Tipping a chauffeur confuses even seasoned travelers, mostly because the answer is different from tipping a cab. Here is the honest version.

Is it expected?

In New York, a gratuity of 15 to 20 percent is customary for chauffeured service, and most clients tip. It is never required, and a chauffeur will never ask. Our rates are quoted before gratuity so the number you see is the number you decide on.

How to give it

Cash at the end of the ride is the traditional way. Prefer not to carry cash? Tell dispatch when you book, or reply to your confirmation text, and we add it to the card on file. Corporate accounts usually set a standing gratuity so nobody thinks about it again.

When to tip more

A 4 a.m. pickup in the snow, four checked bags and a stroller, a wedding party moved through three locations on time: these are the rides where 20 percent or more says thank you properly.

When not to

If something went wrong on our side, do not tip to be polite. Call dispatch instead. A ride that did not meet our standard is our problem to fix, and we would rather hear it than have you quietly overpay. Then book the next one and let us make it right.