Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to book by phone or online?

When booking on line you will receive a rental car upgrade to a mid-size car for parties of 1 & 2 and to a full size car for parties of 3 & 4. Also your online reservation will be processed faster. If you should have a question, just e-mail us and you will receive a prompt answer. Click Customer Support

I appreciate the efficiency of the internet, but if I want to speak to customer service, who do I call?

For any query you may have prior to travel we have a U.K. help line at 020 8550 7174. While on your trip, we provide a 24 hour free phone number accessible from anywhere in the USA and Canada, and for just $35, your own American mobile phone.

What if I have a problem with the car?

Hertz provides Emergency Roadside Assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Just call toll free 1-800-654-5060 from anywhere in the United States or Canada, and a representative of the Hertz Emergency Roadside Assistance Center will make arrangements for you to be on your way as quickly as possible.

Can we extend our stay in any of the hotels on route?

No. All the hotels on route are pre-booked in accordance with the day-by-day itinerary of your selected tour. You may, however, book any number of extra hotel nights before and after your tour in one or more of 152 different locations in Canada and 986 locations in the USA or an Apartment or Villa from a selection of over 16,000 properties in 30 States and British Columbia. See Extra Stays.

Can Auto Tours USA arrange flights from the U.K.?

The major UK flight specialists feature so many airline choices, they can provide you with more options and better prices than are available to specialist Tour Operators. We are happy to recommend the services of one of the best. See "Flights".

On the cross-country tours the distance between night stops is sometimes over 300 miles. How long will this journey take?

Driving in the USA is very different than driving in Europe. Driving in America and Canada is much easier. The roads are wider and are generally far less crowded than in the U.K. On the Interstate you should be able to travel 200 miles in less than 3 hours without exceeding the speed limit. Notwithstanding the above, if you prefer to spend less time driving, choose a tour within a more limited geographical area. For example, the tour "Sunshine Trails" averages just 84 miles a day.

Do I need an International Driver's License to rent a car in the USA or Canada?

Renters must present a valid national driving license. If the driving license is not in English, then an International Driving Permit is strongly recommended. This is required for translation purposes to confirm the validity of the driver's license for the safety of our renters and for Hertz.
Note: A current valid foreign driving license must always be presented at the rental counter. Residents of the UK renting in the US are required to have both parts of the photo-card license, a plastic photo-card displaying your photograph and scanned signature, and an accompanying paper document.

Is there an age restriction for drivers?

On most tours the minimum age is 25 without an additional Age Differential Charge, and 21 with an additional Age Differential Charge. Age Differential Charges may be found in our "Terms & Conditions". There are no upper age restrictions on seniors, providing you have a valid driving license.

What protections are included in the optional rental car insurance coverage?

You will be relieved of all financial responsibility for loss or damage to the rental car, whether or not you have insurance to cover such damage. In order for LDW to be applied to any damage claims, you must properly report the related incident in accordance with the Rental Agreement.
L.I.S. Primary third party liability insurance coverage up to $1,000,000.00. Airport fees, Local and State Taxes and Surcharges.

If I have to cancel my trip, what are the penalties?

Penalties are dependant on how close you are to your departure date. The specific details and other information regarding payments may be found in our "Terms & Conditions".