USA Car Hire Terms
General conditions
All bookings by our customers are subject to our terms and conditions.
The customer acknowledges that in making a booking with US Holiday Cars 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.
The cost and conditions of all insurances and items are subject to change
without prior notice and subject to local tax. U US Holiday Cars cannot be held
responsible for changes outside of its control.
US Holiday Cars acts as a car rental broker and agent for various independent
rental companies in the USA Bookings made through US Holiday Cars 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. Once you sign the rental
agreement with the local car hire company your contract is with that local
company. Any disputes arising from this agreement must be pursued directly with
the rental company.
US Holidays Cars works in conjunction with other car rental
companies based in the UK that act as sales agents for car rental companies
that provided the bookable services on our website. In the event of loss or
financial failure of these associated companies US Holidays Cars reserves the
right to switch your rental to an alternative supplier, amend your reservation
to the nearest 'similar' sized available vehicle or switch collection and drop
off locations to the nearest possible available alternative or cancel your
reservation without prejudice should no alternatives be available.
Reservations made outside office working hours: When you make a
reservation with US Holiday Cars your 'request' is not confirmed until your
reservation has been confirmed by the appropriate supplier chosen. Should your
reservation request be made at a time when our office is closed your
reservation may not be confirmed in time. If your reservation request is not
confirmed in time you will not be charged. Please note: A reservation request
is not a confirmed booking. Your booking is only confirmed once your payment
method has been processed and your rental voucher has been issued.
US Holiday Cars cannot accept liability for any charges incurred on
documentation signed for and accepted locally. US Holiday Cars 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.
US Holiday Cars cannot be held responsible for clients failure to
collect any prepaid reservation regardless of reason. This list is not
exclusive.
Cars and all offers are subject to availability. All information in these terms
and conditions, including prices, is correct at the time of publication.
USA Car Hire
All US Holiday Cars rental rates include:
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Unlimited Mileage.
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Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) which is a combination insurance of both Collision
Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Waiver. As long as you adhere to the rental
policy of the supplier you will not be held responsible for the cost of
replacement or repair to your hire vehicle.
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Uninsured Motorist Protection (UMP) up to $1m Liability Cover. Offers an
Uninsured/Underinsured/Hit-and-Run Motorist Protection (UMP) that provides the
renter and family members travelling together in the rented vehicle with up to
$1,000,000 of non-stacked coverage for bodily injury sustained while driving
the rental car, and caused by another driver who has no insurance, minimal
insurance, or is a hit-and-run driver.
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Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) up to $1m Liability Cover. All drivers
included on the rental agreement will not be held liable for third party claims
for bodily injury or property damage resulting from an accident.
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All Taxes and Airport Fees. (except the California Tourism Tax of 2.5% which is
payable locally on all California pick up's & $12.50 Apt Tax levied at
Orlando Intl Apt)
In addition to the items above US Holiday Cars has negotiated the following
features with individual suppliers all of which are included within the Fully
Inclusive rate.
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If the Gold Rate is purchased this will include your first tank of petrol and
extend the insurance to accommodate additional drivers. (Except for Manhattan
where the initial tank of fuel is not included)
What's not included?
Personal accident insurance (PAI): this is probably covered in your holiday
insurance. It is an option, which you will be offered on collection of the car.
Additional non-mandatory insurances. RoadSafe / Roadside Assistance. Your
rental will include a basic road side assistance service. You DO NOT have to
upgrade to a premium service unless you so desire
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. Some suppliers will charge for a
tank of fuel upon collection of the vehicle if the 'Fully Inclusive' option is
taken. Please note that these fuel charges will be subject to concessions and
charged at a higher rate that if purchased from the pumps directly. The charges
are subject to change as they are controlled by our suppliers. Please check
conditions before you travel if unsure otherwise please check with the supplier
when you pick up your vehicle. IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF ANY CONDITIONS OF YOUR
RENTAL YOU WILL NEED TO CONTACT US BEFORE YOU COLLECT THE VEHICLE
Please note: The suppliers insurance will not
cover you for damage to the windscreen, tyers or undercarriage of the vehicle.
