When Good Limos Go Bad: Signs of a Subpar Car Service

If you’re planning to rent a limo from a car service for an upcoming special event, it’s essential to do your research. You might be inclined to book with a company based on mere name recognition or proximity alone, but that won’t always tell you everything you need to know to have a great limousine rental experience. More than likely, the company you choose for limo services will be well-regarded. But any car service that exhibits the following signs isn’t a business you should work with.

No Proof of License or Insurance

When you reserve a limo rental, you should obtain peace of mind that your car service will bring you to your destination safely. Your limo service should, at bare minimum, be able to provide proof of insurance and licensing for their drivers. Many customers assume that any limo business will have these automatically. But the sad truth is that there are some unscrupulous people out there who would rather try to cut corners and deceive than go through the required processes. You’ll need to make sure for yourself that you’ll be protected during your trip. Any limo company worth its salt will be happy to provide proof of their certifications right away.

Limited Car Service Options

Every limo rental company operates a bit differently, so not every service can be considered ubiquitous. But one thing you should always have is the freedom of choice. As long as you’re booking with more than enough time to spare, you should at least be able to control the time of your pick-up and the type of vehicle. A limo company that’s totally unwilling to meet your needs from the start may end up being even more difficult to work with in the long run. Renting a limo is a treat, so you shouldn’t be made to feel like you have no say in your experience.

Outdated Vehicle Fleet

Not every company is going to have 20 or more cars for you to choose from — but all of their vehicles should be in excellent shape. Approximately 60% of limousine service companies have fewer than five vehicles in their fleet. You’ll want to make sure that all of them are in great condition. Outdated vehicles can indicate a lack of overall care and could even present safety hazards for passengers. Believe us, you won’t want to deal with car troubles on your wedding day or have your experience tainted by strange rattling noises in your supposed luxury car. Go check out the vehicle fleet in person before you sign a contract to make certain everything is in order.

Lack of Driver Knowledge

Simply put, your limo driver should be a consummate pro. You shouldn’t be worried about their appearance or their behavior. You also shouldn’t have to be concerned about whether they know the correct way to navigate to a given location. A limo driver that makes a wrong turn and ends up in a traffic jam could end up costing you more in the end. And while just about everyone relies on their phone’s GPS app these days, it’d be preferable for your driver to already be familiar with the route; that way, your conversations wouldn’t be interrupted by a robotic voiceover indicating where to turn. While you may not know who your driver is ahead of time, you can certainly inquire with your limo rental service about their hiring processes, how long their drivers have been with the company, and their general policies pertaining to professionalism beforehand.

Poor Customer Service

With any type of business, it’s important to consider their level of customer service before hiring. If they’ve exhibited poor communication skills (e.g., unanswered emails or voicemails, disrespect towards customers, vague answers to questions), you should probably look elsewhere. When your inquiries are ignored early on in the process, it’s never a good sign. A reputable car service will understand how important stellar customer service is. Don’t waste your time on a business that doesn’t. If you observe these red flags, don’t sign on the dotted line; instead, walk away and find a company that will actually serve your needs. To learn more about our services and how we can make your next occasion even more special, contact us today.