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You don't have to be a CEO or a rock star to drive
around in a limousine. Weddings, bachelor parties
and wicked birthday bashes are all great excuses to
rent a limo. To get you revved up for such an
occasion, we've come up with the most important
things to consider when renting a limo, from
choosing the ride to booking the extras.
Choosing a Ride
Select the limo type
The first question you must ask yourself is what
kind of limo you would be comfortable riding in.
Would you prefer a standard limo or a luxury limo?
Would a simple
town car do or would you prefer a stretch limo?
Then, remember that there are
many different types of limousine models out there.
SUV and
Hummer limos are quite popular, but you can also
find customized
Corvettes or monster
trucks. It all depends on your preference.
Select the size
When selecting a limo, you must consider the seating
capacity. You want to have enough room for everybody
in your party and you want them to be comfortably
seated. Don't be afraid to try out the seats before
renting it.
Look into features
A limo is not just a car; it's an experience.
Consequently, make sure that it has the features you
want, such as television, VCR, DVD player,
telephone, sound system,
sunroof, or even a Jacuzzi.
Ask about alcohol
Having a drink in a limo is a great experience,
especially if you're in good company. When choosing
a ride, ask if booze is included in the price and
make sure that clean glasses and ice are at your
disposal.
Take care of special needs
You want all your guests to be as comfortable as
possible, so if you have special needs like child
seats or handicap access, take care of them
beforehand.
Ask about pets
You're probably not renting a limo for a Tijuana
donkey act, but some of your guests may be
interested in bringing along their canine friends.
It would be rather embarrassing if they were turned
away at the last minute because pets aren't allowed
in the car. It's in your best interests to know
about the company's pet policy prior to booking.
Look into reputability
You want to ride in style, not be taken for a ride.
Therefore, it's in your best interest to check out
the company's status to make certain they have a
license, insurance, and a government permit to
operate such a business. In California for instance,
car services need to be sanctioned by the Public
Utilities Commission to operate.
You can also ask if the company
is a member of an industry association such as the
National Limousine Association. In addition, contact
your local Better Business Bureau to see if any
complaints have been lodged against the limo
service. You are entitled to the best, so there's no
excuse for not getting it.
Ask for confirmation
Before the scheduled event, contact the car service
and confirm the exact vehicle you're getting. Ensure
it's the same make, model, year, and color you
previously agreed on.
After all, you don't want to be
stuck with a pink pimpmobile or a minivan on the day
of the wedding, do you? The best solution is to ask
for a written confirmation from the company upon
booking.
Money Talks
Know about pricing
Limousine rentals generally cost between $50 and
$150 per hour, and there's usually a three-hour
minimum; a one-hour service is practically unheard
of in the industry because the company has to pay
for travel times, vehicle preparation, and the
chauffeur's salary.
Remember that the lowest priced
limo may not be the best solution. After all, you
are renting it for a special occasion, and you don't
want to incur any unnecessary problems. Dealing with
a cheap company might mean an old or unkempt car, or
employees who are less than consummate
professionals.
Inquire about a flat rate
As previously stated, most companies operate on the
basis of an hourly rate. For the busy months, such
as prom season, they may even require a minimum
six-hour booking. It's to your advantage to look
into the possibility of paying a flat rate.
Ask about discounts
Do they have special prices for weekends, weekdays
or the low season? Can you book through your company
and get a corporate rate? Ask if they have special
packages for occasions such as birthdays, weddings
and bachelor parties.
Book through a third party
Doing your homework can sometimes reap benefits.
Look around and see if you can get a cheaper rate if
you rent it at an airport or through a hotel.
Ask about extras
When booking a limo, make sure to find out what is
included in the price. We've already discussed
alcohol, but what about the number of people or
whether you'll be charged extra if you have more
than one stop on the itinerary?
Inquire about a security
deposit
Anyone who entrusts you with an expensive piece of
equipment is going to worry about it and this is why
they may ask you for a security deposit. Ask them
what that fee covers.
Look into a late fee
Let's say you rented a limo to pick you up at the
airport and your plane is late, will you be charged
an additional fee? How long will the limo wait?
These are questions that you must ask.
Share the car and the costs
When you pay for a limo, they don't just charge you
for the 30 minutes to and from your destination. You
have to pay for the time in between, when the limo
is parked and waiting for you to finish your party.
See if you can get a discount
for these idle hours. Some services offer the option
of not paying while the car is waiting for you, if
this period exceeds four hours, as they can use the
limo to make other pickups.
General Tips
Cancellation policy
Expect the unexpected. You may have to postpone your party. Inquire about the company's cancellation policy so that you're not stuck paying for a car you didn't use. Keep in mind that you'll likely lose your deposit if you cancel.
Tipping policy
Upon booking, ask if they have a policy on tipping, if it's required or even forbidden. The amount you tip is always at your discretion, however, a minimum of $5 per person is acceptable. You can give a few dollars more if he helped you with your luggage or safely raced to your destination.
Alcohol consumption
While a limo isn't exactly like a neighborhood bar, they do share some similar rules. For the service to keep their operating license, they cannot allow people under legal drinking age to imbibe alcohol while in the limo.
Be the first guest
If the limo is picking up a group of people, make sure you're the first one aboard so that you can inspect the car and make sure that it meets expectations.
Limo pickup spot
When renting a limo to pick you up at the airport, make sure that everybody's clear on where this pick up will happen so that you won't linger at the gate while the driver is waiting for you outside the terminal.
Backup plan
The future is unpredictable and you never know when trouble is going to arise. When you least expect it, the car might break down or not even show up.
In the event that the service can't send you a replacement vehicle, you should have a backup plan. Have the phone number of a competitor or taxi company on your person and pick up extra cash so that you won't be stranded.
Luxury Wheels
If you are diligent when renting a limo and are very careful to avoid any nasty surprises, there's no question you will have a great time. So wink to your lady friend, pour the bubbly and enjoy the ride!
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