terms and conditions

terms and conditions of use

please read the following terms (the “terms and conditions”) carefully before using this site.
Your use of this site is expressly conditioned on your acceptance of the Terms and Conditions. By using this site, you signify that you unconditionally agree and accept to be legally bound by the Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree with any part of the Terms and Conditions, you must not use this site. The Terms and Conditions apply to the use of the site.

Certain products and services have their own specific governing terms and conditions which shall apply in addition to the Terms and Conditions. These terms and conditions for a specific product or service shall include any terms and conditions found on your screens (in relation to the site) and when using any part of this site. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions for a specific product or service and the Terms and Conditions, the terms and conditions for the specific product or service shall prevail in relation to that specific product or service.

If you are accessing our site or initiating transactions on our site, you will be deemed to have read, understood and agreed to these Terms and Conditions, the Privacy Policy and the Security Policy. Further and in the alternative, if you are accessing our site or initiating transactions on our site through a proxy, you will be deemed to have read, understood and agreed to these Terms and Conditions, the Privacy Policy and Security Policy before authorising a proxy to enter the site on your behalf.

Please click here to access and review the Privacy Policy and click here to access and review the Security Policy.

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customer service policy

Once you have completed your car hire booking online you will receive a confirmation email from us including a link to retrieve your pre-paid car rental voucher which will be required to collect your rental car. Your car rental voucher will provide you with the full details of where to collect your car and must be presented to our car rental supplier on collection as proof of purchase.
If for any reason we are unable to confirm your car hire reservation we will notify you by email or telephone within 2 business days.

In the event your rental request is for a collection within 48hours we understand that your booking is urgent and we will contact you as soon as is possible.

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what's included

All Holiday Autos rental rates include...

• Unlimited mileage except Canada & Australia (Mileage restrictions apply on certain cars & depots please check with reservations for details)
• Third party insurance
• Collision damage waiver liability. This covers you for damage to your hired vehicle in the event of an accident (an excess may apply).
• Theft waiver
• Airport surcharges, unless otherwise stated - check with reservations for details
• Bail bonds (where needed)
• All local taxes except Israel where taxes are paid locally by law

what's not included

• Insurance excess
• 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.
• One-way fees
• 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, parking and traffic fines.
• Additional drivers charges where applicable - please check 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 (see special requests).
• Young drivers charges where applicable.

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price match & pricing policy

Holiday Autos car hire prices are carefully monitored by our trained staff to provide our customers with the latest, competitive prices. All of our prices are in Australian dollars (AUD) and include GST (Goods and services tax) where applicable. Product prices are dynamically updated by our in house purchasing system when price changes are received from our suppliers. In the unlikely event that you find a cheaper like for like pre-paid rental price offered by any other independent Australian car rental operator before or after booking but prior to departure, holiday autos will match that price. Please note that the rental location (on or off airport) can affect the price, and price match will not apply where holiday autos' price including an on airport pick-up is compared to a price with an off airport pick-up. Holiday Autos may need to verify the availability and conditions applicable to the lower rate to ensure that an accurate comparison is being made. Promotional offers do not apply.

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period of rental / calculating your rental duration

The minimum rental period in most destinations is one day. However, please check at time of booking for those destinations in which the minimum duration is 3 days hire. The maximum rental period varies subject to the vehicle supplier. Rental days are based on 24 hours. The price is determined by the start of hire. If you wish to extend the rental period after collection of the car you may only do so directly with the local supplier, you will be charged locally at the local daily rate by the local supplier, which may be higher than our negotiated rates. If you return the car late you will be charged locally at the local daily rate. No refunds are payable on vehicles returned early or on any unused rental days.

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flight information

For airport pick-ups, it is essential that Holiday Autos be given the correct flight number and arrival time, before departure.
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.
If the information is not provided in time, no responsibility can be accepted or compensation allowed for a failed rental.

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drivers age

If you are under 25 or over 65 years old please inform our reservations staff at the time of booking. Some age restrictions may apply in certain destinations, and in some cases there is a young driver's charge payable locally.

