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.
Mapping Out an Arrival-Day Itinerary
What does your first day actually look like? If you are collecting a car on arrival, sketch the day's order of events before you enquire. Note the time you land or reach the collection point, how long you expect any formalities to take, and where you need to be later, such as an accommodation check-in or a meeting. List the stops you plan to make and roughly when, so you can discuss whether the hire start time matches. If the day involves picking up other passengers along the way, record their locations and times too. Useful questions for your quote include whether the collection time can shift if your arrival is delayed, and what the arrangements are for returning the car at the end of the hire.
Coordinating Several Passengers in One Car
If more than one person is travelling with you, it helps to settle the passenger arrangements early. List everyone who will be in the car, including any children with their ages, and note which legs of the trip each person is joining for. Ask passengers what luggage they are bringing and record the count and rough size of each bag, from cabin-sized cases to larger suitcases. If someone has a pushchair, musical instrument or bulky item, measure it and add it to the list. This information helps the team discuss which vehicle group might suit your party. When requesting a quote, you might ask whether different vehicles are available for different dates if your party size changes partway through.
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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.