When hiring a car in Northern Ireland, potential renters benefit from clear and organized information to make informed decisions. Tables are an excellent way to present this information concisely and effectively.
Here are several types of information tables that would be particularly useful:
1. Car Types and Pricing – Summary Table
| Car Type | Example Models | Passenger Capacity | Luggage Capacity | Daily Rate (£) | Weekly Rate (£) | Fuel Efficiency (mpg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Ford Fiesta, VW Polo | 4 | 2 small bags | £20 | £120 | 50-60 |
| Compact | Vauxhall Astra, VW Golf | 5 | 2 large bags | £25 | £150 | 45-55 |
| Midsize | Ford Mondeo, VW Passat | 5 | 3 large bags | £30 | £180 | 35-45 |
| Full-Size | BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 | 5 | 4 large bags | £40 | £240 | 30-40 |
| SUV | Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga | 5-7 | 3-4 large bags | £50 | £300 | 25-35 |
| Minivan | Ford Galaxy, VW Sharan | 7-8 | 4 large bags | £60 | £360 | 20-30 |
| Luxury | Mercedes E-Class, Audi A8 | 5 | 4 large bags | £80 | £480 | 25-35 |
2. Insurance Coverage Comparison Table
| Insurance Type | Coverage Details | Cost per Day (£) | Excess/Deductible (£) | Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Insurance (CDW) | Covers damage to rental vehicle, up to agreed excess amount | Included | £500 – £1,000 | Collision, Theft | Tires, Windows, Underbody, Roof |
| Super Collision Damage Waiver | Reduces or eliminates excess/deductible | £10 – £20 | £0 – £200 | Collision, Theft, Vandalism | Tires, Windows, Underbody, Roof (may vary) |
| Personal Accident Insurance | Covers medical expenses for driver and passengers | £5 – £10 | £0 | Medical treatment, hospital stay, accidental death | Personal belongings, property damage |
| Third-Party Liability | Covers damage to other vehicles and property | Included | £0 | Legal liability for damage to third parties | Damage to rental car |
| Additional Driver Insurance | Adds coverage for an additional driver | £5 – £10 | £0 | Same coverage as main driver | Unlisted drivers |
3. Fuel Policy Comparison Table
| Fuel Policy Type | Description | Pros | Cons | Potential Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-to-Full | Pick up with a full tank, return with a full tank | Fair pricing, only pay for what you use | Must refuel before return | Fuel cost + potential refueling charge if not full |
| Full-to-Empty | Pay for a full tank upfront, return as empty as possible | No need to refuel before return | Pay for unused fuel, often more expensive | Prepaid fuel cost, no refund for unused fuel |
| Same-to-Same | Return with the same fuel level as at pickup | More flexible than Full-to-Full | Difficult to match exact level | Fuel cost, potential charge if not matched |
4. Required Documents Checklist
| Document | Required? | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Driving Licence | Yes | Photocard licence, must be valid and in good standing | Some companies require you to have held it for 1-2 years |
| International Driving Permit | Sometimes | Required if licence is not in English | Check specific rental company requirements |
| Passport | Yes | For identification purposes, especially for non-UK residents | Must be valid throughout the rental period |
| Proof of Address | Yes | Recent utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill | Must be within the last 3 months |
| Credit/Debit Card | Yes | Used for payment and security deposit | Ensure it has sufficient funds/credit available |
| Rental Agreement | Yes | Signed contract outlining terms and conditions | Review carefully before signing |
| Insurance Documentation | Recommended | Proof of insurance coverage, if using personal or credit card insurance | May help avoid purchasing additional insurance |
5. Roadside Assistance Coverage Table
| Service Included | Details | Included with Basic Package? | Additional Cost (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Emergency Callout | Access to help at any time, day or night | Yes | Included |
| Towing Service | Towing the vehicle to the nearest repair facility | Sometimes | £10 – £20 per day |
| Flat Tire Assistance | Help with replacing a flat tire | Sometimes | £5 – £10 per day |
| Battery Jump Start | Assistance with jump-starting a dead battery | Sometimes | £5 – £10 per day |
| Lockout Service | Help if you’re locked out of the vehicle | Sometimes | £5 – £10 per day |
| Emergency Fuel Delivery | Delivery of fuel if you run out | Sometimes | £5 – £10 per day |
| Replacement Vehicle | Provision of a replacement vehicle if needed | Sometimes | £15 – £30 per day |
6. Age Restrictions and Fees Table
| Age Range | Eligible for Car Hire? | Additional Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-20 | Sometimes | High surcharges (£20-£50/day) | Limited to smaller, economy cars; check availability |
| 21-24 | Yes | Moderate surcharges (£10-£30/day) | May be restricted to certain car categories |
| 25-70 | Yes | No additional fees | Full range of vehicles available |
| 71+ | Sometimes | Potential surcharges (£10-£20/day) | Check specific company age policies |
7. Driving Regulations in Northern Ireland Table
| Driving Regulation | Details | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Speed Limits | Urban: 30 mph, Rural: 60 mph, Motorways: 70 mph | Speed cameras are common; fines for speeding are strictly enforced |
| Driving on the Left | Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road | Be extra cautious at roundabouts and when turning |
| Seat Belt Laws | Mandatory for all passengers, front and rear | Failure to comply results in fines and penalty points |
| Alcohol Limits | 50 mg per 100 ml of blood for most drivers | Stricter limits (20 mg) for new or professional drivers |
| Mobile Phone Use | Hands-free only while driving | Fines and penalty points for violations |
| Child Car Seats | Required for children under 12 or shorter than 135 cm | Rental companies often provide car seats for an additional fee |
8. Popular Rental Locations and Facilities Table
| Location | Facilities Available | Distance from City Centre | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast International Airport | Full-service car hire desks, parking, fuel stations nearby | 18 miles | +44 28 9442 8333 |
| Belfast City Airport | Car hire desks, parking, easy access to Belfast city centre | 3 miles | +44 28 9093 9093 |
| Derry/Londonderry Airport | Car hire desks, parking, access to Causeway Coastal Route | 7 miles | +44 28 7181 0784 |
| Belfast City Centre | Multiple hire locations, near public transport, parking available | Central | Various (depends on specific company) |
| Port of Larne | Convenient for ferry arrivals, parking, car hire desks | 24 miles | +44 28 2827 2525 |
These tables provide clear, easy-to-reference information for people considering car hire in Northern Ireland, helping them make informed decisions and prepare adequately for their rental experience.