Phoenix Arizona Limousine Service & Executive Sedan FAQ'S Hourly Limousine Rental Tips: Here are some critical
guidelines to follow to ensure that your party or special event is a complete
success! Shouldn't I look for the "Best Price
?
What are the risks you take when shopping for a limousine
based on price alone? Don't be afraid to ask about Insurance
and Permits. What About - "The Limo Broke Down!" or "We
Don't Have your Reservation."? How is the price determined? How
Much Does It Cost To Rent A Limo? Do We Have to Pay for
the Limo While we Attend the Concert? Can I rent A Limo
For 1 Hour? When Do My Rental Charges Begin? Can
We Drink Alcohol in the Limo? Do We Have to Tip the Driver?
How many people can I squeeze in your limo? Am
I guaranteed the vehicle stated on my contract? How much
do I need for a deposit? Can I change or downgrade the
vehicle in my contract? Is there a charge for waiting
time? Does additional stops cost extra? What
forms of payment do you accept? Can we smoke in the vehicle? Can
we eat in the vehicle? What if someone throws-up or damages
the interior of the vehicle? What if we decided we want
the car for a longer period of time?
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. Back
to the top. The possible risks
are:
- Your limousine does not show up. You miss your concert.
- Your
limousine shows up late. You miss your dinner engagement and the Broadway play.
- A 1987 model limousine - rusting at the seams - arrives at your door when
you were expecting at a 2008 model. Instead of being lavished in luxury, you are
embarrassed.
- Your limousine shows up with an unprofessional chauffeur.
-
Your limousine chauffeur exercises poor customer service with your company's most
influential client. You lose the account.
- Your limousine service gets into
an accident and does not have proper insurance to cover the damages involved in
your injuries.
- Your limousine drops an axle during transport and you are
injured. Turns out your service did not have the limousine safety inspected as
state law mandates.
- Your limousine breaks down on the freeway during transport
to the Super Bowl. You and 7 of your friends missed the big game- but you saved
$35.00.
Back to the top.
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. Back
to the top.
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 in order to pickup a better paying fare.
Back to the top.
To determine the cost of a limousine charter, several factors
are used in determining price. - Vehicle Rented: Luxury sedans are the
least costly, however, they can only transport up to 4 passengers. Your charges
will increase proportionate to passenger count and vehicle size.
- Hourly Rental
Time: Limousine services charge on a per hour basis. Charges may vary from $75/hr
upward to $150/hr depending on the amount of time you plan to use and type of
vehicle.
- Travel Distance: If your transportation involves an abnormal amount
of travel time, some services will charge an additional amount.
Back
to the top.
Limousine rentals
run in the neighborhood of $75 - $120 per hour with a MINIMUM of two or three
hours of booked time. Many companies require a minimum to 2 or 3 hours to provide
service, with exception to standard airport service.
Back to the top.
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. Back
to the top. 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. Back to the top.
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 6 pm 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. Back
to the top.
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.
Back to the top.
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. Back to the top.
A super-stretch Lincoln limousine,
the standard vehicle in the limousine industry, holds up to 8 passengers. It is
INSURED for up to 8 passengers. We will never overload a vehicle! Back
to the top.
Once a contract
is confirmed and signed by us, the vehicle stated is 100% guaranteed. If for some
reason, your specific vehicle cannot be provided, we will call immediately to
provide you with a similar model. If you choose not to accept our offer, we will
void the existing contract and refund your entire deposit. Back
to the top.
Point to point
transfers require a valid credit card deposit. Charters and other services require
25% of the total amount. Back to the top.
Yes, but your original deposit will
be forfeited. A new deposit is required and if available we will happily upgrade
your vehicle without any penalty. Back to the
top.
A 15 minute grace
period is always allowed for loading and gathering a group. Otherwise, the hourly
charge would be charged in 15 minute increments. Back
to the top.
On charters
such as weddings there are no additional charges. However, there will be a charge
if the vehicle is used for shuttling or touring with no specific destination.
Back to the top.
We accept valid credit cards for deposits and for any
payment made at least 15 days in advance of your event. We always accept cash!
Credit cards require the card holder's signature. Back
to the top. All our vehicles
are non-smoking. Back to the top.
Eating is discouraged! Snacks may
be brought into the vehicle, but certain foods, such as pizza or anything that
causes major stains, is not allowed. Remember, you are responsible for the cost
of any unusual cleanup or detailing needed. Back
to the top.
The passenger
making the reservation is responsible for the entire group. Damages are the responsibility
of the individual renting the limousine. Cleanups including professional carpet
shampooing fees starting at $300, rips and tears starting at $250 and legal or
court fees are also the responsibility of the renter. The total amount will be
assessed after billing is received and lost time included. Back
to the top.
As long as
the vehicle isn't scheduled, we will gladly extend the length of your event. The
best rule is to schedule your event for as long as you need the vehicle. There
are no refunds for unused time! Back to the
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