If you are deciding whether or not to use the services of a limousine hire company for the first time, there are a number of signs to look out for so that you know you are dealing with a good and reliable business. There is nothing worse than paying upfront for a special occasion, only to discover when the time comes that the limo you ordered is unfashionably late, or worse, turns up in a state of disrepair.
Do your homework
Go online and look at reviews of the limousine hire company you are planning to engage. Check out their website to see if they have set out details of their full range of products and services on offer. See if they have a “contact us” section or frequently asked questions page, and, if you do email or ring them, whether they get back to you reasonably quickly and are happy to answer any questions that you might have.
A good limousine hire company may also be members of a professional trade organisation. If that’s the case, it’s likely that they will display any quality assurance details online or include the relevant details on their documentation.
Licensing, safety and insurance
Good limo hire companies will be happy to let you have copies of valid insurance details, and should always display appropriate licensing and certification at their premises and on their vehicles. They will see health and safety as a key priority, and be pleased to answer questions that confirm regular maintenance and inspection of their vehicles and the competency of their drivers. They will also have a policy for the safeguarding of passengers, and ensure appropriate seating and seat belts are available at all times for transporting younger passengers.
Fleet of vehicles
A smaller limousine hire company might have less than five vehicles in their fleet, but generally, most limo hire companies will have a choice of vehicles available. This could range from stretch limousines to party buses, but a good limo hire company will be pleased to arrange a viewing of the vehicle you are looking to hire. They will also have a back-up plan should something go wrong with the chosen vehicle on the day.
At the same time, all vehicles in a limo hire company’s range should be well cleaned and maintained, always be in good condition, and the chauffeurs should also look presentable and have great customer service skills – in addition to good driving ability of course.
Last but not least, check the price
A good limo hire company will be transparent about all the details of their costs. Make sure the limousine hire company that you are looking to engage has no “hidden extras”, so all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.