BBB Advises: What to Look for When Searching for a Limo Driver for Prom

Can you believe prom season is here again? All the planning and preparation for your teenager’s big night is coming together and you’re ready to send them off on their night to make their own fairytale.

You’ve thought of everything; the dress, hair, makeup, shoes, corsages, the tux, how much money you’ve spent but what about the limousine? How much research did you put into that?

It’s true, most of us don’t think too much about the limo and the person that’s going to be responsible for getting your child to their destination safely. We just assume that they have all the necessary paperwork up to date and that they’re legally able to drive your teen around.

The Better Business Bureau Serving Metro Atlanta, Athens and Northeast Georgia wants to advise parents about the requirements needed to be a limousine driver or chauffeur in the state of Georgia.

Here are a few questions you might want to keep in mind when helping book a limo for your teen:

• Is a Chauffeur Permit required? Yes. Anyone driving a vehicle operated by a limousine company must hold a Chauffeur Permit.
• Is a Chauffeur Permit required if they only drive a sedan limousine? Yes. A Chauffeur Permit is required for all vehicle types operated by a limousine company. This includes, but is not limited to, sedans, sport utility vehicles, vans, and extended limousines.
• Do you have to be employed by a limousine company to apply for a Chauffeur Permit? Yes. All applicants must be employed by a limousine company that holds a Class B Carrier Certificate issued by the Georgia Department of Public Safety. All Chauffeur Permit applications must be accompanied by an authorization letter from the limousine company verifying employment.

Be sure to visit the Georgia Department of Public Safety website for more information on the requirements in the state of Georgia.

What can you do?

• Do your research. Be sure to check bbb.org/atlanta for information on the company that you’re thinking about hiring.
• Licensed Limousine Carriers- visit this site for a list of limo carriers that are licensed in the state of Georgia.
• Review the FAQ’s- The Georgia Department of Public Safety has provided a list of frequently asked questions for consumers and limousine drivers.

And some final tips:

Get Referrals. Ask friends and family members with experience using a limo service to recommend a reliable business. Check out limousine services at bbb.org to read reviews and complaints. Be sure to find out the business’s fleet size, the type of vehicles they rent, and how long the limo service has been in business. Make sure the company you are considering has a physical address you can visit.

Consider Cost. Compare the cost of different limousine businesses and find out what each company includes. Don’t assume the lowest price is the best deal, since you usually get what you pay for. Remember to consider the chauffeur’s tip at the end of the event, which is usually 15 to 20 percent.

Check for Insurance. The company you hire should provide proof of their insurance coverage for their fleet. Find out if the business insures their fleet under a personal auto policy. Personal auto policies usually do not include coverage for the consumers renting the vehicles.

Request References. A reputable limousine business should be happy to provide a list of previous customers you may contact. After contacting the references, ask about their experience with the business and if everything went smoothly to and from the event. Be sure to ask the references if they would hire the limousine business for a future event.

Get Everything in Writing. Before you can enjoy your special night, you must first sign the written contract. Remember that oral promises not included in the contract are not enforceable. Be sure to carry a copy of the contract on the day of the event so there are no questions about the terms of the contract. Be sure the contract includes: the services provided, the details for the day of the event, the terms of payment, and the cancellation policy.

To search for BBB Accredited Limousine Services please click here.