terms and conditions

We want you to have the best car hire experience with us so please read our terms and conditions carefully. They're really important.

holiday autos van hire terms and conditions

In addition to holiday autos's standard terms and conditions below, specific terms and conditions apply to holiday autos van hire. These can be found here.

holiday autos prestige car hire terms and conditions

In addition to holiday autos's standard terms and conditions below, specific terms and conditions apply to holiday autos prestige car hire. These can be found here.

general conditions

All bookings by our customers are subject to our terms and conditions.
The customer acknowledges that in making a booking with holiday autos he/she does so only on the basis of the material contained in our brochure, voucher, on our website or information provided on the phone by its employees.
holiday autos acts as a car rental broker and agent for various independent rental companies in the countries in which it operates. Bookings made through holiday autos are subject to these terms and conditions. Please note that the rental of the vehicle will be subject to the law of the country in which it is supplied to you and for this reason you will be required to sign a rental contract with the rental company which supplies the vehicle. You should satisfy yourself that you understand (and agree) to its terms and conditions, as you will be subject to, and must comply with these terms, and the local law. Please click here for further information.
holiday autos cannot accept liability for any charges incurred on documentation signed for and accepted locally.
holiday autos will not be held responsible for anyone driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, causing wilful damage, off road driving or driving without due care and attention. The customer will accept responsibility in respect of such claims. This list is not exclusive.
Cars and all offers, including the 'max’ product are subject to availability. All information in these terms and conditions, including prices, is correct at the time of publication.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and availability, some errors might still occur. For example, very occasionally, this may result in a price, product or service or other detail displayed or presented by holiday autos being incorrect or not available. Once aware of such incidents, we will make all reasonable effort to advise you within 48 business hours of the booking being made. We reserve the right to cancel the booking and refund all monies paid, or if applicable, you have the choice to pay any additional increase in price, should there be one. We will not, of course, cancel any booking without your prior knowledge

Your holiday autos rental will include a number of benefits. The range of benefits will depend on the country in which you are renting a vehicle. Please see below for full details of what is included in your rental and any additional conditions that may apply.

rentals in USA and Canada

Your rental includes:

Unlimited mileage (restrictions apply at some locations in Canada. Please read the important information at the time of booking)
Supplementary liability insurance (more information below)
Extended Protection (more information below)
Loss damage waiver
Airport fees
All local taxes and environmental fees
Handling fees

Supplementary liability insurance

All rentals in the USA and Canada include third party liability cover, which conforms to the statutory minimum required by each state but can be as low as $5,000.

Extended protection

Our prices include excess liability cover, known as extended protection (EP). This offers third party liability cover above the minimum level of protection (see above) and increases your third party protection to $1,000,000 in respect of any claims made against you.
EP also provides coverage up to $100,000 ($40,000 in Texas) to the renter and any family member related by blood, marriage or adoption, who, while occupying the rental car, sustained bodily injury or death caused by a negligent, uninsured/underinsured motorist.

rentals in Australia

Your rental includes:

Unlimited mileage (restrictions apply at some locations. Please read the important information at the time of booking)
Third party liability insurance
Collision damage waiver
Theft waiver
Airport fees
Excess reduction fee

Mileage

All rentals in metropolitan areas of Australia include unlimited mileage, except minivans where rates include 200 kms per day.
In country areas, rates include 200 kms per day.
In remote areas, the rates include 100 kms per day.
Excess kilometres are charged at au $0.30 per km.

Deposits

A security deposit of between au $275 and au $1100, depending on car type, is statutory upon collection of the vehicle. Any major credit card in the lead driver's name is acceptable for this security deposit.

rentals worldwide (excluding USA, Canada and Australia)

Your rental includes:

Unlimited mileage
Mandatory insurances
Collision damage waiver
Theft waiver
Airport surcharges (excluding Israel)
Third party insurance
Bail bonds (where necessary)
All local taxes

additional information for Switzerland rentals

Winter tyres are mandatory for all Switzerland rentals from 01 November 2009 - 15 April 2010. As result, the pre-bookable ski package option will be automatically selected for all Switzerland bookings. You can deselect this product but if you do so you will be charged locally.

what's not included?

