LIMOUSINE RENTAL TIPS
Don't Make a costly Limousine Rental Mistake!
Most people wouldn't hire the cheapest surgeon, or stay at the cheapest hotel, yet, many consumers shop for a limousine service in this fashion.
The biggest mistake you can make when looking to hire a limousine service is basing your decision solely on the "best price". This translates into a large risk for you. Do you want to accept the risks outlined below?
Risks You Accept When Shopping for the 'Best Limo Price'
Your limousine does not show up. You miss your concert.
Your limousine is late. You miss your flight.
Your chauffeur shows up to your wedding with bad hygiene wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt
A 1987 Lincoln limousine rusting at the seams arrives at your door when you were expecting a 2010 model.
Your limousine arrives with broken air-conditioning and its 90+ degrees outside
Your limousine chauffeur exercises poor customer service with your company's most influential client. You loose the account.
Your limousine breaks down on the freeway during transport to the Super Bowl and there wasn't a back-up plan.(another limo)
Your limousine service gets into an accident and does not have proper insurance coverage to pay your medical bills.
Is Any Of This Worth Saving a Few Bucks?
Ask to See The Company's Limos
Check out the vehicle you plan on renting. Some companies utilize older limo fleets. You don't want to be surprised on your wedding day when a 1988 limousine shows up at the church when you were expecting a 2010 model! .
Get A Signed Contract for Important Events
Reliable and professional service will be more than happy to provide you with a signed-contract for service. Companies who can't supply a contract may not be confident in their ability to fulfill your needs.
Ask About Limo Insurance & Permits
All limousines are required to carry commercial livery insurance and proper permits. To protect yourself from "companies operating illegally" ask to see Insurance certificates, then contact the Public Utilities Commission for proper identification.
Ask About Limo Industry Associations
Companies who belong to industry associations usually must abide by special insurance regulations and service. Reputable associations such as the National Limousine Association (NLA) and the Local Livery Association are good indications that your service provider does their due diligence. The Better Business Bureau is also a good research source- complaints about limousine services are not far behind auto mechanics industry.
"The Limo Got Into An Accident"
Don't be the bride which gets the "The Limo Got Into An Accident" or "We don't have your reservation" story. Cover yourself by getting a signed contract and by shopping smart. Shopping on price alone is dangerous. Some unethical operators do not hesitate to drop a reservation to pickup a better paying fare.
What Should We Expect To Pay for A Limo Rental?
Most limousines rentals are between $75 - $175 per hour. In addition, most limousine services require a minimum hourly booking. Most limousines are not rented for an hour because of vehicle preparation, gas expenditure and chauffeur salaries. In high-demand seasons, such as winter formal & proms, hourly minimums can soar beyond the 6 hour range.
Do We Pay For The Limo While We Attend Our Event?
You still have to pay for the rental time during your event, such as prom, even if you aren't physically using the vehicle. Although the vehicle is not in use, it cannot be used elsewhere; even when there are 2 or 3 hours in between the drop-off and pickup times.
Are There Any Discounts for my Prom?
No. Limousine services do not offer discounts during prom time. Why? The demand for limousines during this occasion exceeds the supply. This shortage causes an increase in prices and hourly minimums. Some companies may offer a discount for a rental which exceeds 8 hours.
Can we get a limo deal?
Most companies will offer deals on different types of packages, however, the availability of deals mostly depends on the time of week and the time of year.
You might find better limo deals during the week, then on a holiday or weekend.
What is gratuity?
Each limousine service suggests a standard gratuity (Tip) which is based on the total fare. Gratuity averages are from 15-20%. If your bill's total is $300, it's customary to tip the driver $45-$60 gratuity. Some companies include gratuity in their fare estimates, while others do not. In all fairness, gratuity should be left to the customer in the event service wasn't satisfactory. Most limousine chauffeurs earn their living by gratuities, much like waiters do in fine dining establishments.
LIMOUSINE PRICES - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Limousine rental costs vary based on a variety of factors. Your exact costs will depend on the factors listed below: 
Rental Time of Year
Type of Limousine Time of Week
Geographic Area Distance Involved in Rental
| Ground Transportation Type |
Rate Averages |
| Luxury Sedans (3 passengers max) |
$35 - $60 per hour |
| Stretch Limousines (6-12 passengers) |
$75 - $125 per hour |
| Stretch SUV Limousines (Excursions, etc) |
$150 - $300 per hour |
| Mini-Buses / Party-Buses |
$60 - $300 per hour |
Here are hourly rate averages of the most commonly rented limousines and ground transportation. These figures are examples only and these rates do not construe an offer to solicit for ground transportation
