Don't drink and drive

The holidays are nearly upon us yet again, and we are about to say goodbye to 2011 and welcome in another new year. At this time of the year, many people gather together for parties and group outings, and many times, these events include the consumption of alcohol.

Today, drinking and driving is something that must be taken very seriously. The laws today make even a first offense a mistake that will cost a driver thousands of dollars and years of stress to resolve. And what if that decision to drive resulted in the loss of another driver's life, a loved one's life or even your own?

StarGazer Limousine suggests one thing: DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE.

Instead of thinking that glass of wine has had no effect on your abilities and getting behind the wheel, stop and think about it. What are the consequences of this seemingly simple decision?

Just don't do it. We have had customers tell us how much they wish they could turn back time and call us for a ride home, or have booked a car for the night for their family and friends. Their decision to drive has now resulted in an arrest record, lawyer bills, fines and ongoing increased insurance costs.

Whatever you decide to do this holiday season, whether you call StarGazer Limousine or StarGazer Ride Service to get you and your loved ones home safely, please don't drink and drive. The holidays are a time for celebration, family and friends. Don't ruin this year with a drunk driving arrest, or even worse, an accident.

Think about it.

Vehicle Rental Policies 4/15/211

Vehicle Rental Policies

StarGazer Limousine Service, LLC would like to give you some incite on limousine vehicle rental policies. In general, the BIGGER and the NEWER the limousine, the more expensive it will be to rent. Here are three standard types of limousines operating today at their relative cost per hour to rent: Price estimates below do not include the standard 20% chauffeur gratuity.

• 10-passenger limousines ($90-$130 per hour)
• 12-passenger limousines ( $120-$140 per hour)
• 14-passenger limousines ($100-$150 per hour)
• Coach buses and Limo buses ($200 + per hour)
• SUV limousines ($200 + per hour)

Wedding rates are usually quoted as a package price. For instance, "Our 3 hour wedding package is $315.00 and includes our ten-passenger limousine". Ask your limousine company what is included in the package price. All or some of the following items may be included in the price:

• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Red carpet roll out
• "JUST MARRIED" sign

Once again, when booking a limousine, always make sure you know what kind of car you are getting. Simply being told a "10-passenger limousine" is not enough. Many smaller companies utilize older fleets. There are currently three Lincoln body styles of limousines on the market, Make sure you know which you are getting. StarGazer Limousine Service does have two older style limousines to accommodate  the clientele that wishes to have this style of limousine.

More information on insurance April 2, 2011

StarGazer Limousine Service would like to share more information with you about Insurance and permits.
Ask about Insurance and permits. All limousines are required to carry commercial insurance and must be properly licensed in the state of Wisconsin. Unfortunately, the phone book or Internet search engines do not require the same information in order to advertise.

To protect yourself from "gypsy companies" ask for proof of these requirements with your signed contract. Once you  receive the information, call the company to find out it the vehicle is actually insured and that it is commercial insurance. Some companies will have identical vehicles and only insure one of them and make copies to put in the remaining vehicles to make it look like they are insured. Then there are the companies that wait till they receive their certificate of insurance and make copies of it and then stop making payments to the insurance companies, therefore the insurance has lapsed and no longer insures the vehicles.  A Limousine company that has an eight passenger or more (including the seats up front, driver and passengers) must be DOT registered and do electronic filing with the insurance company. Vehicles that are 10,001 GVW or 15 passengers plus the driver, must be at minimum, State inspected. If they have federal authorization to go over the state line, they must also have federal inspections. But all Limousines, vans, buses that have eight or more passengers, must have a DOT number posted on the vehicle and follow the regulations for markings according to statute 390.21. To find out if a company is legal to operate go to http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot.aspx Type the company name in the box, and you will see if they are registered. For example, type in Stargazer Limousine service llc, you will see our stats on crashes, claims, and inspections. StarGazer Limousine is required to do electronic filings, State inspections, driver background checks and follow all regulations. We not only protect our company, but we also protect the consumer. For more information go to http://www.dot./wisconsin.gov then click on doing business.

Ask about insurance

Always ask a limousine company if they can provide you with a certificate of insurance. If they are resistant, this raises a red flag.


Any limousine company should have commercial insurance for "passengers for hire." According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, all carriers of passengers or property for-hire rental companies, owners of buses that carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver), human service vehicles, driver education vehicles and dealer demonstration vehicles are required to file proof of insurance before operating in Wisconsin.

