Conditions for Motorhome Rental USA
Valid 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013

Summary of Rental Conditions

This document contains a brief summary of the rental conditions.  All rentals are subject to the terms and conditions of the Rental Contract signed at the Cruise America office upon vehicle departure.  . Rates quoted are in US dollars.

Branch Opening Hours

Regular renters

Vehicle departure (pickup) time begins from 1:00 PM to 4.00 PM.  You must contact Cruise America on the morning of your pickup for expected vehicle departure time.  You cannot arrive unannounced.   You will need to make your own way to the branch as transfers are not included. You must stay overnight if arriving from an international flight, you are not permitted to pickup a vehicle on the same day.  There are no refunds for late pick-ups.

Early Bird renters

By chosing to pre-purchase the Early Bird Departure Special, vehicle departure time runs between 9:00am and Noon.  See below for full details of inclusions and benefits.

Early Bird Departure Special

• Must be pre-purchased at least 30 days prior to pick up
• Beginning at 8:30 a.m. transfers from designated area hotels are included.
• “First in Line” service at the rental center.
• Vehicle departures begin at 9:00 a.m. and are completed by no later than 12:00 p.m.
• Late Return Option up to 3:00 p.m. (1500 hours).
• Return transfer to hotel* or airport will be arranged and paid for by rental center in the form of a credit to your rental contract.

The Early Bird Departure Special offer is priced as follows:
Departures Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday......................$165**
Departures Monday, Friday, Saturday ................................$315
Departures on every weekday following a Holiday..............$315
Departures Sunday*** ............................................................$615

** NOTE:  The $165 USD EBDS rate is NOT available in 2012 for Boston (BOS), Seattle (EVT) and New York City (JFK). EBDS at these locations for all departures from Monday through Saturday shall be $315 USD.
*** NOTE 2:  Sunday departures may only be confirmed on a Request Basis.
 

Vehicle Return Times

Regular Renters

Vehicles are to be returned by 9:00 AM but no later than 11:00 AM.

Early Bird Renters

With pre-purchase of Early Bird Departure Special, you can return vehicle to Rental Center between 9:00 AM but no later than 3:00 PM.
 

Vehicle Return Late Fees

A fee of $25 per hour will be charged for each hour that the vehicle is overdue without permission. You agree to return vehicle in the same condition as it was received, excluding normal wear and tear. Depending on local conditions, a cleaning and/or waste tank evacuation fee may be assessed at vehicle return up to $150. You will also pay for damages or loss of equipment. There are no refunds for early returns. 
 

Return Transfers

Transfers are not included in your prepaid rental charges. Return transfers are your responsibility.  Only with pre-purchase of Early Bird Departure Special are return transfers to designated hotel areas or airport included with the fee. A late return will void our responsibility to you for return transfers. Return transfers are normally accomplished up to 4:00 PM (1600 hours). 
  

Minimum Rental Period

All Motorhomes – 1 Week (7 Nights)
 

Driver Requirements

Vehicles can only be operated by qualified drivers 21 years of age or older.

All drivers must have a valid and identifiable driver’s license. Your driver’s license and foreign passport are required as identification and will be verified. All drivers must be identified, authorized, and must sign the Rental Contract. There is no cost for additional drivers and no ‘under 25’ surcharge.
 

Upgrades

You may find the model reserved to be inadequate for your party. Where possible, upgrades to a larger sized model will be allowed at a charge determined from local posted rates.

Our policy is to provide you with the model reserved however in some instances circumstances may require an upgrade to a larger sized motorhome to accommodate an immediate departure. The upgrade will be provided at no charge to you and with no further liability to Cruise America.
 

Downgrades

You may find the model reserved to be too large for your comfort. Where possible, downgrades to a smaller sized model will be allowed at no charge to you. In some instances, circumstances may require a downgrade to a smaller model to accommodate an immediate departure. The downgrade, if accepted, will earn a credit based on the difference in price at the time of reservation and with no further liability to Cruise America.
 

Luggage Storage

Collapsible luggage is recommended. Other luggage may be stored at most rental centers, all at your risk.
 

Ferry Restrictions

Ferry reservations can be difficult to manage during high season. We recommend you make a reservation for at least a 30 foot vehicle on the ferry, irrespective as to the size of the motorhome reserved, to avoid problems due to possible upgrades.

Cancellation Fees

• 46 or more days prior to departure........................Deposit not refundable
• 16 to 45 days prior to departure..............................$500 plus deposit
• 1 day to 15 days prior to departure ....................$850 plus deposit
• Departure Day*..................................................Full Rental Charges

*Reservation “no-shows:” A client failing to arrive on departure day or who declines vehicle at departure is classified as a “departure day” cancellation.
 