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special requests

Child seats: these are mandatory in most countries and must be requested at the time of booking. For older children, it is recommended that you take your own booster seats.
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.

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cancellation/amendment charges

Should you wish to alter your arrangements after your original booking, you should notify us in writing and we will do our best to accommodate you. In some cases a charge may be applied. Amendments after the car has been collected will need to be made with the depot. Any extensions made will be charged at the local rate & any unused days are non refundable.

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cancellations

all cancellations must be made in writing and the rental vouchers must be returned to holiday autos. if you cancel your reservation, a fee of $100 + gst will apply.

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cancellation waiver protection

For just $3 per rental day, 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.

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gst

gst has been included in australian domestic car rental rates. gst is not applicable to international car rental. gst applies to cancellation fees and amendment fees.

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no surcharge guarantee

At holiday autos we believe that the price you pay for your car rental should be the price confirmed to you when you make your booking. We therefore guarantee that once a booking has been made and a deposit paid, the price will not be subject to any surcharges (including currency).

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delivery/collection

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.
A charge for delivery and collection payable locally may apply.

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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.

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driving licence

Drivers must produce a full Australian driving licence held for at least one year (or in some cases an international driving licence).
In some destinations, 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 points 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 points.
Faxed or photocopied licences are not acceptable.

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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 for a minimum of 28 days after returning home.

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additional drivers

Charges often apply for additional drivers. Holiday Autos cannot be held responsible for any increase in charges. Please check with our reservations department at the time of booking.

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deposits

Deposits vary by destination.
All clients must produce a valid credit card, in the name of the driver, upon collection of the car as a form of deposit.
Cash deposits are rarely accepted.
A deposit is often payable for fuel and is usually refunded if the car is returned with a full tank. If the tank is not full, our local supplier at its prevailing rate will charge fuel used. Please check the fuel policy when you pick up your car.
Deposits against damage are required in some European countries. A major credit card can be used for this purpose.

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provision of cars

Suppliers can refuse to provide a vehicle 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.

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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.

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driving restrictions

Restrictions are applicable when crossing country/state borders. please advise our reservations department at the time of booking if you plan to drive out of the country/state of vehicle collection. Charges may apply locally for extra insurance.

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insurance exclusions and excess reduction cover

Insurance Exclusions
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is subject to: a) the payment of an excess therefore you may be charged an excess by the local supplier for damage or theft of the vehicle (unless advised otherwise at the time of booking); and b) certain exclusions which include, without limit, when damage is caused to windows/windscreens, wheels and tyres, the underside and roof of the car or where the vehicle is driven off-road or on un-tarmacked roads, without due care and attention, negligently or damage caused willfully or through negligence or where the driver is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
If you wish to protect yourself against the payment of the excess ((a) above) as a result of damage having been caused to the vehicle, then you can do so by purchasing our Excess Reduction Cover (ERC). However please be aware that even with this product you will still have to compensate the car rental partner for damage which falls within one of the exclusions (see (b) above).

The following conditions apply for rentals with Alamo in the USA.
Charges now apply for:

• Lost Keys -$100
• Key locked inside vehicle -$48
• Fuel Delivery - $48
• Jump Start /Dead battery -$48 (if determined that it is fault of renter)
• Flat Tire Changing -$48 (plus damage or towing cost)

Clients can pay for The new Roadside Services Plan @ US$4.99 / day which covers:
Key replacement , Lockout service, Fuel delivery, Flat tyres, Towing, Jump Start, Glass replacement (if not renter's fault)

