Wedding and Prom season is coming and most people need to check their limousine companies. A lot of things come into mind, such as budgeting and picking the right car, however, there are a couple of key things one needs to check before they book their cars. The major concern should be.
Safety.
The word may make you a little bit too paranoid, or a rather unpleasant thought. However, safety is a big deal for everyone.
However, what do I mean when I say safety? We once saw a morbid Nationwide about death and how to protect your loved ones. Although Life Insurance is really important, there are other things you should check with your limousine company. You should know the questions to ask and understand that even though they may have some type of insurance. There are specifics they need.
One of the greatest tips is check the background of the company! A lot of companies are of course going to tell you they are insured and sometimes many companies are not going to be willing to show you their certificates, because it private information. This private information can lead to stealing identities (companies identities can be stolen as well).
So don’t burst out and expect a big answer from anyone and say yes but there are tips that you can check if a company is reliable and safe.
1) National Organization and Local Organization
Is your company a part of any part of a national organization?
The National Limousine Association (NLA) is one of the largest and most prestigious limousine association in the country. If your company is a part, then they are definitely a good choice. It costs money to join and they have multiple resources that help them have the best insurance companies, the best network and simply the best.
Now the best, may sound very cliche (we’re the best and you should buy us). However, being part of a national organization requires membership fees and not just any company can be a part of it. There are multiple local organizations that also help and provide various resources to the different companies. These associations work together to ensure the business grows and they are safe and of course quality. Associations and memberships provides the reputation of the other companies.
2) Taxi and Limousine Commission
The Taxi and Limousine Commission allows companies to work in the city or local area that they have. The commission is there to serve and help companies continue with compliance. This one is really not that much of a big deal (any company that wants to work in anywhere has to work with their local commission), if they’re not I would be concerned, mainly because they’re not properly working with the right permits. Also, if there are police roaming around where you are, they will take away the vehicle away. Not you, just the ride of your big day, making your big day be memorable in the wrong way!
3) Department of Transportation
This one is crucial! Why? Most limousine companies need to be certified by the Department of Transportation in the state and in the country. As surprising as it may be most limousine companies are considered a bus companies. Since they are considered as such, then they have to be compliant to the Department of Transportation, not only within their state but the country. The Department of Transportation is not going to certify just any company. They have to have worker’s comp (which is big sign of safety) and be routinely checked. Think of it as a restaurant. They always have to be up to code right? The only thing that restaurants HAVE to do this. Companies have the option to not do it, if caught they would get in a plethora of legal problems.
4) Insurance
This information definitely varies but there is a minimum mandated requirement most limousine companies need to do as a coverage. A great way of knowing who you are working with is if you request a direct Insurance Certificate from the insurance company. What we do at K and G Limousine, is we have our own insurance company mail in the insurance certification to our potential client? Why? Transparency and trust, any company can easily say, yeah we’re insured, and not completely be certified to even drive the vehicle. The certificate will give you proof that this company is compliant and they are responsible.
Conclusion
These are general questions you should ask. Although morbid they are to show the professionalism of the company you are working with. If a company has all of these no matter what type of service, you can count sure that they know what they’re doing and that you will not have to worry about your safety.
Thank you
K and G Limousine