Determining which limousine company is right for your needs does not have to be a blind guessing game. There are some common sense approaches that you can take that will tip you off right away if the limousine company is one to consider or not.

 

 For example, if a company will not answer their phone in a professional manner or return phone calls, that is a pretty good indicator of poor business practices that will likely transfer to other aspects of their business.

 

Cost will be at the top of the list when it comes to questions for your limousine company. You will want to determine not only how much, but also in what manner each company charges for their services.

 

In some cases the limousine company will charge only for pickups and drop-offs, and in others they will charge by the mile. You may find that additional services are offered, such as champagne and red carpets. If you shop around, you may just find that these extra services are included.

 

Another question to ask related to cost relates to gratuity. Be sure to ask if this is included in the price. You may find that the rental contract includes gratuity cost automatically. If this is not included, the price may appear to be lower at first, but you may find that the rental agreement allows gratuity to be automatically applied when the final bill is generated. Expect to pay anywhere from 10 to 20 percent for gratuity. In some cases, the customer is allowed to set their own gratuity amount.

 

Aside from cost, there are many other important questions to ask such as: How old are the vehicles? Is there air conditioning? What type of insurance coverage does the company have? Do you drug test your drivers? Do drivers have a dress code? Is alcohol permitted? Are you licensed with the Public Utility Commision?

 

Since limousines are popular for use during a wedding, it's always a good idea to ask beforehand if a "just married" sign is permitted on the car. Some companies will allow this but charge for buffing/reconditioning afterwards.

 

Do not forget to ask about lead-time and availability. Limousine services are not typically available on standby! Most limousine companies will experience inquiries for last minute bookings, and in most cases they are not possible.

 

 It is very important to book your limousine service early, and it is also important to consider that limousine companies tend to be busiest on weekends. If you want to be sure that a limousine is available from the company you want to use, be sure to book your limousine several months in advance.