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.
Travelling with children and bags
Should a family holiday be on the cards, some early preparation can make the hire enquiry easier to handle. Begin by noting how many children will be in the car and their approximate ages, as this can influence which vehicle group you discuss with the team. Count the bags next, splitting them into small carry items and larger suitcases, and measure any folded pushchairs or booster seats you plan to bring. If you are unsure whether a particular vehicle group suits your list, ask the question directly when you enquire rather than assuming. Have your dates and driver details ready alongside this summary, and mention where you would like the car delivered or collected. Questions about child seat provision and luggage space for a specific model are worth raising before you book.
Coordinating more than one passenger
When several passengers are sharing one car, a little coordination goes a long way towards a clear booking. You may want to agree who the main driver is and confirm their details first, then collect the names and contact numbers of everyone else travelling. Ask each person how much luggage they expect to bring and note any bulky items such as golf clubs or musical equipment, since the combined total affects the vehicle group you discuss. Setting out the itinerary in advance, including pick-up times and drop-off points, helps each traveller know what to expect. If plans alter, decide who updates the hire team and how. Before confirming, check whether any passenger still has unanswered questions about the vehicle, the dates or the collection arrangement.
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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.