General Conditions

• All bookings by our customers are subject to our terms and conditions.
• The customer acknowledges that in making a booking with carhire4less 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.
• carhire4less acts as a car rental broker and agent for various independent rental companies in the countries in which it operates. Bookings made through carhire4less 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.
• carhire4less cannot accept liability for any charges incurred on documentation signed for and accepted locally.
• carhire4less 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’ and ‘ski max’ are subject to availability. All information in these terms and conditions, including prices, is correct as of 01 August 2010.
• All prices on carhire4less.co.uk home page are correct for pick ups per day in Larnaca in November 2010.

carhire4less rental rates

Your 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.

All carhire4less rental rates include:

• Unlimited mileage (except Banff and Jasper in Canada and Australia and certain car types worldwide).
• Third party insurance.
• Collision damage waiver liability. This covers you for damage to your hired car in the event of an accident, except where negligence is proved.
• Theft waiver.
• Airport surcharges, with the exception of Israel.
• Bail bonds (where needed).
• All local taxes (except Australia, where taxes are paid locally by law).

What’s not included?

• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): this is probably covered in your holiday insurance but you will be offered this when collecting your hire car.
• 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 driver charges, where applicable. These charges are payable locally.
• Delivery and collection of your car. You can arrange this during normal working hours but there may be a charge for this.
• Out of hours charges.
• Optional extras.
• One-way rental charges where applicable.
• Young driver charges where applicable.
• Licence fees in Barbados and Jersey.

 

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 - 15 April. As result, the pre-bookable ski package option will be automatically selected for all Switzerland bookings during this period. You can deselect this product but if you do so you will be charged locally.

Collision damage waiver

When you hire a car through carhire4less, 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) is 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 carhire4less, 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). 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.

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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.

carhire4less 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 carhire4less within 28 days of returning your rental vehicle. If accepted by carhire4less 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  
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  
• 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) is 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.

Flight information

• For airport pick-ups, it is essential that carhire4less 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.

Drivers age

• If you are under 25 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.

Amendment charges

• Amendments to a booking will be subject to a £10 fee per amendment.

Cancellation administration charge

• carhire4less 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, emailed to cancellations@holidayautos.co.uk or faxed to 01276 688325 (and vouchers returned) and will take effect from the date received by carhire4less.
• 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 £20
• 6-3 days before start date 50%
• 2-0 days before start date 75%

Cancellation protection insurance

• For just £5 per rental week, carhire4less cancellation protection insurance will protect you from any cancellation charges payable if you are unable to honour your booking prior to the collection date. Such insurance must be purchased at the time of booking. back to to top.

The max includes:

The 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 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, carhire4less 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.

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 a cheaper like for like pre-paid rental price offered by any other independent UK car rental operator who sells car rental, before or after booking, but prior to departure, we will do our best to match that price.
• Rental location (on or off airport) can affect the price, and best price will not apply when carhire4less’ price including an on-airport pick-up is compared to a price with an off-airport pick-up.
• carhire4less may need to verify the availability and conditions applicable to the lower rate to ensure that an accurate comparison is being made. This will be done immediately, you can choose to hold on the line while this process is completed, or alternatively our reservations agent will call you back.
• Best price guarantee does not apply to promotional offers.

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.
• 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).

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 and one-way rentals must be booked by phone and do not qualify for a web booking discount.

Out of hours charges

• In most locations flights will be met and cars supplied outside of normal working hours. A flight number must be provided at least 7 days prior to the start of the rental period. 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.
• carhire4less can accept no further responsibility where there is no out of hours facility available and it is therefore recommended that customers should take independant travel insurance.

Driving licence

• Drivers must produce a full British driving licence held for at least one year (or in some cases an international driving licence). Drivers with a new style licence must have all sections with them.
• 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!

Rental documents

• The rental voucher must be presented when picking up your rental car. carhire4less 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.

Additional drivers

• Charges often apply for additional drivers and are payable locally on pick-up. carhire4less cannot be held responsible for any increase in charges. Please check online or with our reservations department at the time of booking.

Deposits

• Deposits vary by destination.
• All customers will be required to leave a deposit to cover the insurance excess 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 or debit card 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.

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. carhire4less 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/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.

Iinsurance exclusions and damage excess refund product

• 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 car is damaged during the rental. If purchased at the time of booking, the carhire4less damage excess refund product will cover you for damage excess that you may be charged. This damage excess can be reclaimed through carhire4less, subject to our terms and conditions, providing you complete an accident report form from our car rental partner and then forward a copy of this to carhire4less.
• The damage excess refund product does not apply to prestige cars.
• It does not cover damage to wheels, tyres, windows, the roof, the underside, the interior of the car, towing charges or damage caused wilfully or recklessly. 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.
• 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.
• Insurance does not include cover for taking four wheel drive vehicles 'off road' or on un-tarmacked tracks.

Tax

• All taxes are included except those on any extras purchased locally. e.g. One-way drop-off fees, child seats and additional drivers.
• carhire4less 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.

Car type/suitability

• carhire4less 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 carhire4less in writing within 28 days of your return. Failure to do so may result in any claims not being accepted or settled by carhire4less.

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

• carhire4less aims to resolve complaints as quickly as we can. 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 carhire4less and our local car rental partner. In such an event carhire4less reserves the right to recover such duplicated payments at any time within two calendar years of such an event. Some complaints may take longer owing to the nature of the issue and information provided. carhire4less can only consider complaints that reach them within 180 days of the final day of rental to which the rental voucher refers. Actions against carhire4less are restricted to the laws that occur within the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom courts.

 

How a contract is formed with carhire4less

• 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 carhire4less an offer to purchase the products once you have either pressed "Book Now" or done so verbally. carhire4less 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 carhire4less 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

• carhire4less are responsible for losses you suffer as a result of carhire4less breaking this agreement if the losses are a foreseeable consequence of carhire4less breaking the agreement. Losses are foreseeable where they could be contemplated by both you and carhire4less at the time our agreement is formed. carhire4less 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 carhire4less (such as loss of profits or loss of opportunity).

Force majeure

• carhire4less 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, carhire4less may terminate and withdraw this booking, reservation or rental by giving 14 days notice to the clients original billing address.

Our recommendation to you

• We strongly advise that prior to signing our local car rental partners rental agreement, you ensure that the insurance details on this agreement match those insurance details on your carhire4less car rental voucher. Any additional insurance purchases accepted to your credit card after the rental agreement has been signed will be your own financial responsibility.

If in doubt please call customer support on 0871 472 5177. (Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras)

carhire4less is part of lastminute.com plc

Registered office:
carhire4less,
Victoria Gate,
Chobham Road,
Woking,
Surrey,
GU21 6JD

carhire4less is registered in England and Wales no.3292373