Car Hire Hayle

Begin With the Cover and Cost Questions

Ask early what the price includes and what happens if the car is damaged or breaks down. A daily rate tells you little until you know the excess and whether anything reduces it. One hirer we'll imagine, a teacher on a week's holiday, compares two quotes and finds the dearer one works out cheaper once protection is added. Get those figures in writing first.

Find the Licence and Gather Every Driver's Documents

Before you enquire, dig out your photocard licence and check how long you've held it, since some firms set a minimum. If your partner will share the driving, they'll need their own licence and ID ready too. A first-timer who forgets this often discovers at the counter that a second driver can't be added. Sorting documents first avoids that scramble.

Offer the Journeys Rather Than a Model Name

Instead of asking for a specific make, describe what the week looks like: motorway stretches, tight village lanes, a boot big enough for two suitcases and a pushchair. The supplier can then suggest something that fits. A named model might sound appealing, but your actual journeys are the useful information. Whether a particular vehicle is free will depend on when you travel, so keep an open mind.

Set a Hire Window That Allows for Everything Else

Build slack into your dates rather than booking the exact hours of your flights or train. Arrival delays, a slow handover or wanting the car until evening on departure day all stretch a tight window. One imagined customer pads each end with half a day and finds the relaxed pace worth the small extra cost. A comfortable margin beats a rushed return.

Common Questions