There are over 1.8 million taxi and limo services across the country, but how can you find the best limo service in San Diego? You'll need to do some research to ensure that you're picking a limo company willing to help you with your transportation needs.
Whether you're looking for a limo service to chauffeur your wedding party on your special day, transport you and your buddies to the prom, or help you celebrate a night out on the town with friends, there are some crucial questions you'll want answers to before signing a contract.
Below are ten of the most frequently asked questions for hiring a limo service in San Diego; the answers will help you feel well-prepared and confident that you have chosen the best service to fit your needs.
1 "Have you been in business for a long time?"
If you settle for a limousine service that has only been in business for a short time, you're taking your chances. There are more than a few stories of new limousine services double booking, leaving passengers stranded, overcharging, or providing less than stellar customer service. Working with an experienced limo service serving the same region for multiple years, if not decades, is always a good idea. These limo companies will frequently be able to provide you with the best limos, the most professional drivers, and the best value for your needs.
Always inquire about how long a limo company has been in operation and how they've grown through time. It is a very competitive industry, and most companies who have survived in their markets have done so for a good reason. They generally provide a level of service and expertise that newer companies simply can't compete with. When you know a limo business has earned its reputation over time, you'll feel a lot better about using them.
2. "Do you have all of the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance?"
A limo company must have the appropriate business licenses to provide limo services to customers. Don't be afraid to request verification and documentation of these licenses from any limo company you are considering. Special insurance coverage is also required for limo services and their drivers. These policies must cover everything from the limo company's vehicles to the people that board the vehicles.
In California, passenger carrier licenses or Transportation Business Licenses are issued through the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Under no circumstances should you agree to use a limousine service that lacks the necessary permits and/or insurance. If you do, you'll be asking for trouble, so make sure to ask if a company's licenses and insurance policies are all current.
3. "Can you tell me about your fleet of vehicles?"
When it comes to the vehicle that best suits your needs, you should have plenty of alternatives to choose from. The top limousine companies have a diverse inventory of vehicles. If you're traveling alone or with one other person, your limo company should be able to accommodate you with a Cadillac XTS, a Lincoln Continental, or a Mercedes Benz S550. If you require a limo large enough to accommodate a small group of people, your limo company should be able to give you a Cadillac Escalade, a Lincoln Navigator, or a Yukon Denali. For larger groups of people, your limo company should have vehicles like a Mercedes Sprinter Van, a 40 Passenger Executive Coach, and potentially even a 56 Passenger Motor Coach at their disposal if you're looking for something genuinely substantial that can handle a large group of people.
If the limo company you're considering doesn't have a fleet of vehicles of various sizes, move on to the next one in your area. They won't be a good fit for you and your fellow passengers, physically or figuratively.
Also, it's perfectly acceptable to compare limos online before making a decision. Before you pay anything, make an appointment to see the limo in person. If the service rejects, try another company. Reputable limousine companies will schedule an appointment for you to see the limo in person when you're interested in hiring their service. After all, you should be able to know what you're paying for when you're spending hundreds of dollars.
4. "Can You Tell Me Which Limo Services You Provide?"
We've already discussed how limo companies should be prepared to transport you to your wedding, prom, or night out on the town in the vehicle of your choosing. But a top-notch limo company should also have a variety of limo services available to serve your needs. And the best limo companies in San Diego go above and above by providing services such as:
- Transfers from the airport
- Traveling for business
- Transportation to and from concerts and theaters
- Transportation to and from the cruise port
- Transportation for business meetings
- Extra Services, such as: Drinks, Snacks, Extended Time, TV's, Spontaneous Routes & Destinations
Every limo service does not come with the same set of features. Some features will also differ from limo to limo. Make a list of the features and amenities that you absolutely must have. Do you require additional space to dance? What about the drinks at the bar? Do you want your ceiling to be illuminated? How about two flat-screen televisions? This narrows your search and assists the limo company in matching you with the ideal limo and amenities. Keep in mind that some services, such as specific drinks, may incur additional charges.
A limo company's services are typically listed on their website. But you should also ask if they'll be up for the challenge of providing anything special or unique you may ask of them.
5. "How will you keep me safe?"
The most conscientious limo businesses follow a set of safety procedures. To guarantee that your ride is safe, limo companies must follow various state and federal regulations. You want to be sure that who you contract with prioritizes safety at all levels, from driver background checks and drug testing to DOT compliance and commercial liability and collision insurance. Ask as many questions as you want about what kind of insurance they have as well? Make sure you and anyone in your party are protected if your driver is involved in a car accident.
6. "What Are The Responsibilities Of My Chauffeur?"
Chauffeurs are expected to undertake various employment obligations for their company in addition to transporting passengers around. Typical job responsibilities include:
- Maintain a clean and shiny vehicle at all times. Between driving trips, a chauffeur will detail the vehicle's inside and exterior.
- Maintaining and repairing your vehicle is always a good idea. A chauffeur's job is to keep track of the limo's maintenance records, provide upkeep, and report necessary repairs when they're needed.
- For prospective trips, conduct research and become familiar with the most efficient routes. Chauffeurs must plan the best routes for transporting their passengers to and from various locations. Without relying on a GPS, they should be aware of alternate routes in case of traffic or other delays.
