Whether you need a car for an airport transfer, company event or executive travel, there are a few things you should know upfront. Your peace of mind, and possibly much more, depend on it.

1. Car Service Safety:
9 Questions to Ask
Before You Book
Whether you need a car for an airport transfer, company
event or executive travel, there are a few things you should
know upfront. Your peace of mind, and possibly much
more, depend on it.

2. 1. Have you ever heard of this
company? What is their reputation?
Reputation is everything. Do your research. Ask for references
from previous customers. Look online for
reviews, recommendations, and feedback, both positive and
negative. If you’re booking for your organization, consider
investigating the company’s business history.
Many limousine companies partner with third-party providers so
they can serve more customers. Others are simply “middlemen”
who don’t own any of their own vehicles. A reputable company
will be upfront about this because they have nothing to hide.

3. 2. Did you ask someone you trust for a
recommendation?
Word of mouth is still the best way to find products or services
that are tried-and-true. If a person you trust has had a great
experience with a car service — or a particular driver — it’s well
worth your time to look into that service.

4. 3. Does the company have the ability
and the authority to provide the
service you need?
Check to see that the car company has appropriate operating authority for your
needs. All providers should be licensed by the U.S. Department of
Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
They should have access to a variety of vehicles with skilled and trained
operators for each; the ability to operate within a certain city; and the
authorization to drive across state lines.
Additionally, all drivers and chauffeurs should have appropriate licensing for
the vehicles and routes they operate. All car service providers should hold their
drivers accountable for being in compliance with DOT CDL requirements for
physical exams and other tests.

5. 4. Which is more important to you:
safety or price?
While cost is always a consideration, your safety — and that of
your employees or loved ones — is obviously far more important.
Don’t take the chance of an accident, injury or worse, just
because it will be easier on your wallet. If you value your
safety, your car service should too.

6. 5. Is the car service provider active
in industry organizations?
Ask if the car service is an active member of their local livery
association and the National Limousine Association. This will
show that they’re committed to service and industry
standards, and aren’t afraid to show it.

7. 6. Have their chauffeurs and drivers
had safety training?
Ask what driver safety training the car company provides. If they
don’t have a training program or give a vague, uncertain
answer, that’s a red flag. Driver safety should be a car service
provider’s foremost concern.
Chauffeurs need professional training, including extensive safety
programs to avoid preventable accidents. Quality car service
providers will invest in this training for their employees.

8. 7. Do they conduct criminal
background checks on chauffeurs?
Has the car service provider done adequate research on their
employees? Before hiring a driver, companies should:
• Conduct criminal background checks
• Check references
• Verify previous employment
Companies who want to go above and beyond can also:
• Research employee driving records and violation history
• Require a pre-employment drug test and random drug testing thereafter
• Ensure drivers have never received a D.U.I/O.U.I.

9. 8.Are all vehicles certified by the
manufacturers?
All cars that are built to be limousines should be certified by
manufacturers. This means that all Ford/Lincoln vehicles pass
QVM (Qualified Vehicle Modifier) guidelines, and Cadillacs
adhere to CMC (Cadillac Master Coachbuilder) guidelines.
These certifications ensure that the vehicle is up to factory
standards and wasn’t manufactured with potential risks.

10. 9. Do they have insurance?And if
so, is it enough?
All limousine and car service companies need to have insurance.
They should carry valid, current insurance protection for their
entire fleet and should be more than happy to show you
documentation.
But do they have enough insurance? Does the provider have
protocols in place to reduce the risk of harm? Usually the
mandated insurance is an inadequate amount that is easily
exceeded. Be sure your car service provider is ready to cover you
in case of accident or catastrophic injury.

11. To learn more about chauffeured car service and
BostonCoach, follow us:
Twitter: @BostonCoachInc
Facebook: http://facebook.com/bostoncoachinc
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/bostoncoach
To book a ride, go to BostonCoach.comor call 800.672.7676.