PLANNING

Begin by making a list of limousine company names and their contact information, leaving room for answers to your inquiries. Booking as early as possible improves your odds of receiving the limo you want, and possibly getting a better rate.

If you are reserving a limo for a wedding, consider doing so anywhere from a year to 18 months in advance to ensure that you get exactly what you want for this important occasion. If your special event is a prom or holiday, reserving your car a few months in advance is a good idea. Most other events can safely be booked a few weeks ahead of time.

INTRODUCTORY QUESTIONS

Find out how long the limo company has been in business and what kind of inventory (or 'fleet') they have. They should also be able to provide a list of recent references. Make sure your trip will be covered by medical and liability insurance. There is nothing wrong with asking for proof of insurance and any limousine service should have no problem sharing this with you.

COSTS

Some NY limo companies charge by the hour, while others offer packages. Packages often work best for events with a pre-determined start and stop time, like concerts or weddings. If paying by the hour, ask whether you will be charged from the time the driver picks you up, or when the limo leaves the garage. Also, there are some limo services in New York that offer different rates for up time and down time, meaning the rate goes down while you're not in the limo.

Inquire about extra costs like service fees or fuel surcharges, and whether you will be charged extra if your event runs late. If the NY limo company you're talking to is not up front about fees you may want to shop around.  Some companies offer champagne or bar service, often for a fee. If so, decide if it is worth the money, or find out if you can bring your own liquor. Other extra expenses might include a “just married” sign or a red carpet roll-out. Ask about discounts for weekday reservations or corporate outings.

Tips are often included in the cost of the limousine. If not, the usual tip is 18-20% of the base price of the limo.

BEFORE YOUR EVENT

Consider visiting the limousine company to look at the model you’ll be renting. Pictures don't always tell the full story. (i.e. scratches, dents, etc.)  During your visit, you might also ask to see the company’s state registration and license, as well as their insurance information. This is also a great time to get a copy of your contract so you can make sure you have everything in writing. The contract should include information on cancellation and deposit refund policies.

LIMOUSINES

What makes, models, years, and colors are available? Limos come in many styles, from Hummers to fancy vintage models. The importance of these factors depends on your taste and the nature of the event, of course, but many people do prefer a newer car. Also if you'll be riding your limo in New York city or other heavily populated areas you might want to ask about travel time. A stretched hummer limo is not exactly the easiest vehicle to maneuver through NY city traffic.

If you will be traveling with a large party to an airport, find out how much luggage the limousine can accommodate. You might also want to know if the heat or air conditioning can be controlled by the passengers, and whether or not music will be available. When making your reservation, allow for one or two extra passengers.

DRIVER

Some limo companies require their drivers to wear uniforms, while others do not. If you will be attending an event where appearance is important, consider asking about this when calling to reserve your limo.

If your event involves travel, you might want to ask whether the chauffeur will help you and your party with your luggage. You will also need to know if the driver will meet you in the terminal or outside if picking you up at the airport.

BEFORE THE EVENT

A week before the event, call the limousine company to verify the details of your reservation and see that they match the information on your contract. Be sure to let them know if you need to follow a specific route, and how many stops you will need to make on your trip.

Begin by making a list of limousine company names and their contact information, leaving room for answers to your inquiries. Booking as early as possible improves your odds of receiving the limo you want, and possibly getting a better rate.

If you are reserving a limo for a wedding, consider doing so anywhere from a year to 18 months in advance to ensure that you get exactly what you want for this important occasion. If your special event is a prom or holiday, reserving your car a few months in advance is a good idea. Most other events can safely be booked a few weeks ahead of time.

Find out how long the limo company has been in business and what kind of inventory (or 'fleet') they have. They should also be able to provide a list of recent references. Make sure your trip will be covered by medical and liability insurance. There is nothing wrong with asking for proof of insurance and any limousine service should have no problem sharing this with you.

COSTS

Some NY limo companies charge by the hour, while others offer packages. Packages often work best for events with a pre-determined start and stop time, like concerts or weddings. If paying by the hour, ask whether you will be charged from the time the driver picks you up, or when the limo leaves the garage. Also, there are some limo services in New York that offer different rates for up time and down time, meaning the rate goes down while you're not in the limo.

Inquire about extra costs like service fees or fuel surcharges, and whether you will be charged extra if your event runs late. If the NY limo company you're talking to is not up front about fees you may want to shop around.  Some companies offer champagne or bar service, often for a fee. If so, decide if it is worth the money, or find out if you can bring your own liquor. Other extra expenses might include a “just married” sign or a red carpet roll-out. Ask about discounts for weekday reservations or corporate outings.

Tips are often included in the cost of the limousine. If not, the usual tip is 18-20% of the base price of the limo.

Consider visiting the limousine company to look at the model you’ll be renting. Pictures don't always tell the full story. (i.e. scratches, dents, etc.)  During your visit, you might also ask to see the company’s state registration and license, as well as their insurance information. This is also a great time to get a copy of your contract so you can make sure you have everything in writing. The contract should include information on cancellation and deposit refund policies.

What makes, models, years, and colors are available? Limos come in many styles, from Hummers to fancy vintage models. The importance of these factors depends on your taste and the nature of the event, of course, but many people do prefer a newer car. Also if you'll be riding your limo in New York city or other heavily populated areas you might want to ask about travel time. A stretched hummer limo is not exactly the easiest vehicle to maneuver through NY city traffic.

If you will be traveling with a large party to an airport, find out how much luggage the limousine can accommodate. You might also want to know if the heat or air conditioning can be controlled by the passengers, and whether or not music will be available. When making your reservation, allow for one or two extra passengers.

Some limo companies require their drivers to wear uniforms, while others do not. If you will be attending an event where appearance is important, consider asking about this when calling to reserve your limo.

If your event involves travel, you might want to ask whether the chauffeur will help you and your party with your luggage. You will also need to know if the driver will meet you in the terminal or outside if picking you up at the airport.

A week before the event, call the limousine company to verify the details of your reservation and see that they match the information on your contract. Be sure to let them know if you need to follow a specific route, and how many stops you will need to make on your trip.