, decide in advance how late you could be before it becomes a problem, and keep a phone number for anyone waiting. Sharing this outline when you enquire lets the team quote for the dates and vehicle group that match the plan.
Packing for a short break
Packing for a short break is a good moment to think about the car you book rather than the bags themselves. List what you plan to take: a suitcase each, a set of golf clubs, a pushchair or a folding bike, and note the rough size of the largest item. If the boot space matters to you, ask the team which vehicle groups, from an estate to an SUV or a people carrier, are suited to that amount of luggage. Keep a separate note of anything you need access to during the journey, such as coats or a changing bag. Record your travel dates, the address where the car should be delivered or collected, and a contact number for the place you are staying, in case timings need confirming.
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Things to check 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.















