Vintage Surfari Wagons

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VW, RV rental, Volkswagen, Westie, VW bus, Westfalia, VW camper, VW camperbus, camper hire, bus hire, California VW travel, slow travel, California camping
:: INSURANCE ::
DRIVERS | You must meet two criteria to qualify to rent a Vintage Surfari Wagon (VSW):
•The driver and renter must produce a valid driver's license. USA, Canada, E.U. or International Permit is requested. Two drivers maximum.

•The driver and renter must be over 25 years of age with three years minimum driving experience.

INSURANCE | Vintage Surfari Wagons, LLC rental/hire fees include the statutory minimums* for liability insurance coverage in the State of California. This minimum includes coverage should someone (other than you) damage our vehicle in an accident. This insurance does NOT establish protection should YOU damage, or otherwise cause a loss to the VSW vehicle. It is the renters responsibility to ensure payment for repairing any damage to a VSW vehicle.

*SEE:  California Insurance Requirements

SUPPLEMENTAL LIABILITY INSURANCE | Additional SLI 3rd party insurance policy which increases the driver's public liability insurance level to US$1 million - well above the statutory limits - may be purchased by clicking here:  
RV Supplemental Liability Insurance 

To purchase additional liability, you must put our member code in the appropriate box, it is: 101293

NOTE | When you speak to any insurance carrier about your trip in our vehicle please refer to the vehicle as a 'VW van' or a 'VW mini-van'. This will avoid confusing our vehicles with the larger RV type campers which often will not be covered. Our vehicles are the same dimensions and weights as ALL other VW passenger type vans of the same vintage.

COLLISION DAMAGE | The following are methods we accept to ensure comprehensive/collision coverage is established:

FOR TRAVELERS WITH A PERMANENT ADDRESS IN THE USA OR CANADA

You must provide VSW proof of a full coverage policy (includes comprehensive + collision) in effect at the time of your rental with us. A $500 deductible* will be pre-approved (not a 'charge' on your credit card) on your credit card at the time you pick-up your vehicle. There are no fees added to your rental.

If you do not have any such coverage let us know ahead of time and we will help you establish it for the term of your rental. This can be accomplished either through your insurer, or through a 3rd party insurer. Vintage Surfari Wagons, LLC does NOT sell any insurance coverage.


FOR TRAVELERS FROM ALL OTHER COUNTRIES


THE HANG TEN |
A $500 deductible* is pre-approved (not 'charged') on your credit card at the time you pick-up your vehicle. There is a $26 USD daily fee added to your rental.

THE CHEATER FIVE |

A $1500 deductible* is pre-approved (not 'charged') on your credit card at the time you pick-up your vehicle. There is a $18 USD daily fee added to your rental.

THE SAN'O EASY ROLLER |
A $3000 deductible* is pre-approved (not 'charged') on your credit card at the time you pick-up your vehicle. There is a $9 USD daily fee added to your rental.

THE FULL ON WIPE OUT |
A $5000 deductible* is pre-approved (not 'charged') on your credit card at the time you pick-up your vehicle. There is no daily fee added to your rental.

* The 'deductible' is the dollar amount (per each occurrence) that Vintage Surfari Wagons, LLC may have immediate access to in the event you should damage our vehicle. Also known as 'excess' in the U.K.

ACCIDENTS | If you are involved in a collision, get the drivers license number and insurance information from all other persons involved. See that a police report is made if there is an injury or if damages exceed $500.00. Call us as soon as you are safe so we can assist you. The security deposit covers you for a single accident. You may be liable for a further deposit. The rates and prices quoted are in US dollars and are subject to change without notice.
:: ROAD RESTRICTIONS ::
It is important the renter understand all insurance protection will be negated and the deposit forfeited, should the renter/driver take or drive our vehicles in the following RESTRICTED AREAS:

- Anywhere in Mexico

- DEATH VALLEY, LAS VEGAS,  ETC.: Between May 1st through October 31st (including traveling through or to the Great Basin area and the high desert of California; Death Valley; Nevada, Las Vegas; Arizona, and the Grand Canyon).

[Draw a North/South line from Reno, Nevada through Palm Springs, California to get an approximation of the no drive zone. Restricted travel east of that line in the months between May and October, with a few exceptions, such as Joshua Tree National Park.]

This prohibition is due to the area's seasonally high ambient temperatures being deleterious to both our air cooled vehicles and it's passengers in our non-air-conditioned vehicles.

