If there is one thing consumers learn the hard way in the limousine business, it is that the least expensive option is not the most reliable and efficient. As a meeting planner, who wants to take a chance on having your CEO or President missed at the airport and late for that important meeting? As a general consumer, well, no one wants to be late for his or her own wedding or frustrated by not having any transportation arrive for that special event.

Typically, most chauffeured limousine needs are for either "Special Occasion Service," or "Corporate or Group Move Transportation," and there are companies that specialize in each. There are, however, some common standards that any service provider should meet before you retain their service. Here's some tips you should keep in mind as you choose your limousine service provider:

(1) LICENSING - Regulations differ from state to state, and in California companies require licensing from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Also most major airports have some kind of certification program for authorized chauffeured vehicles.

(2) INSURANCE - Operators should be able to provide proof of current insurance coverage for their fleet. If you plan on using the company over an extended period, it is wise to have their insurance provider add you as a "named insurer." This provides added security and the insurance provider will notify you if the policy should be interrupted or lapse for any reason.

(3) CHAUFFEUR TRAINING - A Professional Chauffeur is easily as important to to success of your event as a nice vehicle. Quality limousine services have an official training program for their chauffeurs. Some programs include video and/or classroom training, testing behind the wheel and apprenticeship programs. Choose a provider that places a high value on the caliber of their chauffeurs.

(4) VEHICLE & COMPANY INSPECTION - Everyone is beautiful over the phone. If you haven't used a provider before and time allows, schedule a visit and vehicle inspection. It's best to look before you buy.

(5) CHECK REFERENCES - Overall, the limousine business has a high degree of turnover. Whether a provider has been in business for 3 months or 30 years, they should be pleased to share letters of reference from important customers the company has successfully serviced.

(6) FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS - Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and proms are special occasions that commonly require personalized attention to you specific requirements, whether it is a certain color of car or ???, these details are important when using a limousine. Many times a smaller company can personally attend to such details more effectively. Remember that bigger is not always better. The more specific your requirement, the further in advance you should reserve and pay for your limousine. When doing so, insist on a written copy of the contract that clearly states the details of your reservation to your satisfaction. Then relax and enjoy being pampered.

(7) CORPORATE OR GROUP MOVE - All corporate transportation must be prompt, reliable, flexible and respect the time and budget of the client. A good corporate limousine company will do so while placing your traveler in safe and comfortable "mobile office" which maximizes their time. Time normally spent renting a car, finding you way in a strange city, parking, buying gas and walking in the rain will be better spent preparing for your meeting or catching up on correspondence.

Be certain to choose a reputable provider with a lot of experience and a good record of accomplishment and they will make your company look good! Do not be influenced by a cheap price or a glitzy car. The prettiest limousine in the world has no value to a corporate traveler who just missed an important appointment or flight because their car was late or because it broke down - even at a cheap price. Carefully selecting a quality provider will assure mobility and efficiency while making the best use of the corporate traveler's time and money.