Limousine Rental Cost

• A standard six-person limousine starts around $65 -$100 an hour. It jumps to $100 -$300 or more an hour for classic or vintage vehicles (such as a Rolls Royce) or 8-30-passenger models (such as a stretch Hummer holding 20-30 people). Most companies have package prices for specific types of events. For 4-8 hours for a wedding or a prom night, expect to pay at least $400 -$600 for a 6-8 passenger limousine, and possibly $800 -$1,800 or more depending on the type of vehicle and luxury options such as a mini bar, leather interior or video screen. Some larger vehicles, like a stretch Hummer, may include options such as a full bar, flat screen TV and laser light show. A wedding package might include a "Just Married" sign, flowers and balloons, or a red carpet.
• For a seven-hour rental on prom night a Massachusetts company charges $550 for a standard 8-passenger limo and $1,195 for a 20-passenger Escalade stretch limo, with a nearby competitor charging $1,800 for an 18-passenger Hummer. A company in California's wine country offers a five-hour wineries tour for up to six people in an antique limo for about $800. A Las Vegas company charges $630 -$1,365 for a bachelor or bachelorette party of 6-13 people cruising local bars and nightclubs for six hours.

• Some companies start the rental clock when the limousine leaves the garage, others when it arrives to pick up you. Typically you can also expect to pay for the limo while it's waiting for you, even when you're inside enjoying your wedding or prom.
• Some companies allow guests to smoke and drink in a limo; others do not. Underage drinking is never legal inside a limousine; drinking by adults may be prohibited by state law. Even if smoking and drinking are allowed, the person renting the limousine will be charged if the vehicle is soiled or damaged.
• It's best to go with a vehicle with a slightly larger capacity than you think you need. The capacity ratings assume an average person weighs 150 pounds, so a six-passenger limo can be actually be a bit too cozy for six full-grown adults, which definitely loses the sense of luxury provided by renting a limousine. And rental companies will never, ever allow you to overload a vehicle -- the standard super-stretch 8-person Lincoln limousine is insured for eight passengers and no more.

• Some companies charge a per-stop fee ($15 -$30 per stop, although it varies) if there are multiple pick-up or drop-off locations. Ask in advance if this applies.
• Most rental rates do not include the driver's tip, which should be anywhere from 10-20 percent of the cost, given in cash at the end. Some hourly rentals include an automatic 20 percent gratuity -- so check to be sure before tipping.
• When gas costs soared over $3 -$4 a gallon, many limousine companies added a 5-10 percent fuel surcharge for longer trips.
• Hourly charges are usually calculated in 15-minute increments, and overtime charges are usually much higher than the standard rate, starting around $130 -$300 or more an hour. It can be better to book a limo for a flat fee for the day than to run the risk of running over on a 2-, 3- or 4-hour rental.

• Ask specific questions about the make, model and year of the vehicle you're renting -- often a lower rental rate means an older vehicle. If you can, go see the vehicle before booking it, or check out photos online. Most limousine companies are local or regional operations, and many charge extra if they have to drive more than 30 minutes to the pick-up point. USALimos.com lists rental tips and BridalTips.com provides guidelines for hiring a wedding limousine.
• Referrals are available through the National Limousine Association. Get price quotes from several companies, and check for complains with the Better Business Bureau.
• Most limousine companies require a deposit, often 50 percent. Insist on a written and signed contract specifying all the details, including vehicle description, pickup times, rental duration, cancellation policy, overtime charges and any other details about the rental. Do not rely solely on verbal assurances of what's included.

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