SPECIFIC PRIOR APPROVAL TO TRANSIT THIS LINE MAY BE GIVEN, IN WRITING BY VINTAGE SURFARI WAGONS, LLC. Contact us for more information.
- Any unimproved road, trail, track

- Any off road areas (dunes, beaches, riverbeds, logging roads, etc.)

If a breakdown occurs due to a violation of any of the aforementioned restrictions the renter will be responsible for towing, repair of damages incurred, and in addition, their deposit will be forfeited.

:: CARE & FEEDING OF THE VDUB ::
DRIVING THE VINTAGE VW | We prefer you have some familiarity of the VW Bus's unique driving characteristics. Remember, you will be driving a vehicle developed in the 1930's, and built with all the technical sophistication of the 1970's. Plus... no air conditioning, perhaps no automatic shift, no power anything!

Bearing this in mind, please do not exceed 65 mph (105 kph) in your VW. If it is very hot outside, (over 95f) or if you are climbing a long or steep grade, please reduce speed and select the proper gear. Keep the engine revving, as the engine fan is what cools the beast. These engines are not water cooled, so when the outside temperature heats up so do the pistons, and they've been known to melt rather quickly.

Be aware that cross winds effect the VW bus more than they do a conventional vehicle, so drive accordingly if it's windy.

Remember, due to the extreme cab-forward design of the bus, almost the entire vehicle is trailing along behind you. When making tight turns, pull out just a little further ahead than you might think so as to clear the back wheels (and bodywork) from other cars and curbs. Notice how a city bus seems to pull too far out in an intersection before turning the corner. It's like that.

Always purchase 
"PREMIUM" grade fuel (91 octane). Check engine oil level after every re-fueling. We may also ask you to put in some fuel additives (which we will supply) from time to time. Topping off oil is provided. Should you need to purchase any fluids other than gasoline, provide us with a receipt and we will reimburse you.

MECHANICAL PROBLEMS | Our vehicles have had much of the mechanicals renewed in the recent past and are maintained by reputable VW mechanics, so problems are not common. However, they do sometimes occur and we want to be clear about our policies prior to booking.

Should you have a problem en-route, we are the first call you should make after making sure you are in a safe place. Hopefully the problem can be sorted and you will be on your way without too much inconvenience. There is an extensive network of VW mechanics throughout our region so we should be able to get you aid no matter how remote the location. Many times a simple fix is all that is required and you are back on your way.

We will cover any towing, parts, or labor needed to get you back on the road. We will not cover any time may have lost, though we may refund a day's rental fee if the fix takes more than 12 hours.

If the problem is more serious, we have two choices:

1.
 We will get you to the nearest safe location where you can relax, and if another of our vehicles is available we will deliver the van and swap vehicles for you in the shortest possible time. The replacement vehicle may or may not be exactly the same as the one you started with. If you prefer to rent another vehicle locally, we will refund the balance of the rental period. We are not responsible for any accommodation expenses.

2.
 If you do not want to swap vehicles, a replacement is not available, or it would require an excessive amount of time, we will assist you in getting to where you may arrange alternate transport, and wish you a safe onward journey. We will either refund any monies we've collected for the outstanding rental period, or offer a credit for an equivalent rental period at a future date of your choosing.

We want our policy to be fair and we ask you to consider before you book that this is a possibility. But if it happens, kick back and chill out. We have every confidence we can sort things out.

If you have any difficulties report these immediately to Vintage Surfari Wagons, LLC. If you incur any minor repair bills we will give you a refund (up to $50). Just produce your receipt at the completion of your hire. Retrospective claims or any unauthorized claims above this limit cannot be recognized. If you have an accident (or breakdown) you are responsible for your accommodation expenses. Vintage Surfari Wagons, LLC liability extends to either replacing your vehicle with a similar one or refunding your rental fees for any of the days the total use of the vehicle is lost.


If you experience a breakdown due to lack of exercising ordinary care while in possession of the vehicle then the primary driver will be responsible for mechanical damages and recovery fees incurred. (Ordindary care includes maintaining all fluid levels, i.e., fuel and oil.)

:: MORE LIGHT READING ::
A deposit of $250 U.S.D. is required to secure a booking.

