Booking chauffeured car service, whether for an airport transfer, a multi-day corporate gala, or a wedding, can be intimidating. There are many questions and uncertainties involved with this process, especially if you’ve never reserved ground transportation before or you’re unfamiliar with the company.
How can you be sure you’re booking with a reliable, reputable transportation provider? How can you be certain you can trust your chauffeur? How can you ensure that the company has the vehicle you need?
To help you sort out your questions and concerns before booking chauffeured transportation, we’ve compiled a list of questions you need to ask your provider before you make a reservation.
1. What is the company’s reputation?
A simple online search for “Company name” plus the word “reviews” will give you insight into the level of service a company provides. We recommend looking at Google, Yelp, or Facebook reviews first to ensure you’re booking with a quality, reputable company that consistently offers a higher level of service.
Additionally, a company’s membership in certain professional organizations offers insight into the quality of their service, as well as their reputation within the industry.
2. What types of vehicles are available?
Do a thorough scan of the company’s fleet on their website. Write down the type of vehicle(s) that best suits your needs, and ask for it specifically when you’re ready to book. Make sure you ask your Reservationist to check the specific times to ensure that the vehicle is available for the duration of your event.
Pro tip: As you’re preparing to book, think about why you need transportation in the first place. For example, if you’re planning a wedding, you may need a luxury Sprinter van, minibus, or another large vehicle that can transport your guests. Not all companies will be able to accommodate groups of 2 to 500+.
3. What is the company’s cleaning process?
In a post-COVID world, cleaning and sanitation practices have become extremely important. Make sure the company you are considering has a well documented cleaning and sanitation process in place before you reserve your transportation.
4. How are the chauffeurs hired?
Before you book, get an accurate idea of the company’s hiring practices. You deserve to know what you are entitled to in your experience, and that includes how the company vets the people who sit behind the wheel.
There is a difference between a for-hire driver and a professional chauffeur. A professional chauffeur is a company employee who has been background-checked and carefully interviewed before being hired. Their driving history will have been thoroughly examined, and they will be very familiar with the company’s policies and history of service. They are professionally trained and properly insured. Know which types of employees the company hires.
5. How much does it cost?
Many ground transportation companies share billing information directly on their websites. Read that information if it’s available, and go over the billing process again while you’re on the phone with your Reservationist. For hourly charters, you’ll want to understand if there is a deposit required, if there is minimum number of hours, if gratuity is included, or if amenities incur additional costs. For point-to-point transportation, such as an airport transfer, you’ll want to confirm if all fees are included in a price quote.
6. Is the company’s contact information readily available?
Contact information is vital because you should know exactly who to reach with certain questions regarding your reservation. Changing your pickup location, choosing a different vehicle, or requesting certain amenities is so much easier when you know who to call.
7. What is the cancellation policy?
Life happens and your plans may get disrupted. Understanding your provider’s Cancellation Policy beforehand helps set expectations. You’ll want to know how far in advance you can cancel without being charged or if there are any fees associated with a cancellation.
Chauffeured transportation isn’t something that should be left to chance. With these questions on hand, you’ll be able to get the answers you deserve to make a more important decision.