- Ensure that their passengers arrive on schedule at all times. A chauffeur's job is to ensure that passengers arrive on time at their destinations while following all traffic laws and speed limits.
- They always greet their passengers by opening doors. A chauffeur should greet passengers, open doors, and help passengers in entering and exiting the vehicle.
- Carry all packages, bags, and other belongings with you at all times. On shopping trips and travel, a chauffeur may be required to accompany the driver. When they do, they will load and unload the vehicle as well as carry stuff for their company.
It also goes without saying that limo drivers are responsible for their personal hygiene and how they dress. Many San Diego limo companies have a dress code for chauffeurs because they will be exposed to the public when they arrive at your function. Limousine drivers should be well-dressed and professional. Unfortunately, there are far too many horror stories about limo drivers who show up carelessly dressed, unhappy, or even intoxicated to try to lead a stunned wedding party or other group to their destination.
As you research different limo companies, one thing you'll notice is general statements about how skilled and competent their chauffeurs are. Know that it is perfectly acceptable to request a chauffeur with prior experience with your type of function. The last thing you want is an obnoxious, unpleasant chauffeur ruining your evening. If you're booking a limousine for a night of clubbing, for example, you'll need someone who is both patient and energetic.
7. "Can you tell me how much your limo services cost?"
No doubt, employing a limo service in San Diego is a luxury, not a necessity. However, that doesn't mean you should have to overpay. If you spend too much of your budget on your limo service, you won't be able to enjoy your special event. When planning for a special occasion, the limo company you employ shouldn't break the bank or compel you to make cuts elsewhere.
It's never a bad idea to get quotes from a few limo companies before deciding on the one that can offer you the most competitive and affordable rates. Generally, when trying to figure out how much a limo costs, here are the top four things to consider.
- #1 - The Limousine's Size
Limos are available in a variety of types and sizes. Some limos can only contain 4 to 6 persons, while others may accommodate up to 16 people. SUV limos, regular sedans, and super stretches are also available. Each style of limo has a distinct rental cost, so understanding how big a limo you need and what type you want will be quite beneficial. - #2 - When you want to hire a limo
The price of your limo is heavily influenced by demand. Like many other services, Limo services are in more demand on particular days of the week or during certain periods of the year. Saturdays are popular wedding days; thus, limo prices are frequently higher because limo businesses are busy on Saturdays. Meanwhile, Tuesdays are a little slower, resulting in lower prices. As a result, renting a limo for a concert or sporting event on the weekend will almost certainly be more expensive than doing so on a weekday. - #3 - How long do you want the limo to be with you?
Because limo service is typically charged by the hour, time is a consideration. Vehicle hourly fees can range from $75 to $200 per hour, depending on the provider and which limo, car, van, or bus you choose. There is usually a minimum amount of time that you must reserve the limo for. However, if you rent a limo for a more extended amount of time, say seven hours or more, you may be eligible for a discount on your hourly rate, lowering your overall limo cost. Many rentals, such as those for Nights on the Town or Bachelor or Bachelorette Parties, will run 8 hours or longer. - #4 - Is the gratuity included in the limo service cost?
Gratuities are handled differently by each company. When quoting you, some firms will include the gratuity in the limo service cost, while others may include it as a separate payment. When getting an estimate, make sure to inquire if the gratuity is included in the limo price. Because the bride and groom are unlikely to have cash on them when they hire the limo, events like weddings frequently include the gratuity.
8. "Do you have a contract for us to sign?"
Remember, when you get a really low quote, don't get too thrilled. A quote that seems too good to be true is probably the one service you should avoid. Extremely high quotes, on the other hand, should be avoided. Cheaper does not always imply superior quality. This usually indicates that you're missing out on something important. It's usually either the limo's quality or the service's quality.
Before any money changes hands in a limo services transaction, it is critical to have a written and signed contract. This will assist you in understanding what is expected of you and what the limousine company and driver can provide. Even if it is not the company's policy to use contracts, you have the right to ask them to do so in your case. Nobody likes to be caught off guard by a waived liability or an unexpected charge during a night of fun and leisure.
9. "Do you offer a money-back guarantee on your services?"
What if you're completely dissatisfied with the services you've received? Limousines are a costly luxury, and anything caused by the driver or chauffeur that jeopardizes the event's class position should be guaranteed. Connecting with a manager ahead of time will give you a point of contact if the services you receive aren't up to par.
Most reputable San Diego limo companies will also list their terms and conditions on their website. Look here for details about what is or is not covered under any guarantee they may tell you about. Here, you'll find information about things like who is responsible for damage to the limousine, who pays if someone gets sick in the limo, what happens in case there is a mechanical breakdown, and what happens if travel is delayed, or a destination is not reached on time.
Other terms and conditions related to guarantees you'll want to look for include:
- Cancellations and rescheduling policies.
- What happens in the event of a no-show by either party?
- Waiting time policies.
- Service fees.
- Rate disclaimers.
10. "How does your limousine service differ from others?"
Before you end your chat with a limo company representative, ask them one last question. Inquire as to what distinguishes their limo service from the many others available. Their response will be quite telling. They should emphasize the following:
- The method they employ when employing drivers.
- The professionalism and dependability that they seek to provide to all of their clients.
- The upkeep they perform on their automobiles to keep them in great shape
Pay attention to what a limo service has to say about itself. They should make every effort to persuade you that they are the best firm for you.