Terms of Service

These terms and conditions govern your vehicle rental agreement with Newton Abbot Vehicle Hire Solutions. We've crafted them to be comprehensive yet understandable, ensuring clarity about our mutual responsibilities and expectations. Please review these terms carefully before proceeding with your rental.

1. Company Information

Newton Abbot Vehicle Hire Solutions is a vehicle rental company operating throughout Devon and beyond. Our registered address is Queen St, Newton Abbot TQ12 2AU, UK. We specialize in providing cars, vans, minibuses, and trucks for personal and commercial use.

2. Definitions

• "Company/We/Us": Newton Abbot Vehicle Hire Solutions
• "Customer/You": The individual or entity entering into the rental agreement
• "Vehicle": Any motor vehicle rented from our fleet
• "Rental Period": The duration from vehicle collection to return
• "Agreement": The rental contract including these terms and conditions

3. Rental Eligibility

Age Requirements

• Standard Vehicles: Minimum age 21 years
• Commercial Vehicles: Minimum age 23 years
• Heavy Goods Vehicles: Minimum age 25 years
• Maximum Age: 75 years (subject to additional assessment)

Licence Requirements

• Valid full driving licence appropriate for the vehicle category
• Minimum 12 months' licence holding period (24 months for certain vehicles)
• Maximum 6 penalty points (subject to individual assessment)
• No serious driving convictions within the past 5 years
• International licences accepted with additional documentation

Documentation Required

• Valid photographic identification (driving licence, passport, or national ID)
• Proof of current address (utility bill or bank statement within 3 months)
• Valid credit or debit card for payment and security deposit
• Verifiable contact information

4. Booking Process

Reservation Procedure

• Bookings can be made via telephone, email, or website enquiry
• All reservations require written confirmation from us
• We reserve the right to decline any booking at our discretion
• Bookings are provisional until confirmed by our team

Payment Terms

• Advance deposit may be required to secure certain bookings
• Full rental payment due prior to or upon vehicle collection
• Security deposit held on payment card throughout rental period
• We accept major credit and debit cards
• Cash payments considered for specific arrangements

5. Vehicle Collection and Return

Collection Process

• Present all required documentation upon collection
• Participate in comprehensive vehicle inspection
• Acknowledge and agree to pre-existing damage documentation
• Verify understanding of vehicle operation and features
• Collection typically during standard business hours

Return Requirements

• Return vehicle by agreed date and time
• Maintain vehicle condition (allowing for reasonable wear)
• Return with equivalent fuel level to collection
• Ensure vehicle is reasonably clean inside and outside
• Return all keys, documentation, and accessories

6. Rental Charges

• Daily, weekly, or monthly rates as quoted at booking
• Mileage charges where applicable (many rentals include unlimited mileage)
• Fuel costs (customer responsibility unless pre-paid option selected)
• Delivery and collection fees (complimentary within designated local area)
• Additional services and equipment as requested

7. Insurance and Liability

Standard Coverage

• Comprehensive third-party liability insurance
• Fire and theft protection
• Collision damage waiver (subject to excess)

Excess Liability

• Customer liable for excess amount on any claim
• Excess varies by vehicle type and customer age
• Excess reduction options available for additional fee
• Full excess applies in cases of theft or total loss

Coverage Exclusions

• Damage resulting from negligent or improper use
• Participation in racing or competitive driving events
• Tyre, wheel, or undercarriage damage from road hazards
• Interior damage, contamination, or excessive cleaning requirements
• Damage caused by unauthorized drivers

8. Customer Obligations

During Rental Period

• Operate vehicle safely and in accordance with all traffic laws
• Maintain reasonable care and custody of the vehicle
• Perform regular checks of oil, water, and tyre condition
• Report any accidents, damage, or mechanical issues immediately
• Secure vehicle when unattended
• Ensure only authorized drivers operate the vehicle

Legal Responsibilities

• Pay all parking fines, traffic penalties, and congestion charges
• Attend court proceedings related to traffic violations
• Notify us of any legal proceedings involving the vehicle
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

9. Prohibited Uses

• Any illegal activities or purposes
• Motor racing, rallying, or competitive driving events
• Driving instruction or training purposes
• Transportation of hazardous or illegal materials
• Exceeding legal passenger capacity
• Towing operations (unless specifically authorized and equipped)
• Off-road driving or operation on unsuitable terrain
• Sub-letting or unauthorized third-party rental
• Operation under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances

10. Emergency Procedures

Accident Protocol

1. Ensure safety of all parties involved
2. Contact emergency services if injuries occur
3. Do not admit liability or fault
4. Exchange details with other parties
5. Document scene with photographs
6. Contact us immediately at 01392 590 031
7. Complete our accident report form

Breakdown Assistance

• 24-hour breakdown assistance included with all rentals
• Contact our emergency helpline for immediate assistance
• Do not attempt unauthorized repairs
• Replacement vehicle provided for non-customer-fault breakdowns

11. Cancellation Policy

Customer Cancellations

• More than 48 hours notice: Full refund of payments
• 24-48 hours notice: 50% cancellation charge
• Less than 24 hours notice: 100% cancellation charge
• No-show: Full rental charges apply

Company Cancellations

• Alternative vehicle of similar specification offered where possible
• Full refund provided if no suitable alternative available
• No liability for consequential losses or expenses

12. Limitation of Liability

While we strive to provide excellent service and well-maintained vehicles, our liability is limited as follows:

• No liability for indirect, consequential, or special damages
• No responsibility for loss of profits or business opportunities
• No liability for personal belongings left in vehicles
• No responsibility for delays due to circumstances beyond our control
• No liability for losses resulting from customer breach of terms

This limitation does not affect our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or any other liability that cannot be legally excluded.

13. Data Protection

We process your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and UK data protection legislation. Your data is used for:

• Processing rental bookings and payments
• Verifying driving licence validity
• Providing customer service and support
• Fulfilling legal and regulatory obligations

14. Governing Law

These terms are governed by English law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of English courts. We will always attempt to resolve disputes through direct negotiation before pursuing legal remedies.

15. Terms Modifications

We may update these terms periodically to reflect operational or legal changes. Updated terms will be posted on our website and take effect immediately upon publication. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of revised terms.

16. Severability

If any provision of these terms is deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

17. Contact Information