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Hourly Limousine Rental Tips: Here are some critical guidelines to follow to ensure that your party or special event is a dazzling success! Looking for the "Best Price ?" - You may be disappointed. The biggest error you could make when shopping for a limo rental is searching based on price. In the limousine industry, there are many variances of quality and price. All too often, a cheaper price translates into larger risk for you, the limousine renter. Most consumers would not choose a restaurant or hotel based on price, yet people shop for a limo service this way and expect 5-star quality service. If you shop for a limousine based on price alone, you will likely be frustrated and disappointed with your limousine experience. Old, dirty, poorly maintained vehicles, shoddy service, unprofessional chauffeurs, dangerous vehicles, late service, and under-insured services are all possible results of a "best price" shopping priority. There are exceptions -- however, the rule usually is - the lower the price, the more risk you will assume with your luxury transportation needs. Risks you take when shopping for a limousine based on price alone.
Don't be afraid to ask about Insurance and Permits. All limousines are required to carry commercial insurance and the proper permits. Unfortunately, the Yellow Pages and advertising services do not require insurance coverage or permits in order to advertise in their publications. Don't be afraid to protect yourself from "gypsy companies", and ask for proof of these items from your selected limousine company. What About - "The Limo Broke Down!" or "We Don't Have your Reservation." Don't be the unfortunate customer who gets the "The Limo Broke Down" or "We Don't Have Your Reservation" story. Cover yourself ahead of time by dealing with a reputable limousine company. Shopping on price alone can be dangerous. Some unethical operators - will not hesitate to drop a reservation - to pickup a better paying fare. Charter Limousine Rental Costs - How price is determined. To determine the cost of a limousine charter, several factors are used in determining price.
How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Limo?
Do We Have to Pay for the Limo While we Attend the Concert? In cases where you aren't using the limousine during your rental (such as bar-hopping, dinner reservations, concerts, sporting events, etc.) you still have to pay for the rental time, even if you aren't physically using the vehicle. While you are at a concert, the vehicle cannot be used elsewhere; even when there are 2 or 3 hours in between the and pickup. Can I Rent A Limo For 1 Hour? Most companies require a minimum 2 or 3 hour booking to rent a limousine. This is due to the large expense and cost involved in securing and maintaining the vehicles. An 8-passenger limousine can run $60,000-$80,000 brand new! A one-hour rental is not cost effective because the vehicle is only 'paid-service' for one hour; however actual vehicle run time may be more than 2 hours. Other costs which make a 1-hour rental not possible is vehicle prep time and driver salary. In addition, during prom season, minimum hourly booking requirements for a special charter may increase to 5 to 8 hours due to the overwhelming demand for limousines. You are more likely to get struck by lightning than getting a limousine rental for 1 or 2 hours during prom season. When Do My Rental Charges Begin? This varies by company and location. Some companies begin rental charges at your designated pickup time at your pickup location. If you say, "Pick us up at 6pm at 123 Main St", then this will be the beginning of your rental charge. Other companies begin rental charges on portal-to-portal basis and charge 'travel-time'. Specifically, your rental time may begin the moment the limousine begins its journey to your first pickup location. Ask your limousine company specifically how they charge. Travel time is usual in rural areas where the closest limousine service may be miles away. Can We Drink Alcohol in the Limo? The policy varies with each limousine service. Also, some states and countries have laws which outlaw such use. UNDERAGE drinking is not allowed under any circumstances. Do We Have to Tip the Driver? Yes. The standard tip is 20% of the total fare. If you feel your driver has performed in an exceeding manner, you can tip more. Some companies will AUTOMATICALLY include the gratuity (tip) in their total price quote. When making reservations, always ask if GRATUITY is included in the total price. If not, you should budget an extra twenty percent towards your total bill for driver gratuity |