Limousine
rental tips courtesy of

Limos 101: Tips for finding
the perfect limo for you
Opening your door to arriving in style. We
can help you find the right limo or for your
event. Whether you are going to the
planning a wedding,
prom or headed to the big game, it is important
that you get the best vehicle and service for
your money. There are many factors to consider
when booking limo service. We hope this guide
helps you get the most from your luxury transportation
experience.
Know before you go
Getting the right limo often depends on the type
of occasion, number of people, number of hours
you'll need and how far you're going. Most
companies will need to know if this is for
a wedding, concert, prom, birthday party or
maybe an anniversary - and they often specialize
in certain events to deliver the best possible
experience. The more details you can provide,
the better the value and service you'll receive.
Focus on value: the best service at the best
price
Not all limousine services are equal. Price should
not be the only factor in your search. Much like
renting a hotel, different price points often
mean different service levels. It good to have
a budget determined ahead of time, but also know
what type of experience you want.
Get the right ride
Often times, the right vehicle can make all the
difference. A stretch Hummer for your next
bachelor party or a classic antique for riding
off in style from the wedding. Ensure the vehicle
your getting has the space, features and look
for your next event. Try to book a vehicle
that has room for at least one to two more
people than are in your party. Some companies
provide music (radio or satellite radio), so
ask in advance or be prepared to take your
iPod or a mix CD with enough music to last
the whole ride. Also ask about features like
the seating arrangement and luggage capacity
for large group vehicles.
Get the whole price
Always make sure you are checking prices apples-to-apples
between services. Each limousine company will
generally have their own unique pricing policies.
Most companies offer services priced by the
hour - but may also offer flat/guaranteed rates
for airport rides or sometimes all-inclusive
packages. Pay attention to "add on's" like
fuel surcharges or other services fees not
included in the base price. FYI, it is customary
to tip drivers 18-20% of the base price. Most
companies automatically charge a driver tip,
while some leave it the customer to decide.
Be sure you get the full price up front when
weighing your options.
Packages
A package is often the best choice for special
occasions like weddings, concerts, prom, sporting
events or other ride types with a predictable
start and end time. Packages will generally
provide a set number of hours, in a vehicle
that fits your party size and event for a fixed,
all-inclusive price. Some companies offer packages
for every type of service and most give substantial "bulk
rate" price breaks.
Reserve early - especially for big events
Start searching well before you need your limo.
For wedding limos, some people book 12-18 months
in advance. Other events, like proms, are best
to book a limo a few months in advance. In
general, it is best to start looking 3-4 weeks
before your event. After you've selected the
right limo service provider, get confirmation
in writing. For special occasions, it's generally
a good idea to contact your limo service provider
a week before the event, just to ensure everything
is confirmed.
Safety first
The most important thing to consider when booking
a limo is safety for yourself and your party.
Legitimate limo companies need to be registered
with their state (US only), have the proper
levels of insurance and be properly licensed.
Never book a limo with a company that can't
promptly show you their licensing and insurance
credentials - don't take chances.
Plan ahead
Think about all the details of your ride experience.
Do you need ice or drinks? Do you have a preferred
route for your ride? What stops would you like
to make? Providing these details to your chosen
limo service provider will help them meet your
needs - and do this for the right price.
We
hope you found these Limo Rental Tips helpful
and good luck planning your event!