ENSURE that you check your rental agreement before you sign it. Please ensure
that you are only signing for items you have selected to purchase. If you do
not understand the agreement please ask a manager to explain further. Please
ensure that you only sign the agreement when you are happy with its contents.
Once you sign the agreement your contract will them be with the respective car
rental supplier. WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CLAIM A REFUND FOR
ITEMS/INSURANCES/UPGRADES SIGNED FOR 'OPTIONAL EXTRAS' SIGNED FOR BY ACCIDENT.
PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU TAKE A MOMENT TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE AGREEMENT BEFORE
YOU SIGN IT.
Payment for your rental
US Holiday Cars offers a Pre-Paid car rental service. It is not possible for
you to reserve a vehicle through US Holiday Cars and pay locally. Your rental
will be pre-paid in advance. When you make a reservation on our website we will
'Pre-Authorise' the amount using the payment method you supplied at the time of
reservation. 'Pre-Authorisation' means that at that point we have not fully
collected the funds from you. Your funds will only be collected once your
vehicle and the price has been confirmed by the supplier. If your request
cannot be confirmed you will not be charged. If your payment method fails to
authorise and you fail to contact us your reservation will be cancelled.
Payment for local upgrades
US Holiday Cars does not collect payment for a local upgrade. Should you decide
to upgrade your vehicle upon collection you will be required to make payment
for the upgrade directly to the supplier and the prevailing rate and exchange
rate at the time of the agreement. Upgrade charges do not supersede your
agreement with US Holiday Cars. Your upgrade charge will be an additional
payment on top of the fee's you have already paid to US Holiday Cars. No
refunds will be given by US Holiday Cars in the event that you upgrade. Once a
rental agreement is signed your contract then becomes with the local rental
company.
Vehicle Availability
Most vehicles are available on a 24 hour free sale basis. Specialist vehicles
such as 4x4's, luxury, Premium, Convertibles, 7,8,12 & 15 seater Minivans
are all on a 48 hour request basis with our suppliers. Please note that your
credit card will not be charged until your booking and price has been
confirmed. Should your request not be available, we will contact you via email
or by any contact number provided. Once a deposit has accepted for your rental
and your hire has been confirmed and processed this will secure your rental
price, should our suppliers fleet change or your requested vehicle is
unavailable or our rates change we reserve the right to cancel or amend your
order. We cannot check availability without making a confirmed reservation.
Should you wish to amend your vehicle to a 'request vehicle' please ensure that
you intend to book the vehicle as you will be charged accordingly once the
vehicle is confirmed. If a vehicle you have requested to upgrade to is not
available our terms will apply to the confirmed vehicle you currently have.
Local charges.
Optional extras. (For example Child seats, Snow Chains, etc)
One-way rental charges where applicable.
Young drivers charges where applicable.
Garaging, tolls, congestion charges, parking and traffic fines.
Additional driver's charges where applicable - please check online or with our
reservations department at the time of booking. These charges are payable
locally.
Insurance Excess
There is no insurance excess payable on our vehicles except in the following
locations New York , Illinois and Alaska . Customers are expected to leave a
credit card imprint of approximately $100.00.
Payment Methods
Payment for reservations can be made in the following ways, Visa, Visa Delta,
MasterCard or Switch.
Deposits
US Holiday Cars will accept a deposit on a credit card to secure a booking as
long as the departure date is 8 weeks or more away. Full payment will be taken
8 weeks prior to your pick up. US Holiday Cars will contact you to confirm the
transaction has taken place. Only then will your pre-paid rental voucher be
forwarded to you.
Flight information
For airport pick-ups, it is essential that US Holiday Cars 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 7 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.
