Booking a stretch limo should feel exciting, not stressful. But with so many options in Toronto, it’s easy to get dazzled by glossy photos and “too-good-to-be-true” prices. The fix? Ask smart questions before you hand over a deposit. You’ll protect your budget, your timeline, and your night.
Below are the essential questions — and the answers you should hear — when choosing a stretch limo service in Toronto.
1) Are you fully licensed and insured to operate in Ontario?
Why it matters: This isn’t just paperwork. Licensing and commercial insurance protect you if something goes wrong.
What you want to hear: “Yes, we carry current commercial insurance for all vehicles and licensed chauffeurs. We can provide proof upon request.”
Red flags: Vague replies, sending screenshots that don’t match the company name, or “we’re covered through our partner.”
2) Can I see real photos (or a viewing) of the exact vehicle?
Why it matters: Stock images can hide worn interiors or outdated models.
What you want to hear: “Here are recent photos and a quick video of the actual stretch limo available for your date. You’re welcome to view it at our facility.”
Red flags: Only stock or studio shots, no interior close-ups, or pressure to “lock in” without evidence.
3) What’s included in your quote — and what isn’t?
Why it matters: Transparent pricing prevents last-minute add-ons.
What you want to hear: A written, all-in number that lists base hours, overtime rate, fuel, HST, gratuity (if included), tolls, airport fees, and cleaning policies.
Pro tip: Ask for the overtime rate in writing. If your dinner runs long, you’ll be glad you did.
4) How many passengers can ride comfortably (not just legally)?
Why it matters: Capacity on paper isn’t the same as comfort in formal wear.
What you want to hear: “This model is ideal for 8 comfortably. If you’re wearing gowns or bringing bags, we’d suggest the 10-passenger for extra space.”
Red flags: A hard sell to “fit more” without considering comfort or safety.
5) What’s your chauffeur vetting and dress code?
Why it matters: Your chauffeur sets the tone for the night — safety, timing, and etiquette all start here.
What you want to hear: Background checks, training, local route knowledge, and a professional uniform.
Pro tip: Ask if the chauffeur will text you the ETA and name before arrival.
6) How do you handle itineraries, multiple pickups, and traffic?
Why it matters: Toronto nights can get jammed. You want a plan, not panic.
What you want to hear: “Share your route in advance; we’ll optimize timings, stage the vehicle near venues, and monitor live traffic. Multiple pickups are no problem.”
Red flags: “Just tell the driver on the day.” That’s a recipe for missed reservations.
7) What are your policies on alcohol, glassware, and cleanup?
Why it matters: Different companies follow different rules. You don’t want surprises at pickup.
What you want to hear: Clear policies on bringing your own beverages, whether glassware and ice are provided, and what counts as a cleaning fee.
Pro tip: Confirm if confetti, balloons, or decor are allowed — and how they must be secured.
8) Is gratuity included? If not, what’s customary?
Why it matters: You don’t want to guess at curbside.
What you want to hear: “Yes, 15% is included.” Or, “No, gratuity isn’t included; 10–15% is standard.”
Red flags: “Tip whatever,” paired with pressure on the day.
9) What’s your cancellation and refund policy?
Why it matters: Life happens — venues change, weather shifts, guests cancel.
What you want to hear: The deposit amount, deadlines for partial or full refunds, and what counts as a force-majeure exception.
Pro tip: Screenshot or save the policy with your confirmation.
10) What happens if the assigned vehicle has a mechanical issue?
Why it matters: The best companies plan for the unexpected.
What you want to hear: “We have backup vehicles. If substitution is required, we’ll notify you and ensure the same or better class; otherwise we’ll refund the difference or provide compensation.”
Red flags: No backup plan, no mention of compensation.
11) Can I bring my own playlist and connect via Bluetooth or AUX?
Why it matters: Music sets the mood.
What you want to hear: “Yes — Bluetooth and AUX are available; we can pre-pair at pickup.”
Pro tip: Share a short playlist with your group ahead of time so you’re not choosing songs in the driveway.
