Limousine services are used for a variety of reasons ranging from weddings to general friend nights out on the town. Regardless of your choice, there are some common questions that are asked during the limousine rental process.
In this article, I’ll cover ten of the most common questions that are frequently asked when it comes to tenting a limo in the Phoenix area of Arizona
1. How do I hire a limousine service in Arizona?
Hiring a limousine in the Phoenix area is actually much simpler than one would think. Generally, all you need to do is find a good limo rental service and book via their website or telephone number. While choosing the right company to fit your wants and needs, it’s important to remember your budget and any additional questions you want to ask the company before using a product.
2. How much does it cost to rent a limousine in Phoenix, Arizona?
The total cost of using a limo service will depend on a few factors: where you’re located, how long you need it, and what extra amenities you want to be added to your experience. On average, limo services cost between $70-$150 per hour. In most cases, renters will end up spending somewhere between $425 to $950 for their entire night.
The price tag may also depend on the reason behind your rental decision. While prom limo rentals only cost between $270 and $400, renting for a bigger event like a wedding can cost a person almost twice as much, if not more. Evening bookings also cost more in general because they’re peak service hours.
3. How much should I tip a limo driver?
Most transportation specialists recommend tipping your limo driver somewhere between 10-20 percent of your overall bill. On top of that, renting a limo for airport services should also come with a tip of $2-$5 per bag of luggage. Most limo drivers receive a fixed hourly rate that isn’t much more than minimum wage and some drivers may rely on tips to get by.
4. Do I still need to tip my driver if a gratuity fee is included?
Although a tip isn’t required if a gratuity fee is applied, it’s generally recommended to tip anyway as that tip money goes straight to your driver. On top of that, you can actually choose how much you want to give your driver and tipping allows you to reward them for going above and beyond during their shift.
The tricky thing about gratuity fees automatically tacked to your bill is that in many cases, those fees are shared among drivers in the company rather than completely going to your person. With that said, a “voluntary gratuity” is essentially the same thing as general tipping and is the preferred way to tip.
5. How do I know if a limo service is reputable?
The best way to find out about the reputation of a limousine service is by checking out reviews left by previous customers. Reading past reviews will give you the most authentic look into how a business runs. However, sometimes a company will pay for positive reviews. Because of this, we recommend following reviews that highlight the good and bad qualities of a certain business.
According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), it’s smart to ask the company for proof of insurance and a driver’s driving history. It’s also smart to see if it’s a BBB-accredited business as you can work with the BBB to find out what others’ past experiences were like with a specific company.
You should also ask to check their references and it’s helpful to do a little bit of digging on their business practices over the years. What you find during this process will tell you exactly what kind of company you’re looking at.
6. Is there a minimum or maximum renting time? How do I find out if so?
Although hourly minimums will vary depending on the company you choose to use, most places require 3-4 hours of minimum rental time to secure a spot on their books. These minimum requirements may seem irritating at first thought, but 3-4 hours is the amount of time you’d likely need to get around without feeling rushed anyways.
7. Do limo companies cover anything under insurance?
Because you’re going to be driven around by a complete stranger, it’s important to make sure you’ll be protected while being transported around town. Having insurance is a requirement for any reputable limousine service driver and it’s okay to ask for proof.
8. What is the service area a limo company runs through?
The service area is the mile radius a company allows its drivers to operate within. Once again, this is something that varies by company and location. A specific company’s service area is typically visibly listed on its website. You may also call them and ask. This is important because you’re going to want to choose a company that can take you everywhere you need to go during your rental period.
9. What type of limousine vehicles does the company operate?
The size of your group is going to dictate the size of the vehicle you’ll need to rent. Although there are several different limo styles available, there are five models that are the most popular rental options:
- Sedan Limo: Sedan limos look very similar to any other sedan. However, they typically come equipped with a fully stocked bar and other amenities that add to the experience.
- Lincoln Limousine: This limousine option is perfect for small and intimate settings. It has a sleek and elegant look that also gives you the luxury of a fully stocked bar.
- Party Bus: Party busses are optimal for extremely large groups as they can normally seat 30 or more people at a time.
- Stretch Limo: Stretch limos are essentially just sedans that have quite literally been stretched. This is a good option for a smaller group of people who want a sleek look in their night ride.
- Hummer Limo: Hummers are good for exhibiting a rugged look. These work best for groups of 12 or more people.
10. How far do people need to book in advance?
Most limousine rental services recommend booking your time slot at least three months in advance. Booking this far ahead of time ensures you get the time slot you’re asking for. It’s also an especially important piece of advice to heed during peak business months like wedding and prom season.
Booking ahead of time also allows you to have more flexibility in choosing a reputable company. Since you aren’t scrambling for a last-minute opening, you’re able to book with your preferred company. This will also save you from several potential headaches down the road.
Parting Thoughts
Limousine rentals are a great way to get together with your friends without having to worry about designated drivers or how you’ll get home safely after a night on the town. I hope this article makes the rental process easier on you and takes some of that stress away from planning your event.
Hiring a limo service in Phoenix can be intimidating when you go in not knowing where to start. However, remember to book ahead of time, take time to read reviews, and consider your budget and you’ll be on smooth waters the rest of the way.