Car rental vs. hiring a professional driver service

Chauffeured car services are often thought of as an extravagant transportation option only for the most elite travelers. However, there are several factors that should be considered when choosing local ground transportation, many of which may tip the scales toward using a professional driver service.

Stress management

Navigating through unfamiliar areas can be very stressful, even during the best conditions. When a traveler needs to put his or her best foot forward for an important event the last thing they need is to worry about getting lost, not knowing the best way to get around traffic, or encountering an unexpected detour. A professional driver can eliminate or minimize these common travel issues. 

Time maximization

From being greeted at the terminal to being dropped off at the airport, using a professional driver service can save valuable time since the traveler does not have to build in an added cushion to find and ride the shuttle to/from the rental car facility and go through the rental/drop-off process. Travelers also do not have to worry about finding a parking spot and then walking to their final destination, which can also add significant time especially in urban areas. Trips to the gas station are not needed. Plus, travelers can use all transit time in the car to prepare for the upcoming meeting or catch up on business or other correspondence, which can be especially valuable in high traffic destinations.

Liability

Even if a traveler feels confident driving themselves around their destination, there is always the possibility of an accident. The customer may be covered if they accepted the rental company’s expensive insurance plan or are counting on their company’s insurance or their own personal insurance. However, car services carry their own insurance, so the professional driver is the one liable for any accidents. The traveler doesn’t incur any extra costs or have to deal with any of the time-consuming follow up work required if they are behind the wheel during an accident.

Actual costs

Renting a car typically comes with a lot of extra costs, which start with added taxes and surcharges that are notoriously tacked on to your car rental bill. Then consider, are you taking the extra insurance, or do you need to rent a GPS, or a toll payment transponder?  What about the cost of gas and parking fees, which can be a significant expense in urban areas. When you add up all these extra expenses, booking a professional driver service may not cost that much more and, when you factor in the other benefits, may actually be the best choice for your local ground transportation needs.

Over the years, the professional driver service model has evolved.  Travelers can still arrange for car service through a traditional chauffeured service company like Carey, which is well known for delivering worldclass chauffeured services using a fleet of premium executive and luxury vehicles aimed at discerning travelers. However, travelers can also utilize their Embarque product, which also provides flexible car service through a team of professional drivers and a fleet of fuel-efficient, late-model sedans. Embarque is a smart alternative that raises the bar on efficiency and productivity, for any class of traveler.

For more information on maximizing your ground transportation options contact your professional Adelman travel consultant.