avis caraway motorhome rental - france motorhome hire companies

IN THE BEGINNING:
AVIS / CAR-AWAY, founded 30 years ago, in 1979, has established itself as a pioneer operator with an initial fleet of seven motorhomes in the Paris region and become the leader in motorhome rentals in France. Our company has been an Avis© franchise for motorhomes since March, 1985.

THE PRESENT DAY:
AVIS / CAR-AWAY is dedicated to motorhome rentals only... We know our business well so you are served by specialists. Our customer service staff are highly trained, and have bilingual capabilities, while our depot management team do everything possible to make sure your stay is a pleasant one.

AVIS / CAR-AWAY is the owner of its vehicles and 80% of the fleet is renewed each year. All our motorhomes are models current-year or late models.

We have a large fleet of campervans and motorhomes. The vehicles in our fleet range from a 2 berth campervan to the spacious 4/5/6 berth motorhomes and our luxury Class A motorhomes.

AVIS / CAR-AWAY is privately owned and independent, but has a close relationship with one single motorhome manufacturer providing the best product selection and ongoing product knowledge.

AVIS CAR-AWAY IS NOW THE LARGEST NATIONAL MOTORHOME RENTAL COMPANY IN FRANCE

Avis CarAway Motorhome Rental Rental Terms for travel between 01-Jan-2010 and 31-Dec-2010

Please note: If you do not book in the local currency of the country where your rental takes place the payment due dates will change and
your main vehicle rental charges will be payable in full upon confirmation of your booking.
This is to lock in the currency rate of the day you booked on and avoid further currency fluctuations. Some charges like taxes,
compulsory fees, extra items may still be payable upon pick up of your vehicle in their local currency.

(Please note, If you book in the local currency of the country where your rental takes place the standard payment terms described under the heading Payment Terms will apply.)


Taking possession of our vehicle implies full acceptance of our general rental terms.
The customer agrees that the use of vehicle is expressly limited and restricted to the customer or such authorised operators as provided in this agreement.

All daily rates are reflected in Euros. Our rates include:
- Tax (VAT = 19,6%)
- Comprehensive Insurance (see Insurance)
- Guaranteed newer vehicle not older that two model years (2008 or 2009 models)
- Unlimited mileage
- Vehicle kit* (water hose, jerrycan, electric cord, broom + dustpan, clothes hangers)
- Cooking utensils*
- Tourist information (road maps, list of campgrounds, map of “Aires de services” [service areas])
- Regional suggested itineraries (Brittany, Loire Valley…)
- Outdoor cleaning after return
- Additional driver is free of charge. (maximum 2 drivers per motorhome)

*Vehicle kit includes: 2 bottles of propane gas (one full, the other one half full), 1 bottle of toilet chemicals, 1 fire extinguisher, 1 water hose
1 jerrycan (20 liters), 1 electric cord + European adapter, 1 broom + dustpan, 5 clothes hangers, 1 kit of spare fuses and bulbs, 1 bilingual “User’s Manual” , 1 map of “Aires de Services” (=service areas), 1 guide of selected campgrounds in France
*Cooking utensils + dishes includes 6 plates 1 can opener, 6 dessert plates 1 corkscrew, 6 glasses, 1 bottle opener, 6 bowls or mugs, 1 frying pan, 6 knives, 2 sauce pans, 6 forks, 1 salad bowl, 6 spoons, 1 platter, 6 tea spoons, 1 strainer, 1 potato peeler matches, 1 kitchen knife

Trips overlapping seasons are charged in the appropriate seasonal rate for each day of travel.
Minimum charge is 7 days.
Even if the motorhome is needed for a shorter period, we will charge 7 days.

THE MOTORHOME :
The customer agrees that he has examined the Motorhome hired and that it is undamaged and in good condition and repair, mechanically and otherwise, except as may be specifically noted on the Motorhome check out form. The customer shall not disconnect or/and tamper with speedometer and if the same show signs of having been tampered with or disconnected, customer agrees that he shall pay AVIS CAR-AWAY for the said Motorhome of the stated rate on the basis of four weeks of rental.