Excess Reduction Cover – ERC
(ERC is not required when hiring a vehicle within the USA)
On collection of your car rental booking you will be required to leave a deposit to the value of any insurance excess, which may be charged by our car rental partner if the vehicle is damaged during the rental. This excess can be up to approx aud $4000.
ERC when purchased before departure from Australia reduces the insurance excess for standard vehicles to aud$175 and for luxury, premium, minivans/people movers and specialty vehicles to aud$325.
Prestige vehicles are subject to separate insurance excess and are not covered by the Holiday Autos ERC product.
Please contact Holiday Autos if you are unsure as to which category your particular rental vehicle falls into. When ERC is purchased the full amount of the applicable insurance excess will be charged directly to you by our car rental partner in the event of an accident. You may can reclaim this amount, less the applicable excess, on your return to Australia providing you have reported the damage to the Holiday Autos car rental partner, completed a police report (where applicable) and completed the car rental partner’s accident report form when returning your rental vehicle. Copies of all accident report forms including Police reports (where applicable) will be required by Holiday Autos in order to process your claim. Holiday Autos will refund the insurance excess charged to you by our car rental partner less aud$175 or aud$325 depending on the vehicle type hired, on your return to Australia.
ERC does not include cover for taking four wheel drive vehicles "off road" or on un-sealed roads; When the vehicle is driven without due care and attention, negligently; Or where the driver is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Please also note for vehicle rentals in Australia ERC does not include or reduce the insurance excess in the event of a single vehicle accident – SVA. A single vehicle accident means an accident in which no other motor vehicle is involved (i.e. collisions with animals, trees, pedestrians, rollovers etc) or where another motor vehicle is involved but that other vehicle or its driver has not been identified or that the other vehicle was stationery.
You may therefore be liable for the cost of this damage.
Insurance cover is not provided for the contents of the car in the event of theft or theft of the vehicle itself.
In the event that keys are lost or damaged you will be liable for reasonable costs for obtaining a replacement, and further costs if directly related to the theft of the car.
At the point of collection additional "optional" excess reduction cover may be offered by our car rental partner. If you choose to accept the purchase for any additional coverage this will be entirely your own financial responsibility and may not be refunded.
We strongly recommend that prior to signing the "local car rental partner's agreement" you ensure that the insurance details on this agreement match those insurance details on your Holiday Autos car rental voucher. By accepting the Holiday Autos Excess Reduction Cover, you signify that you unconditionally agree and accept the above Terms and Conditions.
Policy amended and updated 01 Oct 09.

tax

All taxes are included except those on any extras purchased locally.

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car type/suitability

Holiday Autos is unable to guarantee a particular make or model 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, whilst every effort is made to provide the vehicle you requested, you may be provided with a suitable alternative.
If you are dissatisfied in any way with the standard of the car, you must advise the local supplier immediately and Holiday Autos in writing within 28 days of your return.
Holiday Autos cannot accept liability where this procedure is not followed.

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mechanical difficulties/accidents

In the event of any mechanical difficulties or accidents involving your car, it is important that details are reported to your local supplier within 24 hours.
You must also complete an accident 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.
Your local supplier 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.
Compensation cannot be considered when this procedure is not followed.
A checkout form must be signed on return of the vehicle. Failure to do so may delay the investigation of disputes regarding insurance excess charges.

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general conditions

All bookings by our clients are subject to our terms and conditions. No other terms, conditions and warranties, expressed or implied by law, custom and course of dealing shall form part of any contract between Holiday Autos and our clients except for those terms implied by law whose application is mandatory.
The client acknowledges that in making a booking with Holiday Autos he does so only on the basis of the material contained within our brochure.
All other statements or representations made by Holiday Autos, its
employees, or agents are of no effect unless confirmed by us to the client in writing.
Holiday Autos sources vehicles from various rental companies in the countries in which it operates. The rental of the vehicle will be subject to the law of the country in which it is supplied to the client and for this reason he will be required to sign a rental contract with the rental company, which supplies the vehicle.
The client should satisfy himself that he understands (and agrees) to the rental company's terms and conditions as he will be subject to, and must comply with these terms, and the local law.
Holiday Autos cannot accept liability for any charges incurred on documentation signed for and accepted locally.
Any additional charges payable on arrival are subject to local vat at the prevailing rate in that country.
Holiday Autos will not be held responsible for anyone driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, causing willful damage, off road driving or driving without due care and attention. The client will indemnify Holiday Autos against this in respect of such claims. This list is not exclusive.

