Before you book a limo, you should ask about their licenses, insurance, driver background checks, fleet condition, and all fees included in your price. These questions help you pick a safe, reliable company that won’t surprise you with hidden costs or poor service.
This guide covers all the important questions you need to ask any limo company. We’ll help you avoid bad experiences and make sure you get great value for your money. From safety checks to pricing details, you’ll know exactly what to ask before you book.
Safety and Legal Questions to Ask First
Does Your Company Have Proper Licenses?
Every limo company must have the right licenses to operate legally. Ask to see their DOT (Department of Transportation) number and state licenses. Professional limo companies should gladly show you these documents.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates commercial transportation companies to ensure public safety. Companies without proper licenses can get shut down at any time. This means your ride could get canceled with no notice. Always check that they’re legally allowed to drive you around.
What Insurance Do You Carry?
Good limo companies have commercial liability insurance that covers all passengers. Ask for a certificate of insurance that shows:
- Insurance company name
- Policy number
- How much coverage they have
- When the policy expires
If they can’t show you insurance proof, find another company. You don’t want to be stuck paying medical bills if something goes wrong.
How Do You Check Your Drivers?
Safe companies do thorough background checks on all their drivers. Your chauffeur should have:
- Valid commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- Clean driving record for at least 3 years
- Passed drug and alcohol tests
- Criminal background check completed
- DOT medical exam passed
According to FMCSA data, over 180,000 commercial vehicle crashes involving large trucks and buses occurred in 2022, resulting in just under 6,000 fatalities. This is why professional limo services follow strict DOT compliance standards that require regular drug testing and background checks. Don’t be afraid to ask about their driver screening process.
Vehicle and Fleet Questions
Can I See the Actual Car I’m Renting?
Many companies use stock photos that don’t match their real cars. Ask to see the exact vehicle you’ll be riding in before you pay. If they won’t show you the car, that’s a red flag.
Look for these things when you inspect the limo:
- Clean inside and outside
- Working air conditioning and heat
- Good condition seats and carpets
- Working sound system
- Safety equipment like fire extinguisher and first aid kit
How Old Are Your Vehicles?
Older limos often have more problems and break down more often. Ask about the year and model of the car you’re booking. Most good companies keep their fleet updated and well-maintained.
What’s Your Backup Plan if the Limo Breaks Down?
Even well-maintained cars can have problems. Ask what happens if your limo breaks down or doesn’t show up. Good companies have backup vehicles ready or partnerships with other companies to help you out.
How Many People Can Really Fit Comfortably?
Don’t just ask about maximum capacity. Ask how many people can sit comfortably for your trip length. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sets safety standards for passenger vehicles, and US DOT standards give passengers 16-18 inches per person, but that’s pretty tight for most people.
For example, a “20-passenger” limo might legally fit 20 people, but you’ll be much more comfortable with 14-16 people for longer trips.
Pricing and Contract Questions
What’s Included in Your Base Price?
Many companies advertise low prices but add lots of extra fees. Ask for a complete breakdown of what’s included:
- Fuel charges
- Driver gratuity
- Parking fees
- Toll road costs
- Cleaning fees
- Administrative fees
Chauffeur gratuities often hover between 15-20% of the base fare, so make sure you know if this is already included or if you need to add it.
Are There Any Hidden Fees?
Ask specifically about extra charges that might show up on your final bill:
- Fuel surcharges – Many companies add 5-10% for gas costs
- Administrative fees – Some charge 10% for paperwork
- Overtime charges – These can be 50% more than normal rates
- Cleaning fees – Extra charges if the car gets very messy
- Airport pickup fees – Special charges for airport service
- Holiday surcharges – Higher rates on busy days
Get everything in writing so there are no surprises later.
What’s Your Minimum Rental Time?
Most limo companies require you to rent for at least 3-4 hours, even if you only need the car for one hour. According to industry research, this is because there is usually 1-2 hours of total prep (before the job) and cleanup time (after the job) for any booking regardless of length.
Weekend minimums are often longer – sometimes 4-6 hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Ask about minimums for your specific date and time.
When Do I Have to Pay?
Some companies want full payment upfront, while others take a deposit and collect the rest on your ride day. Ask about:
- How much deposit is required
- When the final payment is due
- What payment methods they accept
- If gratuity is paid by card or cash
Service and Experience Questions
Do You Specialize in My Type of Event?
Different events need different types of service. A company that’s great at weddings might not be the best choice for a corporate event. Ask if they have experience with:
- Your specific event type
- Your venue or destination
- The number of people in your group
- Any special needs you have
What Amenities Come With the Limo?
