Questions to ask before hiring a secure chauffeur service

Do you represent an established security firm which is responsible for transporting ultra-high net worth clients in the UK and around the world?
Are you a designated travel booker, such as the Head of Security, Chief of Staff, Executive Assistant (EA) or Personal Assistant (PA)?
Do you coordinate with security firms to ensure the principal’s safety?
Perhaps you manage the itinerary, organise logistics, and book accommodation?
Are you looking for a secure chauffeur service to protect VVIPs in the UK and abroad?

In this article, we imagine the initial conversation between you and the team at Secure Ground Transportation…

“Hello, we want to partner with a secure chauffeur service to help look after our ultra-high net worth clients.”

“Fantastic. That’s exactly what we do here at Secure Ground Transportation. However, we don’t call ourselves chauffeurs.”

“Really – why not?”

“Because we are security drivers. Not an ordinary ‘black car service’ who gets passengers from A to B. As such, we do a lot more than a standard chauffeur.”

“That’s interesting. Can you explain more?”

“Certainly. A security driver does more than just driving. We reduce risks during travel. We manage the principal’s physical safety and transportation by road, air and sea.”

Questions about security driving

“OK, so what is your experience in security driving?”

“All our security drivers hold a recognised security driving qualification. For example, our founders were trained by former members of the Special Escort Group (SEG) and hold the highest civilian qualification in security driving, vehicle management and anti-hijack techniques, based on the Metropolitan Police Protection Driving Course. Read more about them on Our People page.”

“Do your security drivers have special skills and training?”

“Yes, unlike a standard chauffeur service, all our security drivers are proficient in advanced driving techniques, such as collision avoidance, anti-ambush, and high-speed manoeuvres. So that they can drive safely, defensively and evasively, they undergo continuous refresher training and professional development provided by recognised authorities such as OFQUAL (in the UK) and the equivalent overseas.”

“Anything else?”

“Yes, our drivers hold first-aid certifications for emergency situations. All our Uk security drivers are qualified to FREC3, as are some of our drivers in Dubai – it’s the level 3 award in First Response Emergency Care.

“Wow, that’s a lot. Any more?”

“Actually, yes, our drivers also have knowledge of surveillance detection, counter-surveillance, and emergency response, as well as all the technical driving skills they need to handle a luxury limousine.”

“Of course we’d need to check your licensing status.”

“No problem. We hold valid, clean driving licenses and specific, relevant licenses for the countries where we operate.”

“How can we be confident your security drivers can be trusted?”

“Because we do extensive background checks on all our security drivers. For the UK, this includes DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks for criminal records and personal integrity. We work closely with our extensive network of vetted, tried and trusted professionals around the world. Wherever our founders travel, they always test our network out by being secret shoppers.

“We need to be assured of your professionalism and conduct.”

“Naturally. To protect client privacy, we are strict about confidentiality and non-disclosure. All our drivers have a professional demeanour including their appearance, communication, and punctuality.”

Questions about security vehicles

“Tell me about the security vehicles you use…”

“We use anything from a black limousine to an armoured car, where armoured vehicles are permitted. We’ll let you know what vehicles are available in each country. Note that it’s not always a brand-new car. Whatever vehicle we recommend will suit the threat level and blend in most discreetly. As you’d expect, we follow rigorous protocols – inspecting and maintaining all our vehicles to ensure their safety.”

“Can you arrange a police escort?”

“In some places, we can. A police escort can be convenient as it allows the principal to move quickly through heavy traffic, in places like Jakarta. But it could be a security risk for the principal by standing out too much in somewhere like São Paulo.”

Questions about security transportation processes

“What about your operational procedures?”

“We start with a risk assessment to determine the threat level. Then we go thorough route planning to create secure, pre-planned, and alternative routes that incorporate places of safety along the routes. And we keep on top of rolling news so we are aware of traffic or other potential problems that may arise in the area on the day.”

“How do you liaise with us to manage logistical tasks?”

“We form part of the larger security team. We don’t handle luggage, for example. Luggage is handled at an FBO by the ground-handling team and at hotels by the doormen. Our focus is on driving and ensuring the safety of the principal and their entourage.”

“Tell me about your insurance coverage…”

“As you’d expect, we have comprehensive liability insurance to cover passengers and third parties.”

Round up

Here’s a summary of the areas to explore when vetting or contracting a secure chauffeur service…

Focus on the security driver’s credentials. Verify that they have advanced driving skills, high-level security training, and extreme discretion. You should specifically ask about the driver’s background in police or military service, their ability to handle hostile situations, and their experience with route planning to ensure the safety of your high-profile clients.

In addition, check out the vehicle and insurance status, ensure the reputation of the firm, and find out about their service, reliability and costs.

In the case of Secure Ground Transportation, we don’t reveal who we work with, but you can scroll down Our People page to see selected testimonials from clients and security industry experts for your reassurance.