Whether you need a luxury limousine for your special wedding day, or you need a corporate car service to help you get home after a long week of traveling, finding a good limo service can be tricky. And with so many companies and cars to choose from, how do you pick the right one?
We know that all the options may seem overwhelming, but just asking a few simple questions could lead you to the best limo service available. To help you with your decision, we’ve outlined six important things to consider when looking for a limo service.
Licenses & Associations
Every limo service should have a license number issued by the State that allows the limousine company to legally operate. In order to maintain a license, the DMV requires all limo services to have liability insurance that covers passengers. Make sure the limo service you choose is licensed and registered by searching the DMV’s database of Licensed Transportation Providers.
In addition to being licensed and registered, a trustworthy limo company should belong to reputable associations such as the National Limousine Association (NLA).
Finally, be sure to check the Better Business Bureau before deciding on a limo service. Here you see your prospective limo company’s rating according to the BBB, as well as any past complaints from customers.
Fleet size
Research the fleet size of your prospective limo company. Though the number of cars isn’t a direct reflection of the quality of the company, this will give you some insight into the company and may help you determine the best company for your specific needs. For instance, small companies generally offer personalized service and heavily focus on one type of service like airport pickups. Medium-sized limo companies may have a variety of vehicles and do everything from airport transfers to proms. While larger limo companies have the capacity to handle corporate accounts and have a wide variety of vehicles ranging from Town Cars and stretch limousines to charter buses.
Driver screening
Any chauffeur hired by a limo service must take a drug test and have a physical. In addition to these state regulations, many reputable companies will run criminal background checks on prospective employees. Drivers should have a clean driving record and be familiar with the limo company’s service area. Lastly, drivers should be suited to your expectations. Ask how the driver will be dressed and let the limo company know your expectations right away.
Testimonials
Take the time to read customer testimonials and reviews on the limo service’s website and look to outside review websites like Angie’s List, Yelp, and even Facebook before you decide on a limo company. Another great place to look for unbiased reviews, especially if you are looking for a limo for your wedding day, is The Knot. Here you can read reviews from brides who actually used these limo services for their big day.
Safety
While safety may not be a fun topic to explore, it’s necessary to research when choosing a limo service. Check to make sure the company you’re considering has a valid certification and liability insurance. What kind of training do their chauffeurs have? Are their vehicles DOT inspected?
Hours of operation
No matter the situation, your limo service should always be accessible and someone should be available to take your call 24 hours a day. This is something you should discuss with your prospective limo service upfront to ensure they can accommodate your schedule from start to finish. Our hours of operation at James Limousine are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year because we know just how important it is to be available at all times for our customers.
What else do you consider when looking for a limo service? Let us know with a comment below!
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