Today, limousines are used for a wide variety of purposes but no one really knows which company invented the first limousine. It is believed, that the 1915 Winston Six was the first automobile that had ?limousine like? features and the Winston Six is considered a limousine because it had a separate passenger cabin. With time, automobile manufacturers like Lincoln pioneered the manufacturing and production of limousines and modern day limousines are available from a variety of manufacturers. In addition, many regular SUVs and cars have also been converted into limousines.

With regular cars and SUVs becoming common, what differentiates VIPs from the crowd is the limousine they are driven around in. Since the cost of buying and maintaining limousines is very high, it is commonplace for organizations and individuals to rent limousines. Limousines are commonly used for weddings, social gatherings, business trips and meetings. If you are currently looking for a limousine service provider here are a few tips to help you can choose a limousine service.

Before you hire a limousine, it is important to do proper market research. If you are living in a big city, there will be more than one limousine service available. Before you approach any limousine service provider there are a few details you need to have handy, you need to know how many people you are catering for, the type of limousine you would like, and also the exact date and time you need the limousine. Once you have the basic details, speak to a few limousine service providers and get a tentative quote for their services.

Once you have a list of limousine service providers, speak to colleagues and friends for a few references. Keep in mind that a limousine service provides more than just a limousine and the chauffer is also an important component. If you are going to use the limousine to pick up important clients or business contacts, the chauffer will play an important role and it is vital to make sure the chauffer is courteous and helpful.

The final step in choosing a limousine service is selecting the vehicle. Depending on your requirements you can hire anything from a 3 passenger sedan to a 16 passenger limo bus. If you are hiring the limo for business use, the best options is to hire a Lincoln limousine that accommodates 6-8 passengers. In fact, larger limousines are popularly used for weddings and for social occasions. Limo buses on the other hand are increasingly popular with tour groups, and many large corporations and organizations prefer hiring limo buses for corporate vacations and outings. Limo buses are a great way for any tour group to travel in luxury. Similarly, limo coaches are also popular with families and groups that want to enjoy their trip.

It is also important to look at the various facilities each limousine has to offer. Ideally, a limousine should be equipped with an internet connection, television set and mini-bar. If you are hiring a limousine for business use make sure the limousine has ?business friendly? features.

Understanding the paperwork

Hiring a limousine is much like hiring any other car, there is usually a contract involved even if the limousine is rented out for an hour. Make sure you retain a copy of the contract and make sure the contract has the following details:

. Year, make, model and color of the limo

. Pickup time, drop off time and itinerary

. Rates, including the percentage of gratuity and any other miscellaneous charges

. Deposit and cancellation fees

. Company's liability in the event of breakdowns and no shows

Most limousine services are provided subject to rules and regulations like no smoking and no drinking, violation of any of the rules can lead to immediate termination of services. Make sure you read the contract carefully to understand the do's and don'ts.

To hire limousines in Philadelphia visit www.philadelphia-limousine.com