Booking a car for a Devon escape works best when you treat it as a timeline rather than a single transaction. Work out what the vehicle must carry, when you will collect and return it, and what the agreement actually commits you to, then you can put precise questions to the rental desk.
Match the car to your party and their luggage
Begin with an honest headcount, then add the awkward items: suitcases, walking boots, wetsuits, a pushchair, perhaps a cool box. A model that seats five adults comfortably may still swallow only a fraction of their bags, so compare boot dimensions against your actual load rather than seat totals alone. If comfort over longer distances matters, a full day's driving with several aboard, a roomier cabin usually earns its keep. Fleet availability shifts with the seasons, so a particular class may not be open for booking at the moment you enquire.
Time your collection and return around the trip
Set your handover window against your real arrival, not an optimistic estimate, since a mismatch can leave your party idling at the counter. Think about whether a weekend or midweek pick-up suits your itinerary better, and how far ahead you need to reserve during busier months. Confirm what happens if you return later than scheduled, and whether any grace period applies before extra charges begin.
Read the terms before you commit
Deposits, excess waivers and fuel expectations are where surprises hide. Ask how the security deposit is taken, which payment methods the provider accepts for it, and what reducing your excess would cost or involve. Check the fuel policy in the written agreement, whether the car should come back full, or on some other basis, so the final handover holds no drama.
Prepare a short enquiry list
Arrive at the enquiry with specifics: your dates, party size, luggage volume, and whether more than one adult will drive. Ask how an additional motorist affects the paperwork, what age thresholds apply to extra drivers, and whether every licence holder must attend collection. A prepared list gets you a straight answer quickly.
Questions before you book
What should I settle before booking a hire car in Salcombe?
Fix your dates and collection window first, then size the vehicle against passengers and luggage together. Once those are settled, review the deposit, excess and fuel terms so nothing in the agreement catches you out.
How do I arrange a second driver for my Salcombe car hire?
Raise it at the enquiry stage rather than at collection. Ask the provider what documentation the extra driver needs, whether they must be present at handover, and what age or licence conditions apply to them.