Personal accident insurance (PAI).
Additional non-mandatory insurances.
Insurance exclusions - see the relevant insurance sections.
Fuel: A deposit is often payable for fuel and is usually refunded if the car is returned with a full tank. Fuel policies vary. Please check when you pick up your car.
Garaging, tolls, congestion charges, parking and traffic fines.
Additional drivers charges where applicable - please check online or with our reservations department at the time of booking. These charges are payable locally.
Delivery and collection of your car can be arranged during normal working hours. There may be a charge for this.
Out of hours charges.
Optional extras.
One-way rental charges where applicable.
Young drivers charges where applicable.
Licence fees in Barbados and Jersey.

collision damage waiver

When you hire a car through holiday autos, your car rental agreement includes Collision Damage Waiver. Collision Damage Waiver will waive your liability to pay for any damage caused to the vehicle during the period of hire, subject to the exclusions listed below. Your liability is waived subject to you paying a charge, referred to as an “excess” which limits your damage liability to the cost of the excess only. In some instances, an excess will not apply and you will be advised of this at the time of making your booking.

Exclusions

Collision Damage Waiver covers most circumstances, where damage has been caused to the vehicle during the period of hire. However it is subject to certain exclusions which include:

When damage is caused to windows/windscreen, interior, wheels, tyres, underside or roof of the car
Where any rental vehicle has been driven off-road and or has been driven on un-tarmacked roads and or has been driven without due care and attention and or has been driven negligently
Where the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Where the driver(s) has not been named on the rental agreement
When damage is caused by the rental vehicle being towed away by any unauthorised third party

In these circumstances, your liability to pay for any damage will not be waived and you may be liable for the full cost up to and exceeding the excess.

theft waiver (theft protection)

When you hire a car through holiday autos, your car rental agreement includes Theft Waiver (also known as Theft Protection).
Theft Waiver provides coverage for the theft or damage resulting from attempted theft of the vehicle, its parts and accessories up to their full value and any loss that our car rental partner may incur.

You are responsible for the excess of the claim, (this may cover single or multiple parts of the vehicle which are damaged at the same time. Where damage is caused to the vehicle on separate occasions, each incident will be considered as a separate claim) which, you will be required to pay as part of the overall excess deposit (unless you are advised this is not applicable at the time of making your booking). Theft excess is only included on holiday autos bookings when the Total Damage Excess product is purchased at the time.
Once the rental vehicle is in your possession, your loss will be limited provided the keys are returned in accordance with the terms and conditions of your rental agreement with the supplier.

Exclusions

Where the keys are lost, damaged or stolen, you will be liable for the reasonable costs of obtaining replacement keys which will be in addition to any excess deposit paid.
Further costs exceeding the excess will apply if the loss, damage or theft of the keys is directly related to the theft of the vehicle. These costs will be defined by the supplier.

damage excess waiver products

On all bookings you will be required to leave a deposit to the value of any Collision Damage Waiver excess which you may be required to pay if the rental vehicle is damaged during the period of hire. If this excess does not apply, you will be advised of this at the time of making your booking.

If your rental vehicle is damaged, the deposit will be retained and treated as payment of the excess.

holiday autos offers two levels of Damage Excess Waiver product, which offer reimbursement for any excess paid as a result of accidental damages whilst renting your car (please note these products are not available on van hire):

Standard Damage Excess Waiver or
Total Damage Excess Waiver

If you purchase either of our Damage Excess Waiver products, you will be charged the excess but can reclaim this (subject to the terms and conditions outlined below), by filling in an accident report form (supplied by our car rental provider) and sending a copy to holiday autos within 28 days of returning your rental vehicle. If accepted by holiday autos your liability to pay for the damage will therefore be limited to the cost you paid for the Standard Damage Excess Waiver or Total Damage Excess Waiver.

