Spring is right around the corner, and with it comes the annual surge of weddings, proms, graduations and other formal events that may call for a limousine. The Department of Consumer Protection has a few suggestions to help consumers ride in style.
First, determine the type of limousine you need and for how many hours. Visit websites of limousine services to see what they offer in the way of vehicles and packages. Check with friends and family to learn which limousine services they have used in the past year or two, and whether these companies were reliable.
“While website shopping can be a good start, we advise people to call companies to confirm their current prices,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell said. “At the same time, you can verify that the company is fully operational for the season, and ask for a number of recent references.”
As you narrow your choices, be sure the limo operator that you hire is licensed in Connecticut and insured. For the safety of your passengers and your budget, choose only reputable companies. By law, limousine companies must have a permit from the Department of Transportation, and must include their permit number in their advertising. You may call the Department of Transportation in Newington at (860) 594-2868 to verify the status of a particular limousine company. Also confirm that the company has the right type of permit -- if you want a limousine to carry nine or more passengers across state lines, the company needs interstate authority as well.
It’s very wise to visit the limousine company in person and reserve the exact vehicle that you want. Be sure to verify and write down the year, make and model of the limousine you are reserving, its condition, and any complimentary amenities that are included.
Determine with the limousine company the exact ending time and place for your rental.
“If you expect your limo ride to end at midnight but actually, the car must be back in the company lot by that time, someone’s going to be unhappy,” Farrell said. “While confirming the time, you should also clarify where you want to be dropped off at the end of the rental, and find out if costs extra to be dropped off at a place different from where you were picked up.”
Ask if your deposit is refundable if the limousine doesn't meet with your satisfaction. Some consumers have been duped by unscrupulous companies that advertised one type of car and showed up for the big day with something entirely different – or didn’t show up at all. If possible, use a credit card for your deposit and payment. Paying by credit card gives you some protection if something goes wrong, because you can dispute the charges.
Farrell, whose agency regulates all liquor distribution, sale and service in Connecticut through its Liquor Control Division, also issued a request to parents whose children are renting a limousine for the prom or other formal event.
“Parents, please remind your teenagers that possession of alcohol in a limousine by a minor is illegal, and advise them not to bring liquor into the vehicle nor ask the driver to stop,” Farrell said. “Certainly, the drivers are aware of the law and are likely to refuse limousine service to any minor found to be in the possession of alcohol.”
