Limousine service: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What limousine service is

A limousine company provides a chauffeured stretch or luxury vehicle for events such as weddings, proms, nights out and airport transfers, on a booked pickup schedule. You need it when you want a driver, a set pickup time and a vehicle that suits a special occasion.

Signs you need it

  • You are planning a wedding, prom, graduation or milestone celebration
  • Your group needs a ride to and from a venue with a set pickup time
  • You want a driver so nobody in the group has to drink and drive
  • You need a vehicle that fits a specific group size and seating style
  • You want a polished arrival for a client event or a formal evening

What the pro does

  • Confirms the date, pickup and drop off points, and the route with you
  • Assigns a vehicle that fits your group size and the occasion
  • Checks the vehicle and driver before the pickup
  • Drives the group on the agreed schedule, including any wait time
  • Returns you to your drop off point and confirms the trip is finished

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The type of vehicle and its seating capacity
  • The length of the booking and any wait time
  • The distance and the route, including any tolls or airport fees
  • The date and time, such as weekends, holidays or peak prom season
  • Whether décor, refreshments or extra stops are added
  • Whether gratuity or fuel surcharges are listed separately

What a written quote should spell out

  • The vehicle type, model and seating capacity
  • The pickup and drop off times and locations
  • The booking length and the wait time allowed
  • Any tolls, parking, airport or event fees
  • The cancellation terms and the deposit amount

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Is the vehicle commercially registered and insured for passenger transport?
  • What happens if our flight is late or the event runs over?
  • Does the driver have a commercial driver record check and training?
  • Are fuel, tolls and gratuity included or added on?
  • Can I see the vehicle before the day of the event?
  • What is your cancellation policy and deposit terms?

Red flags

  • Does not show proof of commercial insurance or registration
  • Asks for a large deposit with no written contract
  • Will not confirm the vehicle type until the day of the event
  • Adds hidden fees after the booking

What you can do yourself

You can plan the route, confirm the pickup times with everyone in the group, and check the vehicle photos in advance. Note any special requests, such as a sound system or a stop for photos, in writing. Book early for prom and wedding season, and ask for the contract before you pay.

Licenses and permits

Commercial passenger transport commonly needs state or federal registration and insurance. Check with the state or federal authority that oversees passenger carriers, and ask the company to show its registration and insurance before you book.

Limousine service questions

How early should I book for a prom or wedding?

Book as early as you can, since popular vehicles and dates fill fast. Ask the company how its booking calendar works for your date.

Is a driver tip expected?

Ask whether gratuity is included or listed separately. Many companies state this in the contract, so check before the day.

What if the vehicle breaks down on the day?

A reputable company will offer a replacement vehicle or a plan. Ask how that is handled and put it in the contract.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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