Car Hire Linchmere

Know What Each Handover Involves

The collection handover typically means inspecting the car together, noting any marks on the condition sheet, and getting comfortable with the controls before you drive off. Returning it involves another walk-round and fuel check. If you're new to hiring, allow time to ask questions at both ends rather than treating either as a signature-and-go moment. A buyer collecting a car for a family visit, say, will want to know how the boot opens before setting off.

Choose Times With Room to Spare

Mid-morning collections often suit first-timers better than late-afternoon ones, simply because there's slack if something runs over. If your train into West Sussex is delayed, a handover booked with breathing space gives you a buffer. Equally, don't book a return minutes before you absolutely must be somewhere else. Getting the car back slightly early is rarely a problem; turning up flustered with the tank half empty is another matter.

Have Every Driver's Paperwork Ready Before the Day

Gather driving licences, a card for the payment, and any ID the provider asks for, then check the details match exactly. First-time hirers are often caught out by a licence still showing an old address, or by assuming a partner can drive when their documents weren't submitted. Sort this out days ahead, not in the car park. Whether a second driver can be added later depends on how busy the desk is, so it's worth raising early.

Settle the Car and the Cover Questions in the Same Message

When you enquire, bundle everything into one conversation: the size of car you need, whether a child seat or extra driver is wanted, and what the damage cover includes. A visitor heading to a wedding might need space for outfits and luggage, so mentioning that upfront gets a more useful answer. Waiting until collection to ask about cover tends to mean hurried decisions at the counter, which nobody enjoys making.

Common Questions