Prom night comes around every year, and for many students, it’s their last hurrah before graduating high school and moving on with the rest of their lives. It’s an important night, and many students make it a special occasion by hiring a limousine to carry them around. However, there are some considerations that must be made in order to stay safe while still having fun. One of the main ones concerns the limousine companies themselves; not all drivers can be trusted. With that in mind, here are a few ways to choose a limo company that you can rely on.
1. Find out how much insurance they have.
Limousines are expensive vehicles, and the company needs to have insurance so that the passengers cannot be held responsible for anything that happens to the vehicle while they’re riding in it. The company also needs to be able to cover any medical bills that should accrue if passengers are injured due to driver error. The amount of coverage varies depending on the vehicle; town cars should be insured up to around $750,000, while an eight passenger or more vehicle needs at least $1.5 million.
2. Look for a license number.
For a limousine company to legally operate within a state, it is required to have a license number. Most companies will belong to a group like the National Limousine Association, as well. These two elements are both benchmarks of a trustworthy, reputable company. Another item to look for is how long the company has been in business; it’s usually a better option to go with a limo company that’s been around a while rather than a new company.
3. Check out the vehicles in person.
Taking the time to personally inspect the limo beforehand is a great way to check on its condition and look for any areas you may be concerned about. According to Limo Service Airport Metro Tran, “if you can’t physically see the vehicle, request that the company email you photographs. Check the outside for signs of damage or past accidents, and inspect the interior for the various amenities it might have, as well as what make and model the vehicle itself is.”
4. Get referrals from friends and family.
Limousine companies tend to have repeat customers when they’re good. Find out what your friends, families, and coworkers use when they need a limousine and check out the companies they recommend. This is a quick and easy way to sort out the great companies from the bad.
5. Research what kind of driver screening they have.
A good limousine company will perform thorough background checks on all employees, as well as drug tests and physicals. This is to ensure the driver is not only physically capable of operating the vehicle, but also ensures the driver is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol of any sort. Drivers should also have clean records and know the area well for the best service. If the company you’re thinking of using doesn’t take this sort of care with the drivers, it may be a better idea to use a different provider.
6. Evaluate the cost.
Limousine rentals are not cheap, but they should not be overly expensive, either. If the cost seems like it’s too much, find out why. Look into what services are provided for the cost, what kind of safety you can expect, and whether the cost covers transportation or also wait times. After all, students will likely want to take the limousine into town to eat before prom, so the cost for the driver to wait for them to finish their meal and return should also be calculated. Wait fees are usually more expensive than transportation fees.
While it’s not always fun to do, it’s important to evaluate the safety and quality of a limo company before renting. Doing so ensures that everyone can stay safe while still having fun.