The balance of rental fees are due 7 days prior to pick up.
AIRPORT SHUTTLES | We are centrally located in Southern California. Our Orange County base is about one hour from Los Angeles (LAX) and San Diego (SAN) International airports. We extend complimentary client pick up from and drop off to Orange County Airport (SNA). Other locations are served as well, on a fee basis. Please ask for a quote on a pick-up or drop-off of your choosing. 

ONE WAY HIRES
 | It is possible to commence your hire in Los Angeles and finish it in San Francisco (or vice versa) for a $550 fee when the rental period is a minimum of fourteen (14) days. This charge is payable when final payment is made, 7 days before pick up date.

SUBSTITUTION | 
If for any reason beyond our control the reserved vehicle cannot be supplied on pick-up, a substitute will be offered. Should a substitute not be available our liability is limited to a full refund of monies received by Vintage Surfari Wagons, LLC. All rights are reserved to refuse any hire under any circumstance. No refunds are payable under the following circumstances: Vintage Surfari Wagons, LLC accommodating you; specific buses not being available; where a client or passenger amends, cancels, or seeks to vary agreement after departure.

SECURITY DEPOSITS
 | Security deposits are held subject to the terms and conditions of the contract. For example, when you return the vehicle your deposit is returned in full if: The vehicle is acceptably clean and there is no damage to the vehicle (including windscreen damage), or damage/loss to it's contents, or any third party property damage; there is no evidence of off-road use; there is no evidence of Road Restriction use violations; there is no other violation of any other restriction imposed on the hire, either expressed or implied.

CANCELLATIONS
 | There is an administration fee of $50 for bookings cancelled up to 30 days prior to your pick-up date. If reservations are cancelled 30 to 8 days prior to pick-up there is a $250 cancellation fee. Once full payment has been made (7 days prior to pick-up) there is a $250 or 50% of rental charge (which ever is greater) fee. There is a 100% of rental charge cancellation fee on "no show". Vans are cleared for rehire after 3 days if you "no show". As a courtesy, we will hold any cancellation fees for 1 year from the date of cancellation. Should you wish to reserve at a later date, we will re-institute your initial reservation fees at that time. 

HIRE PERIOD
 | Your Vintage Surfari Wagon is typically available from 9 am on your first day of hire and should be returned no later than 9 pm on the last day. Days of hire are the number of 24 hour periods, or portions thereof that you have the van. Late returns will be charged $50.00 past the first hour, after which a full day will be charged after 2 hours past the 'zero' hour of your rental (unless prior arrangements have been agreed upon).

DRIVERS LICENSE
 | The driver and renter must produce a valid driver's license. USA, Canada, E.U. or International Permit is requested. Two drivers maximum.

MINIMUM AGE
 | The driver and renter must be over 25 years of age with three years minimum driving experience.

PETS
| Pets are welcome with prior approval. A $100 per pet per rental fee is required. We ask that pets are under 45 lbs (maximum 2).

SMOKING
 | Our vans are smoke-free zones. Please smoke outside the vehicle only. Evidence of smoking within the vehicle will forfeit your damage deposit.

FUEL | 
The fuel tank will be full on pickup and has to be returned full. Always re-fill with "PREMIUM" grade (91 octane) fuel. Drop-off refueling will be charged against your security deposit at a rate of $5/gallon. Propane is provided with your hire. If you must re-fill the propane tank, we will reimburse you if you present us with a receipt.

TRAFFIC/CAMPSITE INFRINGEMENTS
| We reserve the right to charge the renter for any speeding or parking fines, traffic infringements, road toll fines or unpaid camping fees/fines. An additional administration fee of $75 per fine will apply to cover the costs of processing.

WINDSCREEN & TIRE DAMAGE
 | Windscreen damage is the responsibility of the renter / driver. Make sure to note prior damage. Damage to tires and the cost of puncture repairs is the responsibility of the renter.

CLEANING | We like to provide our clients with a clean and tidy vacation ride. We like to have it come back to us in a similar condition. If we determine that there is an excessive amount of clean-up required to ready your rented vehicle for the next guest, we will make a deduction from your security deposit commensurate with the labor and materials needed to do that. (Our labor rate is $30/hr.)

PLEASE NOTE | Vintage Surfari Wagons, LLC reserves the right to alter rates and terms without notice. The company takes no responsibility for any detention, delay, loss, damage or injury that a client might experience no matter how it is caused or by whom.

 February 2013, Vintage Surfari Wagons, LLC

VW, RV rental, California, Westie, Westfalia, camping, surfing
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