Driver Debate: the Chauffeur & Private Hire
Are you a Chauffeur or not a Chauffeur?
Recently I was set the task to find out “What are the top 5 essentials for a Chauffeur to have?” as a marketing exercise. I was expecting to get things that a Chauffeur would find essential to have with them on the job – such as a first aid kit, bottled water, tissues and umbrella etc. However, I think something got lost in translation – and instead I was getting feedback on essentials which make a Chauffeur. So this got me thinking, what do people think makes a Chauffeur? Being an insurance broker who supplies private hire insurance aimed at Chauffeurs; we like to think we know what makes a Chauffeur to us. But is our opinion different to others? Do people think anyone can go and get an S Class (or other luxury saloon car) and call themselves a Chauffeur? I’m interested to know what people think are the differences between being a private hire driver in a nice car, to being a Chauffeur driver? And more importantly, do others think there is a difference like we do?How to get the answer?
To answer this question I turned to social media and our client database; and I’ve got to say I was pleased with the replies. It appears that what we thought made a Chauffeur was similar to what most people were saying.Not to sound like ‘Family Fortunes’ but I asked 100 people and 100 said: –
Water | Discretion |
Newspapers | Patience |
Magazines | Rapport building when the need arises |
Discreet attitude | Immaculate vehicles |
Professionalism | Smart attire |
Excellent communication skills | Free Wi-Fi |
Competitive pricing | Number one priority: The client |
Punctuality | Positive Attitude |
Reliability | The client must leave happier than when he/she got into your car. |
Flexibility | Superb Meet & Greet |
Seamless service | Assisted Check-In service |

Photo ©Plan Insurance
We at Plan Insurance Brokers have a saying; and it is so ingrained it is even on our office wall – “Care for your clients or someone else will”