In brief. When booking a car with a driver, check five things: whether the operator is licensed, what insurance it has, whether the car suits your party and luggage, what happens after a delay or breakdown, and how to cancel. An expensive car brand alone guarantees none of these. You can get all the answers in writing before paying.
What to check before booking
| What to check | A reasonable answer | A warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Licence | the operator works legally and can prove it | “He’s someone I know; he has a nice car” |
| Insurance | passenger transport is insured | the question is avoided, or the answer covers only ordinary car insurance |
| Vehicle | the class, seats and luggage capacity are specified | “Whichever car is available” |
| Price | inclusions and additional charges are clear | a verbal price without any terms |
| Cancellation | the deadline and conditions are stated in advance | conditions appear after payment |
| Contact | you have contact details for the driver and support | your only contact stops answering |
Licensing and the driver
In France, carrying paying passengers with a pre-booked driver must be legal: both the operator and the driver need authorisation for this work. An ordinary driving licence and a nice car are not enough. Before travelling, ask for the company name and a booking confirmation containing all the terms.
Our drivers are licensed professionals and the vehicles are serviced regularly. Drivers speak French and English. Round-the-clock support is also available on WhatsApp and Telegram.
Insurance
Find out whether passengers are insured, not just the vehicle: these are different things. Our cars have comprehensive commercial insurance, including comprehensive vehicle cover and passenger insurance.
Even with this cover, you also need personal medical insurance. It is compulsory for visitors who require a Schengen visa. The operator’s insurance concerns the car journey; it will not cover, for example, an injury while walking or treatment on another day.
The vehicle and seats
The main rule is simple: every passenger must have their own seat with a seat belt. In France, everyone must buckle up, including passengers in the back.
Count suitcases as well as people. A saloon carrying three guests takes two or three suitcases. If there are three of you with lots of luggage, or you plan to buy wine, a minivan is more convenient. Read more in “How to choose transport for a wine tour”.
Children
Give the child’s age and weight when booking so that we can prepare the right seat. We provide child seats free of charge: for infants (0–13 kg), toddlers (9–18 kg) and boosters (15–36 kg). Child transport rules and family travel advice are covered in “France with children”.
A long day behind the wheel
Driver fatigue is as dangerous as a bad road. If the day involves more than 8–10 hours, discuss breaks and whether the driver has enough time to rest beforehand. On a multi-day trip, the driver needs proper overnight rest. We already include the driver’s accommodation and meals on these routes, with a separate room booked for them.
Allow extra time: rushing because of an overloaded schedule is the most common cause of unnecessary stress on the road. For a day without racing around, see “Planning a wine itinerary”.
Comfort that matters on the road
Our cars have climate control, water and Wi-Fi. Other things matter more on a long day: a clean car on arrival, help with luggage, and the ability to change your route during the journey within the booked time. On a wine itinerary, it is also convenient to leave purchases in the boot rather than carry them around.
Flight delays and cancellation
For airport transfers, we track the flight and the driver adjusts the meeting time. After the actual landing, the driver waits for you free of charge for 1 hour.
Cancellation and rescheduling are free at least 48 hours before departure. A short transfer is paid immediately in a single payment. For other journeys, a 30% deposit confirms the booking, with the balance due no later than 24 hours before the start. You receive a reply to your enquiry within 24 hours.
Questions before paying
You can simply send this short list to the operator:
- What is the company called, and how does it confirm its licence?
- Are passengers insured?
- Which car will be provided, how many seats does it have, and how many suitcases fit?
- What is included, what costs extra, and how much is an additional hour?
- What happens if the flight is delayed or the car breaks down?
- What is the deadline for free cancellation?
- How can I contact the driver, and who should I speak to if they are unavailable?
Frequently asked questions
Why is a licensed driver better than someone you know privately?
They operate legally and passenger transport is insured. With an unofficial operator, you could be left without protection after an accident or dispute.
Can I travel without a seat belt in the back?
No. In France, seat belts are compulsory for all passengers.
How much does a child seat cost?
It is free with us. Give the child’s age and weight when booking.
Can I cancel the journey free of charge?
Yes, at least 48 hours before departure.
Is there Wi-Fi and water in the car?
Yes, both are available on board.
Book a journey
Send your dates, route and number of guests, and within 24 hours you will receive a vehicle proposal and price. → Transport in France · Car with a driver