Amendments

Amendments are charged at a rate of US$50 per change. This applies but is not limited to changing the client name, vehicle type, reducing the number of rental days, changing the pickup dates or locations.

If the amendment results in changing the vehicle brand your deposit is not transferable.
 

Standard Equipment - Included with all rental vehicles

All items listed subject to availability and substitution without notice. 

Provisioning Kit – Optional at extra cost

Per Person Kit – Optional at extra cost

Petrol / Propane for cooking and heating

Your vehicle at departure will contain a minimum one-quarter tank of petrol (gasoline) and adequate propane for appliance use. You may be charged a deposit for fuel included at departure, depending on local circumstances. Return fuels at the same level for refund of deposits. At the Rental Center, you will be given directions to the nearest fueling stations. There are no warranties concerning fuel consumption rates while en route.
 

Child Restraint Seats

Cruise America does not hire child seats.  You must supply your own child restraint seats for transfers and while en route.|
 

Security Deposit (Bond)

A basic refundable security deposit of $500 USD and the use of a credit card to pay for all local charges and deposits is required at departure. For payment of any local charges and deposit  other than by credit card, the security deposit is $1,000

Upon vehicle return, all extra charges are balanced against the security deposit and a credit will be issued to cover the refund. For security reasons, refunds when a credit card is not used are issued by a check mailed to your home address. There are NO cash refunds.
 

Mileage Charges

If you have not pre-paid for mileage, your estimated travel miles are payable at departure based on 100 miles per day.   Upon vehicle return, any additional miles/kms over prepaid miles are charged at the per mile/km rate, $0.32 Per Mile.

Pre Paid Mileage Packs can be selected during the quoting process:

500 Mile Package or Unlimited Mileage  for rentals up to 21 days with an option to add additional days over 21.
 

Optional extras (subject to change)

Provisioning Kit   $100 per ki t
Per Person Kit     $ 50 per kit
Camping Chairs  $  7.50 per rental
Generator Charges  $3 per hour or $6 per day.
(The generator is not required for normal vehicle operation)
 

One-Way Rental Fees

One-way fees between rental locations within the USA are allowed and will vary in cost from $100 to $500 depending on pick up location and routing.  Your quote will show exact surcharge.

Taxes

All rental charges are subject to state sales tax by law. All pre paid items include sales taxes.

    
Vehicle Acceptance

You will be required to sign a Vehicle Acceptance/Service Satisfaction form listing the condition of the vehicle, to ensure you depart in a vehicle cleaned to your standard which is in good working order, with complete kits, adequate propane tank, empty waste tanks and an appropriate gasoline level. Be sure to have any items corrected prior to departure if you are not happy.
 

Travelers Assistance Hotline 24-7

You can call the (800) 334-4110 number with concerns you may have, whether mechanical breakdowns, service problems, or holiday impairment.  Cruise America assumes no liability for concerns, without a call to Travelers Assistance and documentation of your problem or issue while en route.
 

Renter Assistance Guide

The Renter Assistance Guide discusses operation of all features of motorhome operation. Important instructional information is included in the Renter Assistance Guide. You are responsible for reading the Renter Assistance Guide thoroughly. This Guide will also advise what to do in the case of an accident or any damage that may occur to the motorhome, as well as tips regarding the use of included safety equipment. This is the first place you should look if there is a problem.

The Renter Assistance Guide (English or German) is included with each motorhome rental.

Accidents/Collision

In the event of an accident, you must notify Travelers Assistance immediately from the scene of the accident on (800) 344-4110. You will be given instructions on how to proceed.
You must also obtain a police or bench report. If you are unable to obtain a police report at the scene of the accident, you must go to the local police station and obtain a bench report. We will accept either report.

Travel Restrictions

Coverages are invalid if problems occur in the following areas and all recovery expenses are at your own cost.  Violations of these restrictions void damage waivers and may subject you to liability for all vehicle damages including to tires, towing charges and other related expenses as a result of a breakdown associated with operating in these areas. You should consult with departure location personnel for complete information on travel restrictions and local circumstances at the time you collect your motorhome.

Alaska, Yukon and Northwest Territories & Newfoundland

Travel on all public and/or numbered roads is permitted. Travel on non-public roads, unpaved back roads, trails and the like – commonly called logging roads or on any surface subjecting the vehicle to unreasonable damage or road hazard is prohibited. Clients may receive further information from Cruise America regarding seasonal travel restrictions as well. We reserve the right to restrict travel, dependent on current road conditions.

Death Valley and other desert areas

Vehicles are allowed to operate in Death Valley and other desert areas, however, extreme caution must be observed. Clients visit these areas at their own risk and are thus responsible for all recovery and other charges. During certain periods these areas are not habitable and could pose a danger to the driver and passengers.