standard damage excess waiver

Inclusions

Collision Damage excess liability more info

Exclusions

When damage is caused to windows/windscreen, interior, wheels, tyres, underside or roof of the car
Where any rental vehicle has been driven off-road and or has been driven on un-tarmacked roads and or has been driven without due care and attention and or has been driven negligently
Where the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Where the driver(s) has not been named on the rental agreement
When damage is caused by the rental vehicle being towed away by any unauthorised third party
Not available on prestige car hire or van hire

In these circumstances, your liability to pay for the excess will not be waived and you may be liable for the full cost up to and exceeding the excess.

total damage excess waiver

Inclusions

Collision Damage excess liability more info
Theft Waiver excess liability more info
Damage to:
- Wheels & Tyres
- Windows/Windscreen
- Interior
- Replacement Keys

Exclusions

Where any rental vehicle has been driven off-road and or has been driven on un-tarmacked roads and or has been driven without due care and attention and or has been driven negligently
Where the theft or damage is the result of your negligence
Where the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Where the driver(s) has not been named on the rental agreement
When damage is caused by the rental vehicle being towed away by any unauthorised third party
Not available on prestige car hire or van hire

In these circumstances, your liability to pay for the excess will not be waived and you may be liable for the full cost up to and exceeding the excess.

cancellation charge

holiday autos levy a charge for cancellation of any booking you are unable to honour prior to your collection date (see below).
No refunds will be given for rentals ended early, late collections, no shows or cancellations made after the rental start date, even if cancellation protection is taken.
All cancellations must be made in writing, If your booking is for a destination in Spain (including the Balearics but excluding the Canary Islands) or Portugal (including Madeira) please e-mail or fax us at cancellationsch@lastminute.com or call 0041 432 335 710. For bookings to all destinations, please e-mail or fax us at cancellations@holidayautos.co.uk or call 01483 263 380. Please note that vouchers must also be returned and that cancellations will take effect from the date received by holiday autos.
Vouchers must be returned as soon as possible and be received by us before the date on which they could be used otherwise no refund of any pre-payment will be made.

Cancellation charges

7 or more days before start date	£15
3-6 days before start date	50%
0-2 days before start date	75%

Cancellation waiver protection

For just £5.50 per rental week, holiday autos will waive your liability to pay any cancellation charges if you are unable to honour your booking prior to the collection date. If you wish to purchase this contractual waiver charge, you must do so at the time of booking.

amendment charges

You can make a number of amendments to your car hire booking online via the ‘my booking/voucher’ section. Details such as customer name, pick-up location, pick-up date, drop-off location, drop-off date, car selected and flight number can all be amended. Any amendments to your booking will result in your original booking details being cancelled and the new details being submitted back to the supplier to re-check availability. This can take up to 48 hours.
Alternatively, if you choose to make amendments to your booking via our call centre, these may be subject to an amendment fee of £10 per change made.

credit card charges

Bookings made by credit card will incur a credit card fee of 2% based on the total cost of your car rental price and any pre bookable options you have selected.
To avoid being charged a credit card fee, holiday autos recommends paying by Switch/Maestro or Visa debit card.

delivery and collection/one-way rentals

Delivery is normally to a local office, with a driver collecting you from your accommodation to pick up the car. A charge for delivery and collection payable locally may apply and will be advised on booking if applicable.
Collection is normally at the airport or local office.
In some locations deliveries are available during normal working hours. If you would like your car to be delivered, full address and delivery time must be given at the time of booking.
Delivery and collection must be booked by phone and does not qualify for a web booking discount.
One way rental could be on a request basis with the supplier.
There could be a one way rental charge depending on the location and the supplier. The charge will be paid locally.

out of hours charges

In most locations flights will be met and cars supplied outside of normal working hours. However, there may be an additional charge for this service payable locally. This will be quoted when your flight timings are given to us. In the event that a flight is delayed, causing the car pick-up to fall outside normal working hours, the additional charge will be made locally, where the out of hours service is available.
holiday autos can accept no further responsibility where there is no out of hours facility available and it is therefore recommended that customers should take independent travel insurance.

