What is the difference between limousine companies?
Renting a limousine for a night on the town or on your wedding day is a luxury experience, like selecting a 5-star hotel or restaurant, and is typically reserved for a special occasion. If your choice is based on price you run the risk of being taken advantage of, usually resulting in serious disappointment on that special day. Our passion is your satisfaction!
Code 3 Limousine and Transportation is proud to provide clean, well-maintained, properly licensed and permitted vehicles driven by well trained professional chauffeurs who are courteous, prompt and helpful.
When shopping for a limousine what questions should I ask?
Any transportation company that is being run properly should be able to answer these questions:
1 Do you have the proper licenses to operate a transportation company in California?
2 Are you fully insured? Don't be afraid to ask for proof.
3 What condition is the vehicle I'm renting in? Is anything broken or not working?
4 Can we arrange a time to view the vehicle prior to making my reservation? If the price seems too good to be true or something doesn't feel right be sure to go view the vehicle. There are some very poorly maintained limousines out there. Be safe and check for yourself.
5 Is the person taking your reservation courteous, patient and detail oriented? This is an important point to bring up. The person answering the phone and representing the transportation company is a reflection of the company. If they are short, condescending, rushed or just plain rude, you may want to consider another company.
What is the average cost to rent a limousine?
Rental costs vary based on a variety of considerations. The specific cost for your limousine rental will depend on some of the items listed below.
Standard Billing Practices
Minimums – Limo prices usually include a 5 hour minimum charge. In other words, if you use a limo for one hour, you will be charged for five. During busy periods (i.e. New Years Eve) minimums can be as high as eight hours.
Travel Time – Many companies charge from the time a limo leaves the garage to the time it returns. The time from the garage to the pickup location is called “travel time.” In order to simplify billing, most companies just add an extra hour.
Gratuity – Limo services automatically charge a 20% gratuity. If the chauffeur is exceptional, you should add another 10%.
Tolls – Any charge incurred during a trip is usually added to the bill. One charge most clients are unaware of is the airport tax. If your trip begins at the airport, expect the limo price to include this additional charge.
Surcharges – Most companies charge a 10% administrative surcharge. This charge helps with the price increases in automotive and workman’s compensation insurance. In recent years, many companies have also added a 5% fuel surcharge.
Tax – Limousine prices are typically exempt from sales tax. Your bill may include numerous fees and surcharges, but it shouldn’t include a sales tax.
Weekday Vs. Weekend – Just like hotel rooms, limo rates are based on seasonal and daily demand. If you’re willing to pay a little more, a national business service will offer consistent rates.
Overages – An overage occurs when a limo goes over its reserved time. Most companies will continue the billing in 15 minute increments while others will charge by the hour.
In order to better serve you we've listed some national hourly rate averages below. These figures are examples only and do not construe an offer to solicit for ground transportation, nor do these rates reflect those of Code 3 Limo.
Please call, email or request a quote for our best possible rate!
Vehicle Type National Rate Averages (based on a 4 hour rental)
Luxury sedan (1-4 passengers) $60-$90/hr + gratuity
Stretch limousine (1-8 passengers) $80-$135/hr + gratuity
Stretch SUV (1-14 passengers - Excursions, Hummers, etc.) $150-$300/hr + gratuity
Mini-buses / LimoCoaches / PartyBuses (20 passengers and up) $175-$300/hr + gratuity
In order to better serve you we've listed some national hourly rate averages below. These figures are examples only and do not construe an offer to solicit for ground transportation, nor do these rates reflect those of Code 3 Limo.
Please call, email or request a quote for our best possible rate!
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RESERVE A LIMOUSINE FOR ONE HOUR?
According to recent studies it is estimated that 95% of the limousine industry does not provide limousine service for one hour, and there are good business reasons for this. To maintain quality of service for the consumer there is usually 1-2 hours of total prep (before the job) and cleanup time (after the job) for any booking regardless of length, and it simply is not cost effective for most companies to send a limo out for only one hour.
To hire a limousine, most providers require a minimum hourly booking, typically 4 to 8 hours. Particular times of the year can be much busier, such as the spring. This increased demand can equate to longer hourly minimums.
In addition, each limousine service charges a standard gratuity which is based on the total fare. The average gratuity is 15-20%. Be sure to ask if it is not made clear. Either way, it is customary to budget gratuity in your rental cost. Limousine chauffeurs earn their living by providing excellent service in exchange for gratuities, much like waiters do in fine dining establishments. Please tip your chauffeur in addition to the gratuity that is already included!