The following information has been copied from limos.com which is Americas biggest limousine website, We know that lots of the information is irrelivant for the UK but the same princibles apply.... The Yanks have been in the limousine business for years, so it is worth reading the following.......Don't shop by price alone-Don't Make A Precious Mistake!
Most people wouldn't hire the cheapest surgeon, or stay at the cheapest hotel, yet many consumers shop for a limousine service in this fashion.
The biggest mistake you could make when hiring a limousine service is basing your decision solely on the "best price". This may translate into a large risk for you. Do you want to accept the risk?
Risks You Accept When Shopping for the "Best Price"
Your limousine does not show up. You miss your concert.
Your limousine is late. You miss your flight.
A 1987 model limousine rusting at the seams arrives at your door when you were expecting at a 2004 model. Instead of being lavished in luxury, you are embarrassed.
Your limousine chauffeur exercises poor customer service with your company's most influential client. You loose the account.
Your limousine breaks down on the freeway during transport to the Super Bowl. You and 7 of your friends missed the big game-- yet, you saved $35.00.
Your limousine service gets into an accident and does not have proper insurance to cover the damages involved in your injuries.
Your limousine shows up late for your wedding. The groom doesn't get to the church until 1 hour later amongst bewildered and disgruntled guests. Yet, you saved $50.
Ask to see the company's vehicles.
Check out the vehicle you plan on renting. Some companies utilize older fleets. You don't want to be surprised on your wedding day when a 1988 limousine shows up at the church when you were expecting a year 2003 model!
Get A Signed Contract for Important Events
eliable and professional service will be more than happy to provide you with a signed-contract for service. Companies who can't supply a contract may not be confident in their ability to fulfill.
Ask About Insurance and Permits.
All limousines are required to carry commercial insurance and proper permits. Unfortunately, the Yellow Pages and advertising services such as ours do not require the same in order to advertise. To protect yourself from "rouge companies", ask for proof of these with your signed contract.
Ask About Industry Associations
Companies who belong to industry associations usually must abide by special insurance regulations and service rules. Reputable associations such as the National Limousine Association (NLA) good indications that your service provider does their due diligence. The Better Business Bureau also is a good research source- complaints about limousine services are not far behind auto mechanics complaints.
"The Limo Got Into An Accident!"
Don't be the bride which gets the "The Limo Got Into An Accident" or "We don't have your reservation" story. Cover yourself by getting a signed contract and by shopping smart. Shopping on price alone is dangerous. Some unethical operators do not hesitate to drop a reservation to pickup a better paying fare.
What should we expect to pay?
Most limousines rent between $50 - $150 per hour. In addition, most limousine services require a minimum hourly booking. Unfortunately, you cannot rent a limousine for 1 hour. Because of vehicle prep costs, travel times, and chauffeur salaries, a one-hour rental is not feasible for most limo services. In high-demand time periods such as the spring time (with proms & weddings) hourly minimums can inflate beyond 6 hours.
What should I budget for my wedding?
This depends on the type and number of vehicles you are planning to rent. Please understand that most limousine services have a rental minimum of 3 hours. Most services do not offer "pick-up" and "drop-off" service as this only consumes 1 hour of time.
Limousines are costly business assets; it is not cost effective for limousine services to offer their service for 1 hour. Typically a 1 hour rental would consume more than 3 hours when considering travel times and vehicle preparation. You cannot rent a hotel room for 5 hours; limo service is similar.
A typical wedding rental package runs from $200 - $400 for 3 hours of service depending on your vehicle preference. Exotic vehicle choices cost much higher. For example, a standard white 8-passenger stretch limousine would rent in the $250-$350 range while an exotic vehicle, such as a Stretch SUV Excursion would rent in the $500-$1,000 range - a big price difference!
When should I begin shopping for a limo?
A good time to begin your wedding limousine shopping is 6 to 9 months before your wedding date. Delays in your shopping could result in not finding your vehicle of choice.
Conversely, most companies do not handle inquiries for service which extend beyond 1 year. To be taken seriously by a limousine service, it is best to begin your shopping duties within a year of your wedding date.
Can my entire bridal party fit in the limo?
Most limousines simply are not big enough to accommodate 12-14 people. Exotic vehicles can accommodate larger parties but are more expensive and limited. When shopping, make sure you specify the number of passengers you want traveling. Although a limo might be designated as a "10 - passenger" limousine, it may be difficult to squeeze 10 adults dressed in formal attire in such limos.
When is a good time to hold my wedding?
If you haven't yet planned a wedding date, we strongly advise picking a date which DOES NOT occur in the springtime. Why? During prom season (March - June) prices are exorbitantly high because the demand for limo service skyrockets. Prom attendees scoop up all available services and many bridal parties are left without limo service options.
In the spring, bridal parties may find themselves with limo options that require 8 hours minimum and rental rates 30% higher than normal.
If your wedding date is in the spring, we suggest starting your limo search 1 year before your wedding date. You should also plan on making reservations 1 year in advance as well. For wedding dates during other seasons, 6 months is adequate.
To start your search for a wedding limousine, wedding limo
For more rental tips, please visit our limo rental tips section.
The following information has been copied from limos.com which is Americas biggest limousine website, We know that lots of the information is irrelivant for the UK but the same princibles apply.... The Yanks have been in the limousine business for years, so it is worth reading the following.......Don't shop by price alone-Don't Make A Precious Mistake! 
