What to Expect When You Hire a Limo

by Chris Bjorklund

Besides expecting to be pampered, you should expect the chauffeur to arrive on time and be professional. According to Kathy Bimrose, manager of Style N’ Comfort Transportation & Tours, a Diamond Certified company, licensed operators are expected to pass safety checks performed by the California Highway Patrol and must meet other state and federal requirements. For example, drivers must be drug tested periodically. Any company transporting children under the age of 18 has to undergo special training.

When hiring a limousine service, you usually are asked to sign a contract. Deposits may be required and some companies want a credit card on file in case of damage. If someone gets sick in the limo, you have to pay for the clean up, which can be as high as $1,000! A 20% gratuity is normally included in your fee, and if you want to tip a little more, that’s your call.