Our flat rate car service gives you one price for your trip as you book it, before you confirm. Tolls and standard wait are built in, there is no meter, and we don't use surge pricing. If the trip changes on the day, with extra stops, longer waits or a new route, the final charge can change.
This page explains what the quote covers, what can change it and how to get one.
How our flat rate car service quote works
You give us the trip: pickup and drop-off addresses, date and time, number of passengers and bags, and your flight number for an airport ride. Dispatch quotes one price for that trip before you confirm.
How the quote is set depends on the service:
- Point-to-point: a flat rate between any two Bay Area addresses, fixed regardless of traffic or time of day.
- Airport transfers: a flat fare, with live flight tracking and up to 45 minutes of complimentary wait on arrivals, counted from when you actually land.
- By the hour: one hourly rate, with fuel, tolls and waiting between stops included. Most hourly reservations carry a minimum that varies by vehicle class and date, and dispatch confirms it when you book.
- Wine days: a flat day rate or an hourly reservation, with no metering between stops.
What the quote includes
The quote covers the vehicle and your chauffeur for the trip you booked. Tolls and standard wait are built in. There is no meter running during the ride, and busy hours or heavy traffic do not raise a point-to-point price once you have confirmed it.
Prices at booking are based on the details you give us. The more complete the details, the closer the quote is to the final charge. If you already know about a second stop, a longer wait or an extra hour, put it on the reservation so it is in the quote.
What can change the final charge
The quote is flat for the trip as booked. Changes to the trip on the day can change the price. Our reservation terms say that prices shown at booking are estimates based on the trip details you provide, and that the final charge can be adjusted for the service provided. In plain terms:
- Extra waiting. Airport arrivals include up to 45 minutes of complimentary wait after the flight lands. Other pickups include the first 5 minutes. After that, waiting is billed at $2 per minute for a sedan or SUV and $3.50 per minute for a Sprinter, van, mini coach or coach.
- Extra stops. A stop within 1 mile of the route carries a minimum of $25 per stop. Stops farther from the route can be billed for time, distance and vehicle type.
- Route changes, extra time or extra mileage. A new destination, a detour or a longer day than booked can add charges for the added time or distance.
- Parking and airport fees. These are charged when they apply to your trip.
Private flights and FBO pickups may not receive the standard 45-minute airport grace period unless it is confirmed in writing. If you fly private, ask dispatch to confirm the wait time when you book.
What surge pricing is
Some ride-hail apps price rides dynamically. Uber's help center describes surge pricing as an automatic increase in ride prices when there are more riders in an area than available drivers. It says the app tells riders when surge pricing is in effect before they confirm, and that riders can wait a few minutes or pay more to get a car right away.
We price differently. Dispatch quotes your trip in advance at one flat price, and the time of day or demand on the road does not change that price for the trip as booked.
How gratuity works
Gratuity is not included in the quote unless your confirmation says so in writing, and it is optional. You can tip your chauffeur directly, or email info@iblacklimo.com and ask us to add a gratuity as a separate charge.
Cancellations
Cancellation windows depend on the vehicle:
- Sedan and SUV: full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before pickup
- Sprinter, van, mini coach and coach: full refund if you cancel at least 1 week before the service date
For group, wine tour and large-vehicle bookings, send the final itinerary at least 5 business days before service.
How to get a flat rate quote
Send us the trip online or call dispatch. Dispatch runs 24/7 and will confirm a flat, all-inclusive quote, usually within the hour, any hour. Include the addresses, the date and time, the number of passengers and bags, any stops you already know about and your flight number for an airport ride.
Request your quote online, or call (888) 491-3088.
- Point-to-point: a flat rate between any two Bay Area addresses, fixed regardless of traffic or time of day.
- Airport transfers: a flat fare, with live flight tracking and up to 45 minutes of complimentary wait on arrivals, counted from when you actually land.
- By the hour: one hourly rate, with fuel, tolls and waiting between stops included. Most hourly reservations carry a minimum that varies by vehicle class and date, and dispatch confirms it when you book.
- Wine days: a flat day rate or an hourly reservation, with no metering between stops.
