The biggest mistake one can make when looking to hire a NJ  limousine service is basing your decision solely on the “best price”. This translates into a risk for you. Ask yourself; do you want to accept the risks outlined below?

• Your limousine does not show up and you miss your event.

• Your limousine is late and you end up missing your flight.

• A 1987 Lincoln limousine rusting at the seams arrives at your door when you were expecting a new model. Instead of being lavished in luxury, you are embarrassed.

• You chauffer exercises poor customer service with your company’s most influential client. You loose your account.

• Your limousine breaks down on the highway during transport to your event. You and your friends miss the long awaited night out, but you saved money.

• Your limousine is involved in an auto accident and is not properly insured to cover the damages and your injuries.

• Your limousine shows up late for your wedding. The groom doesn’t get to the church on time making what is supposed to be one of the happiest days one of the most aggravating.

                               Here are some tips to guarantee that the things above do not happen to you.

• Check out the vehicle you plan on renting. Some companies utilize older limo fleets. You don't want to be surprised on your wedding day when a 1988 limousine shows up at the church when you were expecting a year 2006 model!

• A reliable and professional service will be more than happy to provide you with a signed-contract for service. Companies who can't supply a contract may not be confident in their ability to meet your needs.

• All NJ limousines are required to carry commercial livery insurance and proper permits. Unfortunately, the Yellow Pages and Internet do not require the same in order to advertise. To protect yourself from "gypsy companies", ask for proof of these with your signed contract.

• Companies who belong to industry associations usually must abide by special insurance regulations and service rules. Reputable associations such as the National Limousine Association (NLA) and Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ) are good indications that your service provider does their due diligence. The Better Business Bureau also is a good research source- complaints about limousine services are not far behind auto mechanics complaints.

• Don't be the bride that gets the "The Limo Got into an Accident" or "We don't have your reservation" story. Cover yourself by getting a signed contract and by shopping smart. Shopping on price alone is dangerous. Some unethical operators do not hesitate to drop a reservation to pickup a better paying fare.

• Most limousines rent for $50 to $150 per hour plus gratuity. In addition, most limousine services require a minimum hourly booking. Unfortunately, you cannot rent a limousine for 1 hour. Because of vehicle prep costs, travel times, and chauffeur salaries, a one-hour limo rental is not feasible for most limo services. In high-demand time periods such as the spring time (with proms & weddings) hourly minimums can be as many as 6 hours.

• You still have to pay for the rental time during your event, such as prom, even if you aren't physically using the vehicle. Although the vehicle is not in use, it cannot be used elsewhere; even when there are 2 or 3 hours in between the drop-off and pickup.

•  Most companies require a minimum 3 hour booking to rent a limousine. During prom season, expect this minimum to increase; as much as 8 hours minimum. High demand vehicles such as Stretch Hummers will often rent at full price with an 8 hour minimum. Unfortunately, you are more likely to get struck by lightning than getting a limousine rental for 1 or 2 hours during prom season. Limo prices explode during prom season!

•Limousine services do not offer discounts during prom time. Why? The demand for limousines during the spring exceeds the supply. This shortage causes an increase in prices and hourly minimums. Some companies may offer a discount for a rental which exceeds 8 hours.