First Time Renting a Limo? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
How Limo Pricing Works
Pricings for limo services are typically based on the type of vehicle, the time of the lease, the date and time of the event, and the distance to your event. Most providers charge a minimum rate for the number of hours, which can range from 3-4hrs for a weekend booking.
Some services offer a rate based on the distance of your event, like a round-trip charge to the airport, or a time-based rate, for events like weddings at night that require the vehicle to be waiting. It’s important to ask if gratuity, fuel surcharges, and taxes are included in your package or listed separately, as a reputable company should be up front about that information before booking.
What To Expect With Your Booking
Most limo rentals include the vehicle, a professional chauffeur, and complimentary items like water, sound systems, and mood lighting. Depending on the company, you’re likely to get additional items like a red carpet arrival, champagne flutes, or phone chargers.
What is not typically included is alcohol unless it is specified in your booking, but most companies do allow guests to bring their own drinks as long as there are no minors in the car. It’s always a good idea to ask the company about their policies ahead of time.
Booking Ahead
To ensure you get your preferred vehicle for a large event, it’s always best to book a few months in advance. Smaller bookings like a night out on the town or an airport shuttle can be booked with as little as two weeks notice, but the earlier the better.
Limo Etiquette 101
There are very few rules when it comes to limo etiquette, but most companies appreciate the same courtesy a rental car would: don’t stand in the sunroof unless it’s an open limo, don’t damage the car, and no smoking unless specified. Most limo companies have a cleaning fee if you want to remove any trace evidence from the vehicle.
When booking a limo for groups, it’s always best to give your chauffeur an approximate itinerary if there are multiple stops, so the driver can give you the best estimate for the day. The driver is there to make sure you have the most stress-free and enjoyable limo experience, so the more information they have, the more prepared they will be.
Tipping Your Chauffeur
Tipping your chauffeur can be an issue depending on the company, as many will already include a gratuity of 15-20% in the price of the booking. It’s always best to ask the company directly if tip is included, and if it is, how much.
Most drivers appreciate additional tips in cash at the end of the night for exceptional service if it isn’t noted in the booking details, but you shouldn’t feel obliged to tip if it’s already included. If it isn’t listed, simply tip 15-20% on the total price of the booking. Double check with the company to make sure you’re not accidentally tipping twice.
A Few Questions Worth Asking Before You Book
Before you book anything, it’s always best to ask a few direct questions to ensure you completely understand the booking before signing.
- How many people can the vehicle accommodate?
- What happens if your event goes over?
- Do you have a cancellation or refund policy?
Most companies will be more forthcoming if you ask direct questions, and it’s always a good way to ensure you understand what you’re booking.
Ready to Book Your First Ride
Renting a limo for the first time doesn’t have to be a scary ordeal. Once you understand how the pricing works and know a bit more about what to expect in your booking, the whole process can be surprisingly simple. Simply asking questions and booking only with companies who answer them upfront is the best way to get a great limo experience.
If you are planning an upcoming event and have additional questions about what to expect, JAC Limousines is always happy to help first-timers with what to know before they book.
