If you’re thinking of hiring out your vehicle for film, TV, events, or even private use, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is:
Do you let others drive it (self-drive hire)? Or do you stay behind the wheel (chauffeur-driven hire)?
Each option has its benefits and risks, and what’s right for one owner may not suit another. Here’s a detailed look at the pros and cons of both routes to help you decide which one suits you and your car best.
Option 1: Self-Drive Hire
This is where your vehicle is hired out and driven by the production crew, client, or third party without you being present.
✅ Pros of Self-Drive Hire:
- Less time commitment: You’re not needed on set or during use.
- More bookings: Some productions and clients prefer handling transport themselves.
- Easier logistics: Once the paperwork is sorted, you can hand over the keys and walk away.
⚠️ Cons of Self-Drive Hire:
- Higher risk of damage: You’re not in control of how the car is driven.
- Insurance complexity: You’ll need solid self-drive hire insurance, and not all policies cover this.
- Potential wear and tear: Especially with vintage or specialist vehicles.
- Trust issues: You’re relying on someone else to care for your vehicle like you would.
Option 2: Chauffeur-Driven Hire
This means you (or a professional driver you appoint) drive the car yourself. The client rides as a passenger, or the car is used on set but under your control.
✅ Pros of Chauffeur-Driven Hire:
- Full control: You’re driving, so you manage how the car is treated.
- Lower insurance risk: Many policies favor owner-driven use.
- Protects your vehicle: Especially important for high-value, classic, or fragile vehicles.
- Added service value: Clients often appreciate having a knowledgeable driver present.
⚠️ Cons of Chauffeur-Driven Hire:
- Time commitment: You’ll need to be available during filming or events.
- May limit availability: If you can’t drive, the car can’t be used.
- Long days on set: Especially for film shoots, which often involve early starts and late finishes.
So, Which One’s Right for You?
It depends on a few key factors:
- How valuable or fragile is your car?
- Are you happy trusting others to drive it?
- Do you have the time (and interest) to drive it yourself?
- Do you have the right insurance for either scenario?
If you want more control and peace of mind, chauffeur-driven is usually the safer option especially for classic or one-off vehicles.
If you’re happy with a hands-off approach and have the right insurance, self-drive can bring in extra income without demanding your time.
Final Tip: Get It in Writing
Whichever route you choose, always have a clear hire agreement in place. This should cover:
- Usage limits
- Insurance responsibilities
- Liability for damage
- Fuel and mileage terms
- Driver requirements (if self-drive)
Need a hire agreement template? We can help with that, just ask.