Driver's age
US Holiday Cars deals with many suppliers in America, the general rule states
that drivers between the ages of 21 to 24 will be levied with a young driver's
surcharge of $20-$25 per day, per driver plus tax Our suppliers do not have an
upper-age limited but can refuse to hire a vehicle if the customer is not fit
to drive.
Cancellation administration charge
US Holiday Cars will levy a charge for cancellation of any booking you are
unable to honour prior to your collection date (see below). Unless cancelled
within the first 48 hours of booking (cooling off period)
No refunds will be given for rentals ended early, late collections, no shows or
cancellations made after the rental start date.
All cancellations must be made in writing, emailed to info@usholidayscars.com
Cancellation charges
7 or more days before start date £50.00
6-4 days before start date 50%
3-1 days before start date 75%
24 Hours before start date 100%
Amendment charges
A charge of £15.00GBP may apply in the event of any amendment of any
confirmed reservation. Please note: Reservations cannot be amended after the
start date of the rental has passed. If you have collected your vehicle you
must speak to the local hire company regarding any amendments/extensions or
changes. These changes will be charged at the suppliers local prices and NOT US
Holiday Cars rates.
Our Rates
US Holiday Cars offers specially designed fully inclusive car
rental rates based on our unique pricing model. Our pricing strategy is based
on/and incorporates factors such as the $USD exchange rate. This means
that our prices are subject to influence without notice. We always aim to
offer the best price/s possible. Once you make a reservation you are
guaranteed a rental at the price you have booked. We guarantee that once a
rental has been made your rate will never increase. However if you make a
reservation and subsequently our rates change and/or we offer a new
special offer/promotion in association with our suppliers, we are unable to
refund any difference in the price paid as the cost of your rental has
already been calculated in accordance with the influencing factors at
the time of your reservation. If you have already made a reservation and need
to amend the duration of your rental, vehicle type or any other option your new
price will be calculated at the latest available rates and not at the original
rates reserved. Please note: We are unable to switch your reservation from one
supplier to another without cancelling and re booking. Should you wish to amend
or cancel any reservation you will be subject to the terms and conditions laid
out here. US Holiday Cars are dedicated to offering you the best possible price
all year around.
Period of rental
Rental days are based on 24-hour units, commencing at the time of pick-up. If
you wish to extend the rental period after collection of the car, or if you
return the car late, 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 or
that are not collected. It is the customers responsibility to notify the local
supplier if they believe they are going to be late, failure to do so can result
in the vehicle being resold locally, in this case no refunds will issued.
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.
Snow Chains 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. PLEASE NOTE: Hand controls for all vehicles are no longer
requestable.
Emailed Quotes
Quotes that are received via email are not a guarantee of price or
availability. Price are subject to change at any time without notice.
One-way rentals
One-way rental charges are based on a city-to-city basis and are always on
request. The one-way rental charge shown on this site are only an example and
may be higher than stated here. You must check with our reservations team
before you buy to find out the exact charge. . All one-way rental charges are
paid locally and are not permitted on Economy 2dr or 4dr.
One way fees are subject to local taxes.
0 - 200 miles $50.00
201 - 500 miles $100.00
501 - 1000 miles $300.00
Over 1000 miles $500.00
These fees do not apply to One Way Rentals within the states of California or
Florida .
Out of hour's 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.
Driving licence
Drivers must produce a full driving licence from their Country of residence (we
cannot except bookings from U.S. or Canadian driving licence holders), which
they have held for at least one year. UK Drivers with a new style licence must
have all sections with them. This means the photo card ID as well as the paper
counter part to show endorsements.
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 that lead to a ban
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 licence's are not acceptable. Please Note that in some
locations a passport may be required as well as your license in order to
collect your vehicle. Please check with reservations if unsure.
Rental documents & Contracts
Your rental voucher must be presented when collecting your rental car. US
Holiday Cars cannot be held responsible for rentals rejected if a voucher is
not presented. You should retain your rental documents and related receipts
given to your chosen car rental supplier for a minimum of 28 days after
returning home. Once you collect your vehicle and sign the suppliers rental
agreement your contract then becomes with the respective car rental company.