12) Do you provide child seats or accessibility accommodations?
Why it matters: Families and guests with mobility needs deserve planning and dignity.
What you want to hear: Clear availability of child seats (or BYO policy) and help choosing the most accessible vehicle, plus extra time for boarding if needed.
13) What are your waiting-time rules at venues?
Why it matters: Some events run late; some entrances get crowded.
What you want to hear: “We stage nearby and coordinate pickup windows. Waiting is included within your booked hours; overtime is billed in 15-minute increments.”
Red flags: Strict hour blocks with no flexibility at all.
14) Can you help with photo stops and skyline timing?
Why it matters: The best memories often happen between destinations.
What you want to hear: “Absolutely. We know scenic points along the waterfront and the quickest detours for skyline shots. Just flag it before the day.”
Pro tip: Ask the chauffeur for one “surprise” photo stop — they usually know a gem.
15) How fresh are the photos on your website and social media?
Why it matters: Fleets evolve. Interiors wear. You want reality, not nostalgia.
What you want to hear: “Those gallery images are from the last 6–12 months; here are phone snaps from last week’s detailing.”
Red flags: Recycled stock, no dates, or reluctance to share real-time visuals.
16) Do you charge “event surcharges” (concerts, game nights, holidays)?
Why it matters: Big Toronto nights can carry premiums.
What you want to hear: Straight talk: which dates cost more, whether surcharges are flat or hourly, and how to avoid them (e.g., shifting pickup window).
Pro tip: Book earlier windows or post-event pickups to dodge the heaviest traffic zones.
17) How is overtime handled and approved?
Why it matters: A great night shouldn’t end in a payment dispute.
What you want to hear: “Overtime is pre-authorized by text; we confirm the rate and get your OK before billing.”
Red flags: Surprise overtime added after the fact.
18) What’s your policy on food, smells, and spills?
Why it matters: Some foods linger; some spills stain.
What you want to hear: Simple, fair rules — what’s allowed, how to store it, and what triggers a cleaning fee.
Pro tip: If you’re celebrating with cake or takeout, bring containers and napkins. Your future self will thank you.
19) Will I get my chauffeur’s name and contact before pickup?
Why it matters: It makes coordination smoother and safer.
What you want to hear: “Yes, we text the chauffeur’s name, number, and ETA 30–60 minutes prior.”
Pro tip: Share that info with your group’s organizer so no one is stranded curbside.
20) Can you help optimize my itinerary?
Why it matters: A five-minute detour can save 25 minutes of congestion.
What you want to hear: “Send us your stops and timing; we’ll recommend adjustments for traffic, venue load-in, and door access. We’ll also suggest VIP drop-off points.”
Red flags: “We just follow GPS.”
Bonus: A One-Page Checklist You Can Copy
Before you book
- License + commercial insurance proof
- Real photos/video of the exact limo
- Written, all-in quote (hours, HST, fuel, gratuity, tolls, fees)
- Overtime, cancellation, and substitution policies
- Seating comfort vs. headcount, luggage space
- Chauffeur standards (dress, ETA text, local knowledge)
A week out
- Final itinerary with addresses + timing cushions
- Multiple pickups and drop-offs confirmed
- Alcohol/decor policies and cleanup rules
- Music connection (Bluetooth/AUX) tested
- Special needs noted (child seats, accessibility)
Day of
- Chauffeur’s name/number + ETA received
- Vehicle arrives early, spotless, stocked
- Quick test: climate, lights, music, partition
- Photo stop plans confirmed
- Overtime approval process understood
Final Thoughts
Great limo experiences don’t happen by accident — they happen by asking the right questions early. When you’re planning a big night in Toronto, choose a partner who answers clearly, communicates quickly, and treats your schedule like their own.
If you want the kind of service where the vehicle arrives a little early, the chauffeur knows the best doors at your venue, and the whole night just flows, talk to North Black Limousine. We’ll happily walk you through every answer on this list — and then some — so your only job is to enjoy the ride.
