Handing your car keys to a stranger is a matter of trust, and it should be a matter of checks as well. Your car is an expensive thing, and the driver will be responsible for you and your family on the road. Most drivers are careful and honest, but a short checklist protects you in the few cases where they are not. This guide covers what to check before you book a driver for your own car in a city like Chennai, Bangalore or Hyderabad.
Check the licence and the experience
A driver should hold a valid driving licence for the type of vehicle you own. Ask to see it, or ask the booking to confirm that it has been checked. Ask how long the driver has been driving and whether he is used to cars like yours, such as an SUV, a luxury car or an automatic. For long or hilly drives, ask whether he has done similar routes.
Use a service that checks its drivers
A service that checks its drivers' documents before approving them gives you more assurance than a number from a friend of a friend. On Oray, drivers' licences and documents are checked before they are approved, and you receive the driver's details before the trip. Whatever service you use, ask what is checked and how.
Check your insurance
Read your car insurance policy, or call your insurer, and ask whether a hired driver is covered when he drives your car. Many policies cover any person who holds a valid licence, but terms differ. It is a short call and avoids a very expensive surprise if something goes wrong.
If you drive a car on loan or a company car, check with the owner or the employer before handing it to a driver. Some policies and company rules do not allow another person to drive. Do not assume that it is fine. A short message or a call is enough, and it keeps you out of trouble if something happens on the trip.
Do a short handover
Before the trip, walk around the car with the driver. Note any scratches, check the fuel level and the odometer reading, and take a photo. Show him the controls that are special in your car, such as the parking brake, the sunroof or an automatic gear selector. Share your preferences on speed, air conditioning and music.
A few simple habits make a handover easier. Keep the car clean and clear, so the driver can see and reach the controls. Make sure the tyres and the fuel are in order before a long trip. Tell the driver about any warning light that has been on lately, and about habits of the car such as a stiff clutch or a loud brake. It saves him from being surprised in the middle of the trip.
- Photograph the car on all sides before the trip
- Note the fuel level and the odometer reading
- Remove valuables, documents and spare keys from the car
- Share your route and the places where you want to stop
Share the trip with someone
Tell a family member the driver's name, number and your route. If the booking has live trip tracking, share it. For a late night drive, ask the person to check in at a set time. These small steps are not about distrust. They are what you would do with any service you use for the first time.
Agree on costs before you start
Ask what the booking covers: the hours or the days, the driver's food and stay on a long trip, the return travel of the driver, waiting time and any night charge. Fuel, toll and parking are paid by you, as they belong to the car. Know how to pay, and ask for a receipt.
Think about payment. Pay through the booking if the service has a way to do so, and keep a record. Be careful about paying large amounts in cash to someone you do not know. For a long trip, agree in advance on the daily amount, any extra for night driving, and who pays for the driver's meals, so there is no argument at the end of the journey.
What to do if something feels wrong
If the driver drives too fast, uses the phone while driving or seems unwell, say so politely and ask him to stop at a safe place. If the problem continues, end the trip and call the booking's support. A good service listens to such reports and acts on them.
Questions
Is my car insurance valid when a hired driver drives?
Many policies cover any licensed driver, but terms differ. Check your policy or call your insurer before the trip.
Should I give the spare key to the driver?
No. Keep the spare key and your valuables with you, and give only the key that is needed for the trip.
Who pays for fuel and toll on a driver booking?
The car is yours, so fuel, toll and parking are normally paid by you. The booking covers the driver's service.
How do I know the driver has been checked?
Ask the service what it checks. On Oray, drivers' licences and documents are checked before they are approved.