Additional drivers
Charges often apply for additional drivers and are payable locally on pick-up.
US Holiday Cars cannot be held responsible for any increase in charges. Please
check online or with our reservations department at the time of booking. PLEASE
NOTE: All clients that require the gold option for the purpose of additional
drivers, must pick up the vehicle with all the additional drivers present
otherwise the additional drivers will NOT be able to be added to the rental
agreement at a later stage.
Local Deposits
Deposits vary by destination but are generally $100.00 - $200.00 per week.
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 not accepted.
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. Please Note:
Should the vehicle you have reserved not be available upon collection the
supplier reserves the right to offer you an alternative vehicle. If this is not
satisfactory you should contact US Holiday Cars immediately so that we may try
to arrange with the supplier an acceptable alternative.
Number of passengers
Our rental cars are insured for a maximum number of passengers. US Holiday Cars
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.
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.
Tax
All taxes are included except those on any extras purchased locally. E.g.
One-way drop-off fees, child seats and additional drivers. US Holiday Cars
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 State.
Car type/suitability
US Holiday Cars is 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) should the
vehicle category you have booked not be available.
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 US Holiday Cars in
writing within 28 days of your return. Failure to do so may result in any
claims not being accepted or settled by our car rental partners.
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.
Local rental issue's
If you encounter local problems collecting your vehicle you must
contact US Holiday Cars immediately. If you fail to collect your vehicle via
the contract agreed with US Holiday Cars , US Holiday Cars will not be held
liable for any new contracts you agree with a local supplier, unless agreed.
Terms and conditions of a rental agreed with US Holiday Cars will not apply
should you decide to use an alternative local supplier with out the prior
consent or authorisation of US Holiday Cars. Local contract are made at the
renters own discretion and risk. US Holiday Cars will not be accountable to
honour the terms of a contract agreed outside of the original terms and
conditions specified at the time of your pre-reserved and booked rental
vehicle.
Choosing you rental vehicle.
US Holiday Cars will do all we can to assist you in choosing the correct
vehicle for your needs. We have provided vehicle examples on our website to
help you. Please note that these vehicle types are not guaranteed. This also
means that we are unable to guarantee engine size, luggage capacity or any
other feature of the vehicles. Our suppliers reserve the right to provide you
with a vehicle within the selected category of vehicle you have reserved. For
more information or if you are not sure please contact our reservations
department before you book. US Holiday Cars cannot accept any responsibility
for variations in vehicle specifications supplied by our car rental partners.
All information supplied is for guidance only. CUSTOMER REVIEWS: Within our
website you may wish to consult our customer reviews before you select a
vehicle. Please note that these reviews are not the opinions US Holiday Cars.
When in doubt contact our reservations team to help select a vehicle..
Complaints
US Holiday Cars 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
US Holiday Cars and our local car rental partner. In such an event US Holiday
Cars 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. US Holiday Cars
can only consider complaints that reach them within 180 days of the final day
of rental to which the rental voucher refers. Actions against US Holiday Cars
are restricted to the laws that occur within the jurisdiction of the United
Kingdom courts.
Consequential loss
US Holiday Cars are responsible for losses you suffer as a result of
US Holiday Cars breaking this agreement, if the losses are a foreseeable
consequence of US Holiday Cars breaking the agreement. Losses are foreseeable
where both you and US Holiday Cars could contemplate them at the time our
agreement is formed. US Holiday Cars is 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 US Holiday Cars (such as loss of profits or loss of
opportunity).
Force majeure
US Holiday Cars 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, US Holiday
Cars may terminate and withdraw this booking, reservation or rental by giving
14 days notice to the client's original billing address.
Terms subject to change with out notice. Contracts do not effect
your statutory rights.
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