Most limos have basic features, but ask about specific amenities you want:
- Sound system that connects to your phone
- TV or entertainment system
- Mini bar or cooler space
- Special lighting
- Privacy partition
- Wi-Fi access
Some companies charge extra for premium amenities, so ask about costs upfront.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?
Companies have different rules about outside food and beverages. Some allow it for free, others charge a fee, and some don’t allow it at all. If you’re over 21 and want alcohol, ask:
- Can we bring our own drinks?
- Do you provide alcohol for an extra fee?
- Are there any restrictions on what we can bring?
- Do we need to drop off drinks ahead of time?
Reliability and Reputation Questions
How Long Have You Been in Business?
Companies that have been around for many years usually provide better service. They’ve learned how to handle problems and keep customers happy. New companies aren’t necessarily bad, but experienced ones are often safer bets.
Can You Give Me References?
Ask for contact information from recent customers, especially those who used the service for events similar to yours. Good companies are proud to share happy customer contacts.
You can also check online reviews on:
- Google Reviews
- Better Business Bureau
- Yelp
Look for patterns in reviews – if many people complain about the same problems, that’s a warning sign.
Do You Own Your Own Cars?
Some companies are just booking agents that hire other companies to actually provide your ride. This can cause problems because:
- You might pay extra commission fees
- Service quality can be inconsistent
- Communication problems are more likely
- They have less control if something goes wrong
Companies that own their own fleet usually provide better, more reliable service.
Practical Logistics Questions
What’s Your Cancellation Policy?
Life happens, and you might need to cancel or change your booking. Ask about:
- How much notice you need to give
- What percentage of your money you’ll get back
- If you can reschedule instead of canceling
- What happens if weather or emergencies force cancellation
Do You Provide Meet and Greet Service?
For airport transfers, ask if the driver will:
- Meet you at baggage claim with a sign
- Help with your luggage
- Track your flight for delays
- Wait for you if your flight is late
This service sometimes costs extra, but it makes airport pickup much easier.
What Areas Do You Serve?
Make sure the company can legally operate in all the areas you need to go. Some companies can only work in certain cities or states. Ask about:
- Pick-up and drop-off locations
- Any extra charges for longer distances
- Whether they’re licensed in all areas you’ll visit
Questions About Contracts and Agreements
What Does Your Contract Include?
Before you sign anything, make sure the contract clearly states:
- Exact date and time of service
- Pick-up and drop-off locations
- Type of vehicle you’re getting
- Total cost including all fees
- Cancellation policy
- What happens if they’re late or don’t show up
What Guarantees Do You Offer?
Good companies stand behind their service with guarantees. Ask if they guarantee:
- On-time arrival
- The specific vehicle you booked
- Professional driver service
- Clean, working vehicle
Some companies offer money back or service credits if they don’t meet their promises.
Making Your Final Decision
Compare Multiple Companies
Don’t just go with the first company you call. Get quotes from at least 3-4 different companies and compare:
- Total cost (including all fees)
- Vehicle quality and age
- Driver qualifications
- Customer reviews
- Years in business
- Guarantees offered
Trust Your Gut
If something feels wrong during your conversations with a company, listen to that feeling. Good limo companies should:
- Answer all your questions clearly
- Be professional and courteous
- Provide written quotes and contracts
- Show you insurance and license documents
- Let you inspect their vehicles
If a company won’t answer your questions or seems unprofessional, find someone else.
Book Early for Best Results
Popular companies and dates fill up quickly, especially for:
- Weekend evenings
- Prom and graduation season
- Wedding season (spring and summer)
- Holiday parties
- Special events in your city
Booking early also gives you more time to ask questions and compare options.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Warning Signs of Bad Companies
Avoid companies that:
- Won’t show you insurance or licenses
- Only communicate by text or email
- Give you prices way below everyone else
- Won’t let you see their vehicles
- Have mostly bad online reviews
- Pressure you to pay everything upfront
- Can’t answer basic questions about safety
Too-Good-to-Be-True Pricing
Cheaper rarely means better in the limo business. Companies with extremely low prices often:
- Add lots of hidden fees later
- Use old, poorly maintained vehicles
- Hire unqualified drivers
- Don’t carry proper insurance
- Might not show up at all
A good limo service is an investment in safety, comfort, and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Asking the right questions before booking a limo can save you money, stress, and disappointment. Focus on safety first – make sure the company has proper licenses, insurance, and qualified drivers. Then compare pricing carefully, including all fees and charges.
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. Good companies want to answer them because they’re proud of their service. If a company won’t answer your questions or tries to rush you into booking, that’s a sign to look elsewhere.
Take your time to research and compare options. A great limo experience starts with choosing the right company, and asking these questions will help you make the best choice for your special event.Ready to book with a company that welcomes your questions? Contact Skyline Chicago Limo for transparent pricing, professional service, and answers to all your questions.