additional drivers

Charges often apply for additional drivers and are payable locally on pick-up. holiday autos cannot be held responsible for any increase in charges. Please check online or with our reservations department at the time of booking.

tax

All taxes are included except those on any extras purchased locally. e.g. one-way drop-off fees, child seats and additional drivers.
holiday autos reserves the right to levy any government increases in local taxes that may be introduced after the printing of these terms and conditions.
Any additional charges payable on arrival are subject to local taxes at the prevailing rate in that country.

deposits

Deposits vary by destination to destination.
All customers will be required to leave a deposit to cover the collision damage waiver excess, theft waiver excess (where applicable) and fuel . To do so, a valid credit card in the name of the lead driver, must be produced upon collection of the car, as a form of deposit.
Cash deposits are rarely accepted.
Where a deposit for fuel is payable, it will usually be refunded if the car is returned with a full tank. If the tank is not returned full, our local car rental partner will charge for fuel at its prevailing rate. They may also levy a refuelling charge. Please check the fuel policy when you pick up your car.
Deposits against damage are required in some countries. A major credit card can be used for this purpose.

max includes:

The holiday autos max package is available on rentals in the USA and Canada and offers the following:

A full tank of fuel. (Excludes Manhattan)
An additional named driver.
Cancellation waiver protection.

max gps includes:

The holiday autos max gps package is ONLY available on rentals in the USA and offers the following:

A full tank of fuel. (Excludes Manhattan)
An additional named driver.
Cancellation waiver protection.
GPS navigation system.

gps includes:

For rentals in the USA only, holiday autos now offers you the opportunity to pre-book and pay for your navigation system at a much more competitive rate than if you book this at the time of pick up.

You will be supplied with a

Navigation system.

flight information

For airport pick-ups, it is essential that holiday autos be given the correct flight number and arrival time, before departure. This can be done either online or by phone.
If this is not available at the time of booking, please ensure that you inform us of this at least seven days prior to departure, either online or by phone. No responsibility can be accepted or compensation allowed for a failed rental due to the late provision of this information.

drivers age

If you are under 25 years old please inform our reservations staff at the time of booking. Age restrictions may apply in certain destinations, and in some cases there may be a young drivers charge payable locally.

driving licence

Drivers must hold and produce at car rental collection a full national driving licence from their country of residence for at least one year. (In some cases an International driving permit maybe required, please check the important information at the time of booking).
Licences issued overseas must be clearly identifiable as a driving licence, otherwise an International driving licence will be required.
Drivers holding a photocard British driving licence must also present paper endorsement sheet that was issued with the licence.
In certain locations and for some car types, drivers must have held a full licence for a minimum of 2 years.
It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that he/she has the appropriate driving licence.
Our reservations agent must be informed of any endorsements on the driver’s licence, as we may not be able to take your booking.
No refunds will be given for rentals rejected due to non-production of a driving licence or non-disclosed endorsements.
Faxed or photocopied licences are not acceptable.

driving restrictions

Restrictions are applicable when crossing country and state borders. Please consult our reservations department at the time of booking as to whether border crossing is permitted and what, if any, charges apply.

period of rental

The duration of your rental starts and finishes according to the pick-up and drop-off dates and times detailed on your voucher, the price of which will be confirmed at time of booking and is calculated on the basis of 24-hour units. If you wish to extend the rental period after collection of the car, or if you return the car later than stated on your voucher, you will be charged locally at the local daily rate, which may be higher than our rates. No refunds are payable on cars returned early.