MINIMUM DRIVER AGE
The minimum age is 20. No Maximum age

DRIVE LICENCE
All our motorhomes can be driven with a valid driving licence from your country of residence. If you wish you can also travel with a valid International Driving Permit, but this is not mandatory. Be aware that the International Driving Permit is NOT a licence but a translation only of your current Driving licence. It must be accompanied by your current Driving licence, which your are required to carry while you
are overseas.

FUEL - OIL - GAS
The customer is responsible to verify engine oil, water and coolant levels. He is also responsible for purchase of fuel, including return of the Motorhome with a full fuel tank. The Motorhome is supplied with two gas bottles: one is full, one is half full. There is no charge for the first two gas bottles. Any extra bottle bought by customer during rental period remains at his expenses.

MAINTENANCE AND USE RESPONSIBILITY :
Client is responsible for routine maintenance while traveling (coolant, oil, tire pressure) as well as reporting mechanical failure immediately. Clients may be held responsible for mechanical damage due to negligence on operation and/or in performing normal maintenance.

RESTRICTIONS :
- The Motorhome must only be used on a surface which is sealed. 
- Travel to Eastern Europe is limited to Poland, Hungary, Czech Rep., Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Croatia and Slovenia. Travel to other Eastern Europe countries is not allowed and not covered by Avis Car-Away insurance.
- Travel to North Africa and to some East Europe countries is not permitted.

INSURANCE

PUBLIC LIABILITY : (INCLUDED IN DAILY RATE)
Public liability insurance protects AVIS CAR-AWAY for 760,000 € in case of fire or explosion. Public liability is unlimited in case of accident.

BASIC COVERAGE : (INCLUDED IN DAILY RATE)
All the drivers must be approved, be at least 20 years old and have already held a full domestic driver’s license for at least one year. International driving license is not mandatory. No charge for additional driver.

AVIS CAR-AWAY vehicles are insured against damage to vehicle from accident, fire, theft, vandalism and third part claim, subject to a 2,000 € excess clause. In the event of loss or damage to vehicle while on rental, the client’s responsibility is limited to a maximum of 2,000 € per occurrence. With the purchase of Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), the client’s responsibility is reduced from a maximum of 2,000 € to 300 € per occurrence.

This guarantee is effective in the majority of western countries : France, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Portugal, United Kingdom, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Finland & Denmark, Greece, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Poland, Slovenia, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. (Sept.-2009). Other countries on request.

Exclusions :
Are not covered by our insurance, even with the purchase of CDW or PAI :
- Damages due to frost
- Damages to the interior of the vehicle
- Radio, tires and all glass damages (windscreen, windows)
- Theft of Personal belongings, or vandalism
- Electronic devices provided by Avis Car-Away (GPS – TV)

Note that with the purchase of CDW, in case of damage caused by striking overhead objects and from backing up vehicle, the customer's responsibility is NOT reduced from 2000 € to 300 €.

CDW INSURANCE
15 € per day (minimum charge = 105 € / maximum = 750 €)
With the purchase of Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), the client’s responsibility is reduced from a maximum of 2,000 € to 300 € per occurrence. (see exclusions)

PAI – 24 HOUR BREAKDOWN INSURANCE
6 € per day (to a maximum of 300 €)
Assistance to passengers and vehicle in case of mechanical breakdown or non responsible accident. Towing costs, lodging (with a limit of 38 € per person per day), other transportation or repatriation to departure location are covered by this insurance. This is valid in countries listed in insurance green card. Radio, air conditioning, refrigerator, propane-gas and 12 volt-appliances malfunctions are not considered to
be mechanical breakdowns.

BREAKDOWN
The customer is strongly recommended to purchase a Breakdown insurance. AVIS CAR-AWAY will be pleased to provide policy details on request, should the customer not have his own cover.

