check the company's state and city licenses, its insurance, recent reviews and the exact vehicle before you book. Get the full quote in writing, including gratuity, fuel and wait time.
What should I check before booking a limo or car service?
Five things, in this order:
Licensing.
Most states and many cities license limo companies. In California, ask for the CPUC TCP number. In Washington, check the Utilities and Transportation Commission.
Insurance.
Commercial auto insurance is required. State regulators and FMCSA often show whether a filing is on record.
Recent reviews.
Read the newest reviews, not just the star average. Look for on-time pickups and how problems were handled.
The actual vehicle.
Ask for the year, model and seat count of the car you'll get.
A written quote.
Confirm the minimum hours, gratuity, fuel, tolls and wait-time charges.
How do I check if a limo company is licensed?
Search the state regulator first, then the city. Our methodology
lists the sources we use, and every city page links straight to them. A USDOT number on FMCSA SAFER
matters for vehicles that cross state lines or carry larger groups.
Are online reviews enough?
No. Reviews show service quality, but not whether a company is licensed and insured. Use both. That's why our scores give 25 of 100 points to verification and 20 to reviews.
Should I choose a sedan, SUV, Sprinter or stretch limo?
1 to 3 people:
a sedan is the quietest and cheapest.
3 to 6 people or lots of luggage:
an SUV.
7 to 14 people:
a Sprinter van, which is easier to get in and out of than a stretch.
Weddings and proms:
a stretch limo for the photos.
15+ people:
a party bus or mini coach.
How far ahead should I book?
Two to four weeks for airport and corporate rides. Two to six months for weddings and proms in spring, and earlier for big events like New Year's Eve or graduation weekends.
What questions should I ask on the phone?
Is the quote all-in, including gratuity and fees?
What's your cancellation policy?
Will the car I'm shown be the car I get?
How much wait time is included at the airport?
Are your chauffeurs employees, and are they background-checked?
What are red flags when booking a car service?
No license or permit number anywhere.
Cash only, or a big deposit with no written contract.
Stock photos of vehicles they don't own.
Recent reviews mentioning no-shows.
A price far below everyone else.
How does Best Car Service Guide rank companies?
Every company gets the same 100-point checks from public sources: verification 25, reviews 20, fleet 15, specialties 10, chauffeurs 10, real photos and story 10, booking 5 and years in business 5, plus a 4-point bonus for companies confirmed as locally owned and operated. Companies can't pay to change their rank. See how we rank.