price match guarantee

If you find the exact same car offered by any other independent car rental company at a cheaper rate, we will do our very best to match it. Our price match guarantee only applies to quotes made with operators within the same country. You may use our price match guarantee up until the day of departure.
Your collection point will affect your quote. You cannot compare prices for an airport pick up and a non-airport pick up.
We will need to confirm the availability and conditions of the lower rate to make sure an accurate comparison has been made. We will do this straight away but it may take a few minutes. You can hold the line or, if you prefer, we will call you back.
Our price match guarantee does not apply to promotional offers and is not valid on van hire or prestige cars.
If your booking has been made with a travel agent or another third party, please contact them for additional advice.

special requests

Child seats: these are mandatory in most countries and must be requested at the time of booking. Although instructions will be provided you will be required to fit the child seat yourself. For older children, it is recommended that you take your own booster seats. If requested and confirmed at least seven days prior to departure these will be guaranteed.
Roof racks and ski racks: these are available in some locations and should be specially requested at the time of booking. There is usually a charge for them which is payable locally. No guarantee can be made regarding their availability unless you book the 'ski max' (where available).

rental documents

The rental voucher must be presented when picking up your rental car. holiday autos cannot be held responsible for rentals rejected if a voucher is not presented.
You should retain your rental documents and related receipts for a minimum of 28 days after returning home.

provision of cars

Our local car rental partner can refuse to provide a car to any customer who is, in their opinion, unfit to drive or does not meet eligibility requirements. In such circumstances your contract with us will terminate immediately, and we will have no further liability to you, and no refund will be due.

number of passengers

Our rental cars are insured for a maximum number of passengers. holiday autos cannot accept responsibility if the vehicle is not large enough to fit all passengers and luggage on arrival if details were not supplied at the time of booking. In the interest of safety this number must not be exceeded and if exceeded the insurance will be invalidated.

car type/suitability

holiday autos are unable to guarantee a particular make, model or fuel type of car. The car shown on your voucher is for guidance only and may be substituted for an alternative, similar or upgraded car (at no extra cost).
If you have booked a prestige car, the specific car booked is guaranteed.
If it becomes impossible to provide your booked car due to breakdown or an accident, a similar or upgraded car will be provided.
If you are dissatisfied in any way with the standard of your booked car, you must advise our local car rental partner immediately and holiday autos in writing within 28 days of your return. Failure to do so may result in any claims not being accepted or settled by holiday autos.

mechanical difficulties/accidents

In the event of any mechanical difficulties or accidents involving your car, it is important that details are reported to our local car rental partner within 24 hours.
In the event of an accident you must also complete an accident report form by the end of the rental period.
Local police should also be notified in the case of accidents and a signed police report obtained.
Full details of third parties should also be obtained.
Our local car rental partner must give authority to repair or replace a vehicle. Their name and contact details are shown on your voucher and rental agreement.
You should retain copies of all rental documentation in the event an insurance company is involved.
Your insurance cover may be invalidated if this procedure is not followed correctly and this may prejudice any claim for compensation.
A check-in form must be signed on return of the vehicle. Failure to do so may delay the investigation of disputes regarding damage excess charges.

complaints

holiday autos aims to resolve complaints within 28 days of receipt. In doing so a situation may arise where customers or travel agents receive a refund, goodwill gesture and/or compensation payment of a duplicated nature, from both holiday autos and our local car rental partner. In such an event holiday autos reserves the right to recover such duplicated payments at any time within two calendar years of such an event. Some complaints may take longer than 28 days owing to the nature of the issue and information provided. holiday autos can only consider complaints that reach them within 180 days of the final day of rental to which the rental voucher refers. Actions against holiday autos are restricted to the laws that occur within the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom courts.

