Car Hire Over

Sort the Licence Before Anything Else

Start by collecting every licence you expect to put behind the wheel. A family sharing the drive to a christening might involve three relatives, each needing their own details recorded. Note licence numbers, issue dates and any endorsements now, because hunting for them later slows the whole enquiry down.

Fix Honest Dates, Then Write Well Ahead of Them

Decide your dates before composing anything. A vague 'a few days in spring' invites a vague answer, whereas 'collect Thursday, return Monday' lets someone price the job properly. If there's a chance the trip runs longer, build that slack into the first request rather than negotiating an extension afterwards.

Give Numbers for People and Luggage, Not a General Idea

Count heads and suitcases precisely. Five adults, two children and a pushchair tells a hire firm far more than 'something mid-size'. The same goes for the boot: golf clubs and a folded wheelchair demand different space than two overnight bags. Exact figures let someone match a car to the load.

Round Up Every Cost Question and Send It Together

List every money question in the first message: the daily rate, fuel policy, mileage limits and any charge for extra drivers. Batching them saves a round of emails and shows you've thought the trip through. One complete enquiry usually earns a fuller, more useful reply than five scattered ones.

Common Questions