Chauffeur Service

Are you being driven around the bend looking for a chauffeur service? We can steer you back onto the right road in style.

How to find the right chauffeur-driven limousine service for your VIP

A chauffeur service provides drivers and limousines to perform what is essentially a luxury taxi service. The major difference between the two being the standard of the service - vehicles and drivers plus the concept that, in many cases, the journey is as important as the arrival at the destination. The principal function of the service, of course, being removing the need for the client to drive thus allowing him or her to relax or carry on other functions.

Apart from their use on special occasions, there are two main types of chauffeur service:

Journeys to and from fixed points - eg to the airport. Having a chauffeur-driven limousine means that the passengers can either relax or carry on working right until check-in.

Collecting important guests. A chauffeur can either save the guest from having to find their way or allow them to relax in preparation for an important meeting. It is also possible to bring the meeting forward so that it can take place in the car while the chauffeur drives.

In either case, it is important to make sure that you book the time and type of vehicle appropriate for your needs. Here are some factors to consider before getting a quotation for your chauffeur service.

How many passengers?
How much luggage?
Any particular make, model or colour of car you require?
What distance or route will be travelled?
Time and place of arrival and completion?
How critical is timing?
Will the chauffeur be required to wait anywhere?
Will the chauffeur be asked to wear a particular uniform?
Are there any overnight stops or anti-social hours to be worked?
Any parking or width restrictions?
Will the VIP require high security?
Are darkened windows needed?
Any communications facilities needed in the car?
Any other facilities the car needs to have (mini-bar, television)?

Armed with that information, approach the chauffeur-services in your area. You will ideally need to do this several weeks in advance as the best drivers are in demand and soon get booked up. Ask about what happens if there is a breakdown and what back-up is available.

An advance-booked chauffeur service is not cheap and may be outside of some budgets. There is a way, however, of getting a chauffeur-driven car for less using the 'Any Car, Any Driver' service. Using this service, a particular car, model or driver is not promised and the company will issue whoever is available at the time. Of course, this time may not be exactly when the chauffeur was needed and this may result in the passengers having to kill time waiting for the car to arrive. It also means that there is no possibility of guaranteeing a 'regular' driver who knows the routes and the whims of the clients.

This probably renders the 'Any Car, Any Driver' service unsuitable for most businesses.

Before booking, discuss the breakdown coverage, insurance, types of limousines, cleanliness and experience with the company providing the chauffeur. Ask about previous clients - if they name names then they cannot be considered to be discreet. Tell the service that you will require the chauffeur's name and cell-phone number as soon as your booking has been allocated. This will enable you to give last-minute instructions and directions.

Whether you are booking on behalf of your family looking to start their holiday a few hours early with a chauffeur-driven trip to the airport or whether you are trying to impress a VIP with your professionalism, it is essential that you get an experienced chauffeur and a quality car - hence the need to choose the right chauffeur service.