There are many reasons why people consider limo rentals, from weddings to funerals. Most rental companies are honest, reputable businesses. However, as in any other field there are also a very few unscrupulous agencies. You may ask how can you tell the difference. Here are a few tips on how to choose a coach hire company:
# Choose a rental company that specializes in your type of affair such as weddings, funerals, airport to hotel transport, etc.
# Check out two or more companies and compare costs and services.
# Insist on viewing and inspecting vehicles.
# What services are provided - such as snacks, drinks, music, movies, etc.
# Ask for a printed price list.
# Request an explanation of any part of the contract that you don’t understand.
# At what point can you cancel without penalty?
# What is your recourse if the company fails to fulfill its obligations to you?
# How much of a deposit is needed?
# When is full payment required?
# How far in advance should you book your limousine rental?
# Avoid renting your wedding limos from a company that specializes in airport transport. Their very busy schedule in large cities such as Dublin, Ireland, can produce delays in getting to you on time.

There are some common sense etiquette rules you should abide by. For instance a driver can refuse to transport you if you engage in lewd conduct or use profanity.
# Don’t distract or harass the driver.
# Obey all laws such as no alcohol consumption by persons under age 21.
# Use of the privacy window is at the discretion of the driver.
# No standing or sitting through the sun roof.
# Avoid over consumption of alcohol.
# Common courtesy requires that you don’t leave a mess in the car. Bring a plastic bag to pick up your trash.
# Check that all personal belongings are removed from the vehicle when you leave.

One unique use of limos or luxury cars is to take a vacation tour. My cousin used limos to tour the Emerald Isle when she was there doing genealogic research. Her favorite spots were the beautiful Galway Bay and the famed Blarney Stone.

There is a growing trend to hire a limousine as a traveling party site. Some companies will allow children’s birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, hen or stag parties.

Imagine a young boy’s excitement to have a birthday party with a few of his friends in a Hummer limousine. Why not hire a limo to pick up your parents or grandparents for a very special wedding anniversary celebration. In the States a limo ride is an increasingly popular site for proposing marriage. Of course many business firms have visiting potential clients picked up and delivered to the meeting in a stretch limousine. Other than airport/hotel transfers, the most frequent use of limos is for weddings and funerals.

Before booking limousines, determine how many people will be transported from how many locations, this will tell you the number of vehicles you will need. Ask if there is a discount for multiple automobile rentals.

Did you know that you can often choose the color of your limos? Black, white, pink and silver are very popular, but we have seen powder blue, gold and even lilac. So if you want a particular color, ask.

Your son and his friends may want to hire a limousine to take them and their dates to the senior prom. How impressed the girls and all of their friends will be!

A limo for a night on the town is a great idea. Nobody has to worry about charges for driving impaired and everyone arrives home safe. Of course the limousine chauffeur has the right to refuse to transport an aggressive, inebriated individual and or call the police if he or she feels threatened.

You might wonder what make of vehicle your limo will be. There are an ever growing number of manufacturers producing luxurious limousines. Some you will know such as Lincoln, Cadillac, BMW, Hummer, Chrysler, Rolls Royce and more.

Limousines come in a variety of sizes as well. You can get the standard four passenger or a twenty-two passenger limo, Hummer bus or something in between. It all depends on your personal preference and requirements.

Many newlyweds hire a limousine to take them from the wedding reception to the airport for their honeymoon trip. A great thing is that on the return trip, if the flight is delayed the driver will wait for you in most cases. So ask when you book your limousine.

Many companies that provide limo service add 20% to the charge as a gratuity for the driver. Check to see if this is the case. Of course, if your driver provides exceptional service you can and should give him or her more. Some may refuse this because the company forbids it. In this case don’t insist that the driver take the money because he could lose his job for doing that.

For a unique child’s birthday party, try holding the party in a limousine. You can have a movie or music CD’s, the kids can play board or video games and yes, you can have cake, ice cream and soft drinks. It won’t cost much more than a traditional party at a fast food restaurant or party palace and the kids will have an experience that they won’t soon forget. This type of party is best for kids between eight and twelve years old.

When my nephew was married, his bride had a limousine pick up Mike’s grandfather at the nursing home where he lived and had him brought to the wedding as a surprise. Mike was so thrilled as was the entire family.

Remember that it is important to choose the right limousine company, not the cheapest and not necessarily the most expensive. Check with your local business association or consumer affairs office to see if there are any complaints. In the U.S. it is called the Better Business Bureau.

Most of all enjoy your limousine experience.