Proof of insurance is a prerequisite for any "for hire" carrier to obtain vehicle registration, vehicle registration trip permits, and Wisconsin operating authority (USDOT number). The Wisconsin’s insurance minimums are a combined single limit of: $300,000 for vehicles of 10,000 lbs. or less transporting non-hazardous substances

• $750,000 for vehicles over 10,000 lbs. transporting non-hazardous substances
• $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 for vehicles transporting hazardous substances (required amount depends upon the type of substances carried)

Insurance is required to promote public safety and insure fiscal responsibility of high liability operations.


Be an educated consumer and ASK QUESTIONS.

This weeks tip January 28, 2011 limousine contracts

Get a signed contract.
A reliable and professional service such as StarGazer Limousine Service will be more than happy to provide you with a signed contract for service. Companies who cannot supply a contract may not be confident in their ability to fulfill an agreement.

Don't be the person who gets the "we don't have your reservation" story. Cover yourself by getting a copy of a signed contract and shop smart. Shopping unethical operators do not hesitate to drop a reservation to pick-up a better paying fare. StarGazer Limousine Service does not do this, once a vehicle is booked, it is not available to anyone else for that day or time frame. StarGazer Limousine honors all contracts and will stand behind them. The contract should have specific policies in them if there are to be any additional fees or cancellations. They should also specify what is included in the service such as non-alcoholic beverages, red carpet roll out, and just married signs or other specifics that are related to other types of events. Unfortunately, according to the Wisconsin Limousine Association, it is illegal for the limousine company to provide refreshments such as alcohol or even gift a bottle of champagne. However, most limousine companies will allow you to bring your own refreshments.

This weeks Limousine rental tip January 18,2011

StarGazer Limousine would like to give you this weeks tip. StarGazer has various vehicles and will make sure you know what you are getting before you sign the contract. Every vehicle on our website ( stargazerlimouisine.com ) are the actual vehicles in the fleet. We allow our prospects to view our vehicles in person so they know what they are getting. Some people prefer the classic and some prefer  the newer styles, it is just a matter of preference. StarGazer Limousine has all the vehicles inspected and follow scheduled maintenance to prevent breakdowns. However that is not to say that a breakdown will not occur. There are many factors that can cause a break down. Maintenance will reduce the possibility of a breakdown. If such a thing would occur, StarGazer Limousine will do everything they possibly can to accommodate the needs of the client or clients or a refund is given.

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 if a 1988 limousine shows up, when you were expecting a 2005 model. Many older cars are clean and well maintained. Just be sure you know what you are getting.

Tips before reserving a limousine

StarGazer Limousine would like to provide you with this week's important limousine rental Tip of the Week:

What you need to know before renting.

Looking for the lowest price? You may be disappointed.

The biggest error you could make when shopping for a wedding limousine is searching based on price. In the limousine industry, there are many variances in quality and price. All too often, a cheaper price translates into larger risk for you.

Most consumer would not choose a restaurant or hotel based solely on price, yet, some shop for a limo or transportation service by this method and expect a five-star quality presentation. If you shop for a limo based on price along, you will likely be frustrated and disappointed with our experience.

Old, dirty, poorly maintained vehicles, shoddy service, unprofessional chauffeurs, dangerous vehicles and under insured services are all possible results of a "best price" shopping priority.

Like the old saying ... you get what you pay for.

The limousine business is a business that is expensive for the many legitimate companies out there on the market. Rental prices that may seen high are simply what is required for a company to pay high insurance bills, pay for expensive maintenance and upgrades and keep up with rising fuel costs.

Welcome toStarGazer's Blog!

Hello!

StarGazer Limousine would like to welcome all its past, current and future customers to visit our blog on a regular basis to learn more about important information on limousine rental tips and new and exciting special offers we are offering for our limos, coach buses, taxis and more!

StarGazer encourages you to share your thoughts about us and to refer our services to others. Remember ... we are here to serve YOU! From an airport transfers to an all-day bus tour, StarGazer has the vehicle to fit your needs and a superior dedication to customer service.

Check back soon for our first discussion on Limousine Rental Tips coming soon! Please feel free to email us through our Web site, post on our blog or call us at (920) 475-3728 for limousine and taxi service in Southeastern Wisconsin, or at (715) 892-3108 for limousine service in the Lakeland Area or (715) 892-2760 for taxi service in the Mincoqua/Woodruff/Lakeland Area.