ACCIDENT
If you are involved in an accident with another vehicle, fill out the accident report : take down circumstances, date, place, name of any witnesses, third part name, insurance company and policy.
Use the original accident report – in French - which is in your user’s manual. Do not use the copy in English.
In addition to any repairing cost or charge, the Renter is liable to pay Avis Car-Away the 40 Euro accident administration fee. (per accident). If the renter is not responsible, that amount will be refunded.

SUBSTITUTIONS
AVIS CAR-AWAY will make every effort to provide the Motorhome model requested. If, for any reason beyond our control, the reserved vehicle is not available, We reserve, however, the right to substitute a similar Motorhome with variations in layout and specifications from that published.

SECURITY BOND
Upon arrival, the client should expect to fill out a rental contract, to leave a 2,000 € security deposit - we only accept credit card (VISA, MASTERCARD or AMEX) -, to show a valid driver’s licence and to inspect the vehicle before leaving. Should for reasons beyond our control a vehicle not be available on the book date, our liability is limited to a refund for hire days lost. Departure time is imperative and is noted down in customer’s contract.

EXTENSION OF HIRE
The duration of the contract is imperative. We will be pleased to extend your hire period if required, subject to availability of Motorhomes. Please phone for advice of additional hire costs, which are required to be paid in full, prior to commencement of the extended period.

DAYS OF OPERATION
AVIS CAR-AWAY is open Monday through Saturday, however, some depots are closed on Monday morning. All stations are closed on Sundays and for the following days (Bank Holidays) :
CLOSED 2010 Jan, 01,  Apr, 05,  May, 01,  May, 08,  May, 13,  May, 24,  July, 14,  Nov, 01,  Nov, 11,  Dec, 25

JULY – AUGUST : NO RETURN ON SATURDAY / NO DEPARTURE ON SATURDAY PM

FIRST NIGHT ACCOMMODATION
We strongly recommend our clients spend their first night in a hotel.

DEPARTURE FORMALITIES
Allow approximately one hour for departure formalities - Normal pick-up time is between 09:00 to 11:00 and between 14:00 to 17:00.
Our depots are closed for lunch
NO DEPARTURE AFTER 17:00.
There is no refund if vehicle is picked up later than scheduled time.
Upon his arrival, the client should expect to :
- Show a valid driving license (domestic or international)
- Leave a security deposit (2,000 €) – credit card imprint VISA, MASTERCARD or AMEX not processed. This is to ensure vehicle is returned on time, complete with all equipment and in undamaged condition.
- Watch a 10 mn video “How to operate your motorhome” (French or English).

A bilingual “Operator Manual” is given to our clients. The vehicle is then inspected by AVIS CAR-AWAY and the renter who is asked to sign a “Departure contract”. The rental is thus open.

We provide free storage for luggage or other valuables (plane tickets…). Not for One-Way rentals.

RETURN FORMALITIES :
Normal Return time is between 09:00 to 12:00 and between 14:00 to 17:00.
Our depots are closed for lunch
NO RETURN AFTER 17:00.
Penalties are charged for late returns without prior authorization.
There is no refund if rental is terminated by client before scheduled time.
- Toilet must be clean and empty
- Waste water tank must be drained
- Interior of motorhome must be clean (especially refrigerator, stove and shower)
INDOOR CLEANING CHARGES (100 €) MAY APPLY IF VEHICLE IS RETURNED NOT CLEAN.
- Diesel tank must be full (as it was on departure)

The security deposit is returned provided that the motorhome is undamaged and clean.
The vehicle is inspected by AVIS CAR-AWAY and the renter who is asked to sign a “Return contract”. The rental is thus closed.

EARLY RETURN
No reimbursement will be given if the customer returns the Motorhome before the date mentioned in the rental contract.

LATE RETURN
If you will be late in returning, advise us immediately. Failure to advise will result in prosecution for driving whilst uninsured. An additional hire charge of 1 day’ hire cost will be payable for each 4 hours’ delay. Should no notice given, the Motorhome will be considered missing if not returned on time. In addition, the Motorhome will be no more covered by AVIS CAR-AWAY insurance.

