Chauffeur Services, VIP Travel and Concierge Services
Chauffeur and concierge services can help organise journeys, arrivals and special occasions. This guide explains what different services may include, what to check and how to avoid unexpected charges. Sixpence Support UK provides this information free of charge. Providers charge for their services.
Chauffeur-driven cars
A chauffeur service may offer pre-booked executive travel for meetings, events or personal journeys. Ask about the vehicle, passenger and luggage capacity, driver arrangements and whether the quote is for a journey or a period of time. Confirm the actual vehicle or permitted substitute rather than relying on promotional photographs.
Airport transfers and meet-and-greet
Confirm the meeting point, whether the driver will monitor your flight, the included waiting time and charges for delays, parking and extra stops. Airport meet-and-greet may mean a driver meeting you in arrivals; it does not automatically include lounge access or help through security. Check any airport service with the airport or authorised provider.
Weddings and special occasions
Ask how long the car is available, the number of journeys, decoration arrangements, backup plans and cancellation terms. Check licensing requirements for the precise service with the relevant licensing authority; do not assume rules for wedding or funeral vehicles apply to ordinary executive travel.
VIP travel and treatment
“VIP” is a marketing description, not a guarantee of a standard package. Ask for a written list of inclusions, such as luggage assistance, refreshments, lounge access or priority services. Confirm who provides each service and whether reservations are secured. Providers cannot promise to bypass official border, immigration or security requirements.
Concierge services
Concierge help may include restaurant and hotel reservations, tickets, itinerary planning and coordinating transport. Agree what the provider can book, your budget and whether they need approval before spending. Ask whether they charge per request, by subscription or through commissions, and who holds the actual booking. A concierge cannot guarantee access to sold-out events or exclusive venues unless a confirmed booking is provided.
Check licensing and insurance
For ordinary paid chauffeur or executive-car journeys, ask which authority licenses the service and check relevant driver, vehicle and operator details. Private hire services should be booked through the appropriate licensed booking arrangements. Requirements and exemptions vary by service and UK nation, so confirm with the relevant authority rather than treating every chauffeur service alike. Ask about insurance covering the booked service.
Guidance including links to different arrangements in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
London-specific guidance and access to licence checks.
Find council contact details for local licensing enquiries where applicable.
Northern Ireland licensing information.
Prices and written bookings
Check VAT, minimum hours, mileage, waiting, parking, tolls, airport fees, extra stops, overtime and gratuities. For concierge services, check membership fees, commissions, third-party costs and refunds. Request written confirmation with dates, pick-up details, service inclusions, contact information and cancellation terms. Avoid paying simply for vague promises of “VIP access”.
Accessibility and family needs
Tell the provider about assistance needs before booking. Ask about getting into the vehicle, space for mobility equipment, assistance dogs and any suitable vehicle options. For children, agree appropriate seating arrangements in advance. Verify luggage capacity and any adjustments needed; an executive vehicle is not automatically accessible.
Questions to ask
- Who is the contracting business, and who actually supplies each service?
- Can I verify the relevant licences and insurance?
- What vehicle and driver arrangements are confirmed?
- What happens if the driver is late or a booking cannot be fulfilled?
- Is telephone assistance available during the journey?
- Who receives my travel details and personal information?
- Are ticket and hotel purchases made in my name?
- What are the full fees, cancellation terms and complaint arrangements?
Finding a provider
Search for the service and your location, compare written quotes and check recent independent feedback. Verify licensing claims with the issuing authority. For concierge services, establish the business's identity and confirm reservations directly with the venue where practical. Do not share sensitive travel plans publicly.
If something goes wrong
Contact the provider promptly and keep the booking confirmation, invoice and correspondence. Raise concerns about licensed transport with the appropriate licensing authority. For an immediate emergency, call 999.
Our role
Sixpence Support UK provides information and signposting. We do not book cars, sell VIP packages, arrange reservations or endorse individual providers. Confirm prices, availability and service details directly before paying.
Information checked: 3 October 2026.