Finding the right
limousine service for your event can be a daunting task. But the proper
planning and research, you should be able to find a New York car service that
matches your style and fits your budget. With so many cars and rental firms to
choose from, how do you find the perfect one for your event? Reliability, drive
qualifications, and safety are just a few of the things that people concern
themselves when searching for the right limo rental. Here are a few things to
look for in a New York limo service.
Registrations, Associations, and Licenses
v Licenses and associations. Each limousine
service should possess a business license number. This business license is
issued by the state and allows a company to operate legally. A reputable limo
company should also be a member of the National Limousine Association or NLA.
The NLA is a non-profit organization that is responsible for the regulation and
advancement of the luxury transportation industry. Today, the NLA is composed
of manufacturers, suppliers, limousine owners/operators, and state
associations. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau for any
previous complaints against your potential limo operators.
v Operations. Years of experience are crucial. It
would be wise to choose a limo company that already has years of experience
under its belt. But if you run into a new rental business, ask about the
background of the owner or operator. Some of the country’s best companies are
relatively new but are managed by drivers and owners with years of experience
in the transportation industry.
v Insurance policies. Credible limo rental firms
should have each of their vehicles insured. Town cars are usually required to
have at least $750,000 of liability coverage. For vehicles that carry more than
seven passengers, the liability coverage should be at last $1.5 million.
Credible Name in the Industry
v Referrals. Word of mouth is still the best way
to find local services or products around. Ask friends, relatives, and
colleagues if they have used a limo company for multiple occasions. Were they
happy with the service that the company provided? You can also ask the rental
service for previous portfolio or names of prominent people who have used their
limo service.
v Online reviews. There is a plethora of review
sites on the Internet these days. Search for online reviews of your potential
limo rentals. Most small businesses these days have also tapped into social
media. Find their social networking profiles and read what other people have to
say about the services they provided.
v Driver gratuity. Almost all limousine services
automatically charge 15%-20% gratuity on your bill. This gratuity bill can
appear as ‘tip’ or ‘service charge’ on your bill. Ask the driver or anyone from
the company regarding their tipping guidelines.
Limo Service Operations
v Live inspection. Before even signing a
contract, make sure you perform an ocular inspection of the vehicle. If in case
the limo is in use, ask the firm if they can email you exterior and interior
photos of the car. It is crucial that you inspect the car, verify its
structure, amenities, and model.
v Business hours. A reputable limo company should
be available to take your inquiry calls 24 hours a day, or if not, at least
during business hours. If you are working with a limo company that provides Airport Limo Services, dispatchers should be available in the office around
the clock. If their primary business is proms, night parties, and weddings, an
overnight emergency contact number is acceptable. But no matter which
situations you are in, your limo service should be accessible at all times.
v Driver
screening. According to federal and state law, any limo chauffer must pass a
physical exam and drug test to ensure the safety of customers. Credible
companies follow the local mandates, and also run background checks on their
employees. Aside from these precautionary measures, a chauffeur should also have
a clean driving record and should be knowledgeable with the agency’s service
area.
v Fleet size. The quantity of cars a company has
doesn’t necessarily mean high quality service, but it will definitely offer you
some insight about the firm. Small limo firms offer personalized services and
specialized on one kind of service such as airport transfers. On the other
hand, the bigger companies handle huge accounts and are usually made up of
stretch limousines and town cars.
These are just a few of the factors that you
should consider when hiring a New York limo service. Have fun and leave all the
driving to your limo service.