RESERVATION AMENDMENT - CANCELLATIONPOLICY
The initial deposit paid is non-refundable. In addition to forfeiting your deposit, the following charges also apply:
-  48 days or more prior to departure                             50 €
-  47 days to 33 days prior to departure                        30%
-  32 days to 4 day prior to departure                           100%
-  3 days prior to departure or no show                         100%

TICKETS
AVIS CAR-AWAY is under no conditions responsible for speeding, road toll, parking and traffic fines). In addition to any penalty or
fine, the Renter is liable to pay Avis Car-Away the 20 Euro infringement administration fee.

HANDLING AND PREPARATION FEE
100€ - includes first bottles of propane and first bottle of toilet chemicals.

PLEASE NOTE: HANDLING FEE IS MANDATORY AND MUST BE PREPAID.

PRIVATE TRANSFER – (PARIS ONLY - OTHER LOCATIONS ON REQUEST)
Customer are requested to report at the time of booking or not later than 7 working days before pick-up date arrival details or hotel address and how many people are in customers party.

DUE TO TOO MANY LAST-MINUTE CHANGES, ONLY PRE-PAID TRANSFERS WILL BE ARRANGED.
In the event a client who has pre-paid a transfer take a regular taxi or public transportation, there will not be any refund. Transfers must be confirmed at least 7 days in advance.

TRANSFER ON ARRIVAL DAY
We can arrange transfers to our location from :
- CDG and ORLY Airports
- EUROSTAR Terminal (Paris Gare du Nord - Train Station)
- Other Paris Train Stations
- Paris Downtown hotels

- In case of airport transfers, we do need all flight details to arrange them : hour of arrival, flight number and departure place. (ex : Flight BA 308 from London - 12h30 )

- In case of transfer from a Train Station, we do need all train details to arrange it : hour of arrival, train number and departure place. (ex : Eurostar 1212 from London - 08.55 )

- In case of transfer from a hotel, we do need hotel details (name, address and telephone)

Transfers are possible from 08:00 to 15:00. Due to potential traffic problems beyond our control, precise pick-up and departure times cannot be guaranteed.

TRANSFER ON LAST DAY
We can arrange a return transfer to a hotel, a train station or an airport
THIS TRANSFER CAN BE PRE-PAID OR PAID LOCALLY . TRANSFER MUST BE ARRANGED WITH THE CLIENT.
 

Other special transfers (such as clients with windsurf or special luggage) must be notified upon booking and will be charged accordingly.

Airport Meeting points :
CDG – Terminal 1: Outside, at Exit 8 – Arrival level
CDG – Terminal 2: Avis desk – “le boutiquaire” level
CDG – Terminal 3: Exit gate (just after the custom)
Orly Airport: Exit gate

ONE-WAY (on request only ) (no minimum period required)

No one-way between Continent and Corsica – Other one-ways are possible – on request

MANY INTERNATIONAL ONE-WAYS ARE POSSIBLE – ON REQUEST
PARIS - ROME
PARIS – MUNICH
PARIS – GENEVA…and others

OPTIONAL EXTRA
- Bedding Kit - 1 kit = 2 sheets / 1 pillow / 1 pillow case + 1 blanket
- Portable GPS(PARIS WEST RUEIL MALMAISON ONLY) - It covers Europe. An additional security deposit of 400 € is requested.
- Bike Rack - can hold up to 3 adult bikes
- Folding Picnic Table
- Baby Seat


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1) Is it possible to pick up a AVIS Car-Away Motorhome in one city and drop it off in another?
Yes! One way rental is available between all our branches. We have depots in all the major gate ways of France. Conditions apply.

2) Is it possible to pick up or drop off the Motorhome at the airport or at a train station?
Pick up and drop off of vehicles is available from any of our depots. Sorry, but we do not have depots located at airports or train stations so pick up and drop off is not available at these locations. All our depots are not far from the airport or the train station, and are approximately 30 to 40 minutes from the airport or train station. The best and easiest way to get to AVIS Car-Away is by taxi – WE CAN ARRANGE PRIVATE TRANSFERS (see above).

