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.
Notes to make before a work trip
Write down the dates first, including any early start or late finish that might affect when you collect or return the car. List the travellers who will be in the vehicle and the equipment each one carries, such as laptops, sample cases, display stands or tools, noting approximate dimensions for anything bulky. If the trip involves visiting clients or a site, record the addresses and a contact name and number for each stop, in case plans change on the day. A short itinerary, ordered by time, keeps the schedule clear. When you ask for a quote, you can also raise questions about delivery or collection arrangements and about which vehicle options might suit your needs.
Getting a short break list together
A weekend away tends to gather more than you expect, so build the list before you pack. Start with the number of travellers and the nights away, then decide who shares a case and who packs separately, writing the final bag count beside the passenger count. Add any non-suitcase items, such as a folded pushchair, a cool bag or walking boots, with rough measurements where size is uncertain. Note your departure day and return day, plus the address where the car would be collected or delivered. If you are still weighing options, ask the team whether an estate suits your list or a people carrier matches it, and mention any other questions when you request a price.
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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.