Manhattan

Due to restrictions on vehicle heights, propane gas and parking, vehicles with propane are not permitted in Manhattan and are not permitted to travel through any underground or underwater tunnels.

Mexico

Crossing the United States border into Mexico in a Cruise America vehicle is strictly forbidden.

Burning Man

Travelers during the Burning Man Event will participate in the following policies.
The RV must be returned in the same condition as it was recieved.
An additional refundable housekeeping/cleaning deposit of $500 will be paid locally by the client.
This advisory is applied to all departures in the Western Half of the United States between
August 22, 2012 and September 4, 2012.

Winter Warning

Vehicle operating systems are not fully operable during subfreezing temperatures. Check the Renter Assistance Guide for winter operations but be aware that in Canada and northern US cities, vehicles are likely to have anti-freeze in holding tanks meaning that vehicle water facilities will not be available to you.

Refueling and Servicing

You must turn off engine and all ignition sources including gas appliances, refrigerator, hot water heater, stove, furnace, etc. each time you refuel. You are responsible for checking and maintaining engine oil, fluids, tire pressure, and coolant levels at each refueling, as well as reporting mechanical failures immediately. You may be held responsible for mechanical damage if you fail to do so.

Breakdown Assistance and Repair Reimbursement

During a motorhome vacation some aspects of the vehicle or coach systems may fail or be impaired. Our objective is to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
If a mechanical breakdown should occur, Cruise America will assist you to secure over-the-road maintenance from reputable service providers.   All repairs require authorization by phone from Travelers Assistance at (800) 334-4110 who will document your problem on a customer service log. Tools for vehicle repair are not provided.  Your expenses for authorized repairs will be paid directly by Cruise America or you will be reimbursed upon presentation of receipts. Any vehicle service expense over $75 requires a call to Travelers Assistance.   If the cost is under $75 you may have the service completed, but you must keep the receipt for reimbursement. Rental centers are authorized to reimburse receipts up to $75 without a customer service log.   Engine battery jump-starts require Travelers Assistance approval in advance

Travel Expense Reimbursement

In the event the vehicle is in breakdown repair for 12 hours or less, through no fault of yours, our responsibility to you is limited to a refund of the daily rental rate or portion thereof. Radio, air conditioning, refrigerator, generator, microwave, appliance and cruise control malfunctions are not considered breakdowns and no refunds are available for repair time to these items. In the event of a mechanical breakdown that is immediately reported to Travelers Assistance and requires the vehicle to be in repair for more than 12 hours, certain living/transportation expenses are reimbursable. Living/transportation expenses are not covered in cases of radio, air conditioning, refrigerator, generator, microwave, appliance, and cruise control malfunctions since these are not necessary for basic operation of the vehicle.

Expense reimbursement is void in case of collision, accident, or failure to call Traveler’s Assistance
immediately.

These provisions provide up to $30 (USD/CAD) per day per person for lodging and up to $30 (USD) per day per party for transportation expenses. Total provisions are limited up to $3,000 (USD) per tour. You must present all receipts for a refund of expenses.
 

Damage to Vehicle/ Your Financial Responsibilities

Breach of contract

If the Rental Contract is breached or if you fail to secure a police report, or if you engage in prohibited uses, you are responsible for any and all loss of or damage to the vehicle from any cause, regardless of fault and all related expenses.

Damage to Vehicle – Your Responsibility

Provided Rental Contract conditions are met, your responsibility for damage, theft and vandalism to the vehicle is limited to $1,000 (USD) per occurrence or incident.
 

Insurance

Auto Liability

Basic minimum statutory auto liability coverage is included in the rental rates on a secondary basis. All coverages are subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Rental Contract.

 Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI)

Included with all USA rentals – Not Valid in Mexico  

SLI provides excess liability coverage up to a total of $1,000,000 combined single limit of coverage per occurrence against claims made by third parties for bodily injury, death, and/or property damage caused by operation of the vehicle.  EXCLUSIONS will apply, a partial list is contained in the Rental Contract, please check this at departure.

Coverage Summaries – USA Departures 

Provided you abide by the Terms and Conditions of the Rental Agreement, report accidents and/or damage promptly, and avoid prohibited vehicle uses, your coverages include:

• Auto Liability: Statutory and excess Supplemental Liability Insurance up to $1,000,000.
• Vehicle Damage / Loss: Per incident, only $1,000 of responsibility.  You are covered for amounts in excess of $1,000 under most conditions.
• Trip Reimbursement: Travel Expenses incurred as a result of mechanical breakdown up to $3,000 per tour.
   

Parking/Traffic Violations      

You are responsible for reporting and payment of all parking/traffic violations at rental return.   Your credit card will be charged for any charges/fines/penalties issued to Cruise America in addition to an administrative fee of up to $250 as a result of your not reporting a parking/traffic violation at return.