how a contract is formed with holiday autos

The way in which a contract is formed, for the purchase of car rental, is basically the same whether you book over the phone or via our website. However you choose to book, it is important to understand how and when a contract is formed.
The technical steps required for a contract to be formed are as follows:
- When we quote prices over the telephone or place products on our website we are inviting you to make an offer for their purchase. You do not make this offer until you do so verbally or by pressing "Book Now".
- You have made holiday autos an offer to purchase the products once you have either pressed "Book Now" or done so verbally. holiday autos will then accept this offer when it has both received full payment and has sent you your confirmation voucher. Once done there is a binding contract between you and holiday autos for the product.
Prior to making your booking and if you are at all unsure of anything relating to the arrangements being made or simply have a question that you would like to ask, you can always use our help pages to find the answer, or you can call one of our Customer Service staff, who will be happy to assist you.
• The company with which your contract is formed may depend upon the country in which your car is to be supplied. If you hire a car for use in Spain, Italy or Portugal, your contract will be with the company based in that country, as follows: Spain – holiday autos broker SL, c/ Marques de Sentmenat 54- 58, 08029 Barcelona, Spain; Portugal – holiday autos Portugal, unipessoal LDA, Av. De Liberdade 224, 1250-148 Lisboa, Portugal; and Italy – holiday autos Italia srl, via Freguglia 2, 20122 Milano, Italy. In all other cases, your contract will be formed with the local company identified at the end of these terms and conditions.

consequential loss

holiday autos are responsible for losses you suffer as a result of holiday autos breaking this agreement if the losses are a foreseeable consequence of holiday autos breaking the agreement. Losses are foreseeable where they could be contemplated by the both you and holiday autos at the time our agreement is formed. holiday autos are not responsible for indirect losses which happen as a side effect of the main loss or damage and which are not foreseeable by you and holiday autos (such as loss of profits or loss of opportunity).

force majeure

holiday autos shall not be liable itself or vicariously through its local car rental suppliers for either a failure to perform or delay in performing any of its obligations under or pursuant to this booking, voucher, reservation, rental or terms and conditions, if and in so far as performance is delayed, hindered or prevented by force majeure, which expression shall mean any event beyond the reasonable control of the party in question. In the event that the force majeure persists for more than 14 consecutive days, holiday autos may terminate and withdraw this booking, reservation or rental by giving 14 days notice to the clients original billing address.
All prices in the brochure apply at the time of printing but we reserve the right to change any of these prices from time to time. Prices can go up or down. Please check our website for all up-to-date prices and services. Your local travel agent or holiday autos reservations agent will also be able to tell you the up to date price of your chosen car rental and of any other service advertised in this brochure before confirming your booking.

carbonwise

carbonwise
carbonwise is a service provided by Climate Care Trust Limited on whose behalf holiday autos acts as agent. The contract for carbonwise is therefore between you and Climate Care and is subject to their terms and conditions which are detailed below. Please make sure you read them carefully before purchasing carbonwise.
Climate Care Terms and Conditions
Climate Care Trust Limited is a company registered in England and Wales with registered number 3369922. Its registered address is 112 Magdalen Road, Oxford, OX4 1RQ. Any order placed by you for carbonwise on the holidayautos.co.uk website shall be deemed an offer by you to purchase carbonwise subject to these booking conditions.
Emissions Calculations
Climate Care uses its best endeavours to base its emissions calculations on the most up to date emissions factors published by reputable sources. These emissions factors can and do change over time. If new information is published, Climate Care will not assume a responsibility to alter its emissions reductions liability for calculations that it has done in the past.
Sales
When a carbonwise customer makes a payment to offset their CO2 emissions Climate Care will add the CO2 emissions to the customer’s liabilities and will fund projects on the purchaser’s behalf that will make a reduction in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations over time compared to a business as usual scenario. The customer will not receive title to the emissions reductions achieved by any of Climate Care’s emission reduction projects. Climate Care undertakes not to sell any emissions reduction to more than one party.
Verification
Each of Climate Care’s projects has its emissions reductions monitored by a third party to the standards required by its Environmental Steering Committee.

our recommendation to you

As part of our continued commitment to quality customer service, we strongly recommend that, prior to signing our local car rental partner's rental agreement, you ensure that the details on this agreement match those details on your holiday autos car rental voucher. Any additional purchases accepted to your credit card after the rental agreement has been signed will be your own financial responsibility.

If in doubt, please consult our customer support section by clicking here.

click here to view holiday autos privacy policy

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