Renting a limousine is a fun, exciting way to get to a special occasion like a party, wedding, business meeting, or another significant event. Limos are an especially popular option for business travel in the United States. According to Wired, annual business travel spending in the U.S. exceeds $300 billion. That said, the
limo rental
company that provides the limo must offer exceptional service to avoid complications that make your big day stressful rather than pleasant and free of hiccups. Before booking a limo from a limo rental company, ask the following questions to ensure that the limo rental company can provide a seamless, uncomplicated experience on your big day.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
To save money, several businesses forego insurance. It's concerning if the limousine rental company lacks the licenses to offer such a service. Ensure that you're protected and insured if any unwelcome event occurs. Hiring uninsured and unlicensed service providers puts your safety at risk.
2. What Types of Limo Are Available?
Limousine rental firms usually provide various alternatives for rent. This does not imply that they own all or any of the vehicles listed. It's essential to determine if you're engaging with a company that owns and runs the vehicles you may hire or if they function as a "broker." Luxury cars and SUVs are common vehicle options, as are stretch limousines and limousine bus rentals. Consider mini-coaches, passenger vans, and even motor buses for bigger groups or financial issues.
Always confirm that the company owns and operates the cars. Many limousine firms use images of automobiles they don't own on their websites or social media posts. They want to seem to be a larger corporation than they are, or they want to make money as brokers. It's entirely up to you to take a chance with firms that promote and conduct business in this manner. Inquire about choices that will meet your requirements. Companies usually state the maximum number of occupants per vehicle. That said, the max number might imply that occupants are jammed in. Inquire how many riders each vehicle can easily accommodate.
3. What Services Are Included?
This is one of the most crucial questions to ask about a limo rental before booking one for a particular occasion. Limo companies sometimes include food and beverages. However, this isn't always the case. If you aren't used to reading the fine print, this query can help you avoid unpleasant surprises. There may be additional charges for fuel surcharges, refreshments, waiting time, pauses, and so on. A limo rental may offer you a few options if you need particular things in your vehicle. First, when the limo arrives, you may be able to load up the car with food or drinks. You might also bring your items to the limousine company's headquarters in advance and have them fill the limo. Alternatively, you may pre-order the items you need with your limo company, and they'll add the cost and a service fee to your account.
4. How Do You Charge?
It's important to seek an answer to this question from the limo rental. If they charge by the hour, you could cruise the highways to your delight. If you're limited on time, you're only option may be to enjoy a picturesque drive around town. This question might assist you in planning your trip. If the firm charges hourly, ask when your rental period will begin. The rental period may begin when the limo leaves the limo rental garage. If you're to be transported anywhere beyond the limousine company's local service area, some "travel time" expenses can be expected. Ensure you find out so you have a better idea of how much your vacation will cost.
5. What Training Requirements Do You Have for Your Drivers?
The cost of a limo rental includes both the car and the service the limo driver provides. Most states require limo drivers to have a chauffeur's license or permit and a class D driver's license. Ask your limousine vehicle rental company about their driver qualifications. They may have extra criteria for their personnel, such as hours of experience as a chauffeur and safety training requirements, besides the statutory regulations. Determine if the limo rental drivers are employees or independent contractors. Many limo firms engage drivers as independent contractors to save money on taxes, bonuses, and labor requirements. Unfortunately, these contractors are not subjected to the same stringent screening procedure or get enough training and oversight. Ensure that you find out if your driver is a contractor or employee.
6. Do You Allow Tips for Your Drivers?
Anyone in the service business, especially chauffeur limo drivers, should always be tipped. Tips are always optional, but service employees rely heavily on them and strive to deliver excellent service. A fair tip for a chauffeur is about 20% of the rental charge. When you book, ask if you need to have the cash to tip your driver. You could have such a wonderful time that you may choose to increase the tip even more. Also, ask for the same driver the next time you rent a limo. Drivers are always grateful for the generosity, and it makes them eager to serve you.
7. Do You Have a Dress Code for Your Drivers?
Many firms stipulate a certain dress code for their chauffeurs since they'll be the firm's representatives to the public when they arrive at a function. Limousine drivers should be well-dressed and professional. Unfortunately, there are far too many horror accounts of poorly dressed or grumpy limo drivers showing up to escort a bewildered wedding party to their event.
8. Is There a Need to Set the Route Ahead of Time?
It's a good idea to prepare your route or schedule ahead of time. It helps estimate the cost of your rental and ensure that you visit all the destinations you desire while driving. Most limo rental firms are prepared to be adaptable. If you're not adept at planning, you can give your driver some destination ideas. Usually, they'll often try to pass by many of the pre-planned locations throughout your journey. Ideally, disclose these locations in advance, especially if you have a set agenda. This allows the driver to search for locations and draw up a route.
9. Do You Have Any References?
A trustworthy professional company would never hesitate to provide references upon request. Limousine rental companies with an excellent track record frequently provide comments and reviews on their websites. Look for evaluations of the chauffeur's personality, professionalism, and service quality.
10. What Do You Do to Ensure Safety?
The most conscientious businesses follow various safety procedures. There are several state and federal regulations that must be followed to ensure the safety of your ride. From driver background checks and drug testing to DOT compliance and commercial liability and collision insurance, confirm that the limo rental company prioritizes safety.
11. Do You Provide a Contract?
Before any money changes hands in a commercial transaction, it's critical to have a signed and documented contract. This will help you understand what's required of you and what you should expect from the limousine service and the driver. Even if the company's policy isn't to use contracts, you may request that they do so for you. Nobody likes to be surprised by a waived liability or an unexpected fee on the day of their event.
When selecting a limo rental company, it's important that you get satisfying answers to the questions above before booking a limo for your big event. Search for another limo rental service if a limo company's responses don't rid you of any lingering doubts. Do you want a limo for your big occasion or event? Call Rockford Rides today to rent one!
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