3) What time can I pick up and drop off my vehicle?
Vehicles can be picked up (and returned) between 09:00 and 11:30 and between 14.00 and 16 or 17.00. All our depots are closed for lunch
NO DEPARTURE / NO RETURN ON SUNDAY AND BANK HOLIDAYS USUALLY, NO RETURN ON SATURDAY

4) What is necessary to bring?
AVIS Car-Away Motorhome comes – almost - fully equipped for the number of people that are travelling. For an extra 30€ per person, we provide bed linen including pillows, sheets and blanket. Neither bath towels nor tea towels are provided. Also, all kitchenware including cutlery, plates, pots and pans are provided. For a small fee we can even provide outdoor camping chairs and tables.

5) How many seatbelts are in AVIS Car-Away motorhomes?
This depends on what type of motorhome you have. Usually 2 passengers can sit in the front. The other seatbelts – usually 2 or 4 - are located in the rear around the dining table.

6) Can a child seat be fitted?
Child seats can be fitted in certain models. Ask for further information

7) Can we just pull over on the side of the road with our motorhome?
We do recommend you stay in recognised camping grounds or caravan parks, you will be more safe in these areas. In France local by-laws usually require you to utilise the camping grounds. Also, from an environmental point of view it is also better to stay within designated camping sites.

Avis CarAway Motorhome Rental Insurance

- BASIC COVERAGE : (INCLUDED IN DAILY RATE)
All the drivers must be approved, be at least 20 years old and have already held a full domestic driver's license for at least one year. International driving license is not mandatory. No charge for additional driver.

AVIS CAR-AWAY vehicles are insured against damage to vehicle from accident, fire, theft, vandalism and third part claim, subject to a 2,000 € excess clause. In the event of loss or damage to vehicle while on rental, the client's responsibility is limited to a maximum of 2,000 € per occurrence. With the purchase of Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), the client's responsibility is reduced from a maximum of 2,000 € to 300 € per occurrence.

This guarantee is effective in the majority of western countries : France, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Portugal, United Kingdom, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Finland & Denmark, Greece, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Poland, Slovenia, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. (Sept.-2008). Other countries on request.

Exclusions :
Are not covered by our insurance, even with the purchase of CDW or PAI :
-  Damages due to frost
-  Damages to the interior of the vehicle
-  Radio, tires and all glass damages (windscreen, windows)
-  Theft of Personal belongings, or vandalism
-  Electronic devices provided by Avis Car-Away (GPS or TV)

Note: that with the purchase of CDW, in case of damage caused by striking overhead objects and from backing up vehicle, the customer’s responsibility is NOT reduced from 2000 € to 300 €.

CDW INSURANCE
CDW insurance its15 per day (minimum charge = 105 € / maximum = 750 € )
With the purchase of Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), the client’s responsibility is reduced from a maximum of 2,000 € to 300€ per occurrence. (see exclusions)

PAI - 24 HOUR BREAKDOWN INSURANCE
PAI is  6 € per day (to a maximum of 300 € )
Assistance to passengers and vehicle in case of mechanical breakdown or non responsible accident. Towing costs, lodging (with a limit of 38 per person per day), other transportation or repatriation to departure location are covered by this insurance. This is valid in countries listed in insurance green card. Radio, air conditioning, refrigerator, propane-gas and 12 volt-appliances malfunctions are not considered to be mechanical breakdowns.

BREAKDOWN
The customer is strongly recommended to purchase a Breakdown insurance. AVIS CAR-AWAY will be pleased to provide policy details on request, should the customer not have his own cover.

SECURITY BOND
Upon arrival, the client should expect to fill out a rental contract, to leave a 2,000 € security deposit - we only accept credit card (VISA, MASTERCARD or AMEX) -, to show a valid driver’s licence and to inspect the vehicle before leaving. Should for reasons beyond our control a vehicle not be available on the book date, our liability is limited to a refund for hire days lost. Departure time is imperative and is noted down in customer’s contract.