11 Tips for hiring a tourist car and driver in India

by GOZO · April 4, 2018

The journey is equally important as our destination. When we are particular about choosing our travel destinations, why not consider the comfort and joy of the journey. After all, we spend a major part of our tour in the ride.

Therefore, next time when you plan your visit, you can mark these points before hiring a tourist car and driver in India.

#1 Which vehicle shall I choose?

The travel companies propose a range of vehicles like compact car, Sedan, SUV, Tempo Traveler, etc. If you are traveling with children or have more luggage, you should prefer the sedan over compact cars.

For shorter distance and fewer members to travel, compact cars are equally good.

#2 I shall book a tourist car from which website in India?

Most local tour and travel agents can provide you with a tourist car and driver. Even hotels can arrange for these vehicles. However, wherever you rent from, you want to make sure that the company stands by its service and assures you a quality trip.

Various online and offline providers operate regionally. You can consider the following points while choosing the taxi service provider.

Go for the company that can provide you cars with driver for outstation trips or airport pickups.
Check if they have 24X7 customer care service.
Be aware of the pricing, the inclusive and exclusive charges.
Choose the company which has backup support in case of vehicular breakdowns etc.
The company that offers a quotation before confirming the booking.

We suggest to shop around and understand the existing rates and prefer the service provider who has a network in your destination.

For example, if you wish traveling to Mahabaleshwar, the Outstation Taxi company should have a network of operators in the Maharashtra region.

#3 How to ensure that I am charged correctly?

You can ask for quotations and clarify that tolls, fuel, parking, drop-off, state border charges, etc are included in the rental. If the company is disclosing it all before booking, you can trust this company for your itinerary.

Here is a sample billing system, which states the fare and charges clearly.

#4 What should be the minimum features of the car I am renting?

While booking a car for long-distance travel, your safety and comfort should be the first priority. For safety, the car/driver should be equipped with GPRS devices (smartphones can also do), first aid kit, spare tire, tool kit, driver’s license, and vehicle registration papers.

For comfort, the car should have enough leg space, luggage space, should have AC, clean, and odorless.

#5 Is the driver acquainted with the native language of our destination?

Mostly, we do not notice that knowledge of the native language is important especially when you are traveling in the South Indian region. A driver knowing the native language can be a bonus because he can better deal with the locals for asking direction, food outlets, toilets, etc.

#6 How experienced is the driver?

Experienced drivers are important to make your journey comfortable. You may encounter uneven roads, repairing blocks, traffic jams, etc. The driver should be patient and able to take out the passengers in a stress-free environment.

You can opt the company which provides quality services and has able drivers in its team.

#7 Is the booking cancellation policy of the service provider comfortable?

Nobody wants to cancel the trip, but out of unfortunate events, if you wish to cancel the booking, the taxi company should be flexible to cancel and return the booking amount with minimum deductions.

#8 Is there flexibility to change route and plan?

There are always the charges for extra miles traveled (for any travel company) and tolls encountered in the new route.

Having known this, if your destination remains the same, you can look for this facility as well.

#9 Does Company’s cab service already exists in my travel destination?

If you are booking a one-way cab and you are happy with the services of the company, you might want to return via the same tour operator’s taxi. Hence, it is a good idea to check for the cab services of the company in your destination city.

It also has an advantage, if you change plans, and want to delay or prepone your return, you can travel hassle-free.

#10 What is the user review of the company?

If someone among your friends or family have already used the service of the company, and happy with it, you can rely on his opinion.

If you are using services from a company for the first time, check online for reviews and ratings, especially the reviews towards your destination.

However, it should not be the ground for judgment, as people mostly share their bad experiences and overlook the good experiences with the company. But, you can make a special request to the company to avoid sending that driver or car, which has a negative review.

#11 Do I get a pick-up from the airport?

Generally, the outstation taxi service providers avoid pick-ups at the airport because of traffic and airport parking charges. But if you get a Taxi operator to pick you from the airport and take care of your travel henceforth, it would be definitely worth opting.