When booking a chauffeur with close protection, confirm who will drive, who will provide protection, the officer's relevant licence and the agreed scope of the service. A chauffeur booking and a protection booking involve different responsibilities, even when arranged through one business.
How is close protection different from chauffeuring?
The chauffeur is responsible for the driving service. Close protection concerns a person's safety. The Security Industry Authority describes close protection as guarding people against physical assault or injury. See the SIA's licensing guidance for the regulatory definition and the circumstances in which a licence is required.
Travelling in a large luxury vehicle does not itself provide a protection service. Ask whether a separate officer will be assigned and how the roles will be coordinated. Do not assume security is included simply because a chauffeur is experienced or discreet.
What should you check about licensing?
The SIA explains that contracted security work can require a licence, including close protection. Ask for the relevant officer's name and licence details, then use the official SIA licence register to check the record.
A licence check is one part of choosing a service. Also ask about relevant experience, the planned duties and how the officer will work with the chauffeur. A licence does not tell you every detail about a person's suitability for your itinerary.
What information is useful for the initial enquiry?
Start with dates, locations, the number of people travelling and the outline of the day. Explain whether the itinerary includes public events, several venues or an airport transfer. If you already know a concern that affects the arrangements, say that there is something you need to discuss privately.
You do not need to place a sensitive personal history in a general website form. Agree a suitable way to discuss private details with the provider before sharing them. The aim of the first enquiry is to establish what support may be needed and whether the service is available.
What needs to be agreed before travel?
Confirm the named point of contact, the officer's duties, the working times and which parts of the itinerary are covered. Ask how changes will be communicated and whether the officer will remain with you at venues or provide support only during specific parts of the day.
Make sure the quote distinguishes the driving service from any protection element and identifies any additional expenses. Cancellation, deposits and changes should be set out in the booking terms. Do not treat an enquiry or a preliminary discussion as confirmation of a booking.
How does this fit an A-List Chauffeur booking?
Close protection is an optional service alongside chauffeuring. Mention it when discussing your itinerary so the arrangements, availability and cost can be confirmed. Read our close protection page for the service overview and our booking FAQs for the practical questions.
Sources
Official sources checked on 13 October 2026. This is the September edition of our guide series, published in October. Check the linked guidance for current rules.