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complaints

Holiday Autos aims to resolve complaints within 28 days of receipt, however some complaints will take longer owing to the nature of the issue and information provided. for details of how to contact holiday autos click here.
Holiday Autos may on occasion record telephone conversations for staff training.

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optional extras offered (chargeable by the supplier locally, not available at all locations)

Worldwide

• Baby/Child/Booster Seat(s) - Drivers must take responsibility for the fitting of the seat(s), a deposit may be required for the safe return of the seat(s) at certain locations
• Satellite Navigation Systems (GPS) - Usually a portable device, sometimes a fitted device, a deposit may be required for the safe return of the portable devices at certain locations

In Switzerland

• Snow Pack - Includes snow tyres, snow chains, and ice scrapper

In France

• Snow Pack - Includes snow tyres, snow chains and ski rack

In Italy

• Snow/Ski/Mountain Pack - Includes ski rack and snow chains

In Austria

• Ski Pack - Includes winter tyres, snow chains and ski rack

click here for additional conditions applicable to the usa & canada

click here for additional conditions applicable to australia

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privacy and security policy

privacy policy
Holiday Autos is dedicated to keeping your details private. Any information, we collect in relation to you, is kept strictly secured. We do not pass on/sell/swap any of your personal details with anyone. We use this information to identify your orders, provide you with our monthly newsletter and to personalise your booking experience with us; that's all. This policy explains how your information is used, and how we protect your privacy.

information used in your booking
When you book we need to know your name, address, telephone number, credit or debit card number and expiry date. We also need the drivers' age. This enables us to process the booking. As a broker Holiday Autos passes on essential booking details to our car rental partners in order to confirm your booking.

promotional updates/newsletters
You may choose to subscribe to our promotional updates service in order to receive e-mails or post from us, notifying you of any special offers, or new features to our service or our site. You can opt out of this service at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in any e-mails we send to you. We use the services of a data mailing provider to facilitate the dispatch of promotional e-mails and postal updates to you. We ensure that this provider keeps your personal information confidential and secure at all times.

competitions and promotions
From time to time we may run competitions and promotions, and ask for your name, address and e-mail address in order to administer them and notify the winners. We will only use the information for these purposes unless you actively opt to receive additional information of a marketing nature. We may also ask you to give us your opinion on a subject, submit recommendations, or give us information to help develop our customer profile. We may publish these results on our site but we will not publish your name or comment without your permission.

site tracking
We use tracking software to monitor the visitors to our site and to help us to improve the design and content of the site. This software captures and measures such information as page views and site usage patterns using a cookie system. Cookies are small text files which are sent to your web browser and are stored on the hard drive in your computer. Your browser settings can be set to inform you before receiving a cookie and/or block them.

telephone call tracking
To help us improve our service to you we may record phone calls made to us for training and quality purposes.

disclosure to third parties
Holiday Autos never discloses personal information about its customers to third parties without prior consent, except in the case of an emergency or if we are legally obliged to do so. We will not sell or rent any personally identifiable information we receive from you. Holiday Autos may provide statistics about our customers, sales and booking patterns and related information to third parties, but these will not contain any personally identifying information.

your consent
By using this web site you consent to the collection, storage and use of this information by Holiday Autos as set out in our privacy policy. In the event that we change our privacy policy, we will post any changes on this page, so that you are always aware of the information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances we disclose it. Please note that the information you provide for your booking will be transferred outside Australia if your rental takes place outside of this area. By submitting your order, you consent to this transfer.
>Click here for a full version of our privacy policy

security policy
Holiday Autos is committed to ensuring that the information you provide in making a booking is secure. To do so we use 128 Bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption technology. 128-bit SSL encryption is approximated to take at least one trillion years to break and is the industry standard. This encrypts all your personal information including your credit card details, so that it cannot be read as it is sent over the internet. Once your transaction has been completed, your personal information is stored on a secure computer, not on the web server, so it cannot be accessed through the internet.

© holiday autos 2009

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general restrictions

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.

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