There can be moments when you wish someone else could drive for you. Perhaps you’re travelling in a new city and driving on unfamiliar roads, which can be challenging. Or maybe you and your loved ones are on your way to a special occasion, and you want someone else to drive you to the location so you can relax in the backseat. During any of these situations, it can be an excellent time to hire a private chauffeur.
Furthermore, having a private chauffeur isn’t only safer than taxis but can also offer a comfortable and convenient ride for you. But before booking the first chauffeur service you see online, there are certain questions you’ll need to ask them first to see if they’re the right one for you.
This article lists seven questions you should ask when hiring a private chauffeur and choosing a car service. Keep reading!
- Do You Have A Valid And Up-To-Date Driver’s and Operating Licenses?
This is the first thing you should ask before hiring a private chauffeur. Ensure that your chauffeur has the complete driving documents to do their job. While some private drivers only have the standard driver’s license, others working under reputable luxury car escort services may also be required to have a chauffeur’s license to be considered professional drivers. Having complete and valid driving documents will signify that these chauffeurs are reliable and can be trusted.
- How Well-Trained Are The Drivers In Your Chauffeur Services?
Professional private chauffeurs often work under a car escort service or chauffeur company. The various training these drivers receive from their company may tell a lot about the reputation and reliability of their services. Thus, don’t forget to ask them how well-trained they are in their company.
Other sub-questions you can ask may include:
- Are they regularly trained to improve their driving skills?
- Does their company conduct training or seminars about the latest trends in the chauffeur industry?
- Do they receive enough training and lessons about traffic rules and policies?
Chauffeurs and drivers who receive regular training will assure you that they have excellent driving skills and are always up to date with the modes of professionalism and safety procedures when driving their clients around.
- Are Your Vehicles Regularly Upkept?
Private chauffeur services generally offer a wide range of vehicle types to cater to the different needs of their clients, such as limousines, luggage vans, buses, and coaches. However, they must also keep up with the care and maintenance of their vehicles to provide consistent driving services. Thus, when hiring a private chauffeur, ask about the upkeep and maintenance of their vehicles.
Ask them about how regularly they check and maintain their fleet of cars. Do they change the oil regularly? Do they check the tires before every drive? Do they always clean the exterior and interior of the vehicle before using it for their next client? How a chauffeur company takes care of their vehicles can say a lot about its conduct and service quality.
- How Long Have You Been Using Your Vehicles?
You must be aware of the age of the cars they use. Older cars may not anymore be suitable for longer trips. Furthermore, older vehicles tend to have higher mileage which can be a safety hazard for the passengers. So, ask the chauffeur about how long they’ve been using their vehicles. If their cars are over five years old, consider looking for another car escort company that uses newer vehicles.
- How Much Is Your Chauffeur Service?
One of the crucial factors to consider when hiring a chauffeur service is the service fee. Generally, the chauffeur’s service fee may depend on the number of hours you wish to avail of their service, the type of vehicle you book, the number of passengers, and how far the trip will be. Look for a private chauffeur that can offer you a reasonable price. You can also ask for quotations from different chauffeurs and compare their prices to see which suits your budget.
You can also ask what other inclusions are in their rate. For instance, some companies may include complimentary snacks and water bottles in the vehicle for their passengers during the trip.
- Do You Follow Safety Precautions?
Hiring a private chauffeur means entrusting someone of your well-being to drive you safely to your destination. Thus, make sure to ask whether they follow safety precautions. Do they check the seatbelts regularly to see if they’re in working condition before picking up their next clients? Do they have a spare tire available in a flat tire emergency? Or do they have the complete tools to repair the vehicle?
It’s also essential to know if the chauffeur has a first aid kit in the vehicle in case of emergencies during the trip. Ultimately, a reputable chauffeur service will ensure all drivers follow safety precautions to guarantee their passengers a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience.
- Can You Show Me Customer Reviews Or Testimonials?
Another way to tell if a chauffeur or its company is trustworthy and reliable is through customer reviews and testimonials. Ask them if they can provide you with comments or reviews from their previous clients. Reading customer reviews will help you have a clearer idea about the company’s service quality and their customers’ level of satisfaction. If they aren’t willing to show any review or feedback, it can be a huge sign that they don’t have a good reputation or great relationship with their previous passengers.
Wrapping Up
Hiring a private chauffeur may have plenty of benefits, but you must ensure first that you hire the best one for the job. Remember, not only are they in charge of driving you to your destination, but you’re also entrusting them with your safety and well-being. So, keep these questions and ask them to prospective chauffeurs to ensure you’re hiring the right person.
