Limousine Resources
The Perfect Prom Ride
Prom Limousine Guide
Many parents are renting a limousine to transport their child to and from their prom or homecoming event. This gives parents peace of mind on a night that historically has been a night of many tragic accidents. It is also an idea that is enthusiastically received by most teenagers.
We have put together some information to ensure you rent a limousine from a service that will meet your needs and your budget.
- Ask how long the company has been in business. The longer a company has been in service, the more likely they will provide great service. Question the Limousine Company’s Insurance.
- A reputable Limousine Company will have the required commercial insurance coverage and will have no problem providing you with a Certificate of Coverage, if you request to see it.
- Ask about the limousine company’s license and operating authority. Limousine Companies operating with a license from the Department of Transportation are regulated and more likely to provide you with high quality service.
- Ask for references if you feel you need them. Excellent references from other consumers help you feel more comfortable with their level of service.
- Check to see if the company has affiliations with reputable organizations such as the Better Business Bureau, The National Limousine Association as well as their local Livery Association.
- Go to the company and see the selection of limousines. Check out the amenities inside the vehicle you will be renting.
- Ask about the company’s start time policy. With a majority of limousine companies, your time starts at the time of the initial pickup. Others may charge you from the time the Chauffeur leaves the garage. some limousine services will charge you travel time if your pickup location or destination is further than a certain amount of miles. Make sure you understand the company’s policy.
- Check the company’s policy on overtime charges and overtime availability. Many limousine companies will charge you a full hour even if your time runs 10 minutes over the contracted time. Ask if it is possible for the Company to charge overtime on 15 minute or 30 minute if you will be charged.
- Check about the chauffeur’s tip. Most limousine companies will automatically apply gratuity of 15% to 20% on the contract. Ask if the gratuity is included and whether you can pay gratuity separately to your chauffeur based on his/her performance.
- Be sure to get the name of your chauffeur and a cell phone number, if possible.
- Inquire about the size of the limousine you are interested in. The following is a brief description of the frequently used sizes:
- 6 passenger Limousine
- 8 passenger Limousine
- 10 passenger Limousine
- 12 passenger Limousine
- 14 passenger Limousine
- Inquire about overtime charges and overtime availability. Many Limousine Companies will charge you a full hour even if your time runs for example 10 minutes over the contracted time. Be sure to ask if it is possible for the Company to charge the overtime rate on 15 minute or 30 minute increments in the event of overtime. If your event ends early enough, most Limousine Companies will schedule subsequent jobs after your scheduled event. Because weddings are not always predictable, you may need the service longer than anticipated.
- Be sure to ask about your chauffeur’s gratuity. Most companies have a mandatory gratuity policy for their drivers which is usually anywhere from 15% to 20%.
- Once you have selected a Limousine Company to provide your service, ask for a detailed contract of your reservation. Your contract should include the date of service, the time of pickup, number of hours you have reserved the vehicle, the year, make, model and color of the vehicle, the total price of the contract, including driver’s gratuity, overtime charges, and routing information, i.e pickup and drop off.
- Important: Make sure a parent or a legal guardian over the age of 18 signs the Contract with the Limousine Company. The Contract should also contain language detailing the Company’s policies regarding cancellations, deposits and the company’s liability in the event they are unable to provide the service. This will eliminate the possibility of your Limousine not showing up or canceling your reservation because the company was able to get a more feasible profit from another contract.
- Make sure you contact the limousine service prior to your date to review the itinerary and details of your reservation, if you have not heard from the company 48 hours prior to your scheduled event, contact the company to review the details and make any last minute changes.
- Get everyone to meet in one location. This will eliminate wasting time for multiple pickups. Provide the company in advance with addresses so that the driver has full directions in advance and will not get lost.
- IMPORTANT: Because of State regulations, most companies are concerned about losing and have lost their licenses and operating authorities during prom season because of passengers smuggling alcohol and other illegal items inside limousines. Most companies will thoroughly search the vehicle before and after transportation services.
- Bring your favorite CDs to listen to your favorite tunes during your rides.
- Bring a camera to take pictures of your unforgettable night.
