“Hire Agreement” means the agreement for the hire of Vehicles and/or Equipment entered into between the Company and the Hirer and includes the Contract, these Terms and an y document incorporated therein by reference including, but not limited to , any Vehicle Condition Report and any Damage Liability Reduction Option accepted by the Hirer;
“Hire Period” means the hire period commencing at the date and time specified in the Contract and ending at the date and time that the relevant Vehicles and/or Equipment are returned to the Agreed Return Location;
"Hire Rate"
means the daily hire charge calculated on a per calendar day (or part thereof)
basis;
“Hirer” means a person who hires Vehicles and/or Equipment as specified in the Contract;
“International Driver’s Licence” means an unexpired and unrestricted driver’s licence issued by an Authority of any country for the particular class relevant to a Vehicle and which authorises the holder to drive in Australia (provided such authority is written in English);
“Off-road” means any unsealed road, being a road or track not sealed with a hard material such as tar, bitumen or concrete;
“Off-road Camper” means a Vehicle whose class is indicated as Off-road Camper in the Contract;
“PPSA” means the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth).
“Repairs” means any repairs to a Vehicle or any Equipment including, but not limited to, mechanical or panel beating repairs and includes any towing, recovering and storing of the Vehicle or Equipment (as the case may be);
“Rollover”, in respect of a Vehicle, means where the Vehicle either rolls over or tips onto its roof or side;
“Security Bond” has the meaning given in clause 9.1;
“Single Vehicle Accident” means any accident or incident involving a Vehicle but which does not involve the Vehicle colliding with another moving vehicle, and includes (but is not limited to) Rollovers and collisions with animals and stationery objects;
“Special Conditions” means the special conditions specified in the Contract;
“Standard Damage Liability Amount” means the standard damage liability amount applicable to the hire of any Vehicles and/or Equipment as specified in the Contract;
“Taxable Supply” has the meaning given by Section 195-1 of the GST Act;
“Terms” means the terms and conditions set out in this document;
“Vehicles” means all vehicles specified in the Contract (including, but not
limited to, motor vehicles, camper trailers and caravans) and all equipment, tools and accessories forming part of or otherwise supplied as standard with such vehicles, and any substitute or replacement Vehicles as agreed in writing between the Company and the Hirer from time to time;
“Vehicle Condition Report” means the report in respect of a Vehicle detailing the condition of the Vehicle at the commencement of the Hire Period; and
“Vehicle Transport Fee” means such fee as is reasonably charged by the Company in consideration of its costs to transport a Vehicle to the Agreed Return Location and any loss of hire income incur red as a result of the Hirer’s failure to return the Vehicle to the Agreed Return Location.
1.2 The Company and the Hirer acknowledge and agree that the Hire Agreement comprises the Contract, these Terms and an y document incorporated therein by reference including, but not limited to , an y Vehicle Condition Report and any Damage Liability Reduction Option accepted b y the Hirer. The Hirer further acknowledges and agrees that these Terms are subject to change at an y time in the absolute discretion of the Company.
1.3 No amendment, alteration, waiver or cancellation of any term of the Hire Agreement is binding on the Company unless confirmed by the Company in writing.
1.4 The Hirer acknowledges and agrees that no employee or agent of the Company makes any representation, warranty or promise in relation to the hire of Vehicles and/or Equipment other than as contained in the Hire Agreement.
1.5 In the Hire Agreement, words importing the singular include the plural (and vice versa), words denoting a given sex include the other sex, and words denoting individuals include corporations (and vice versa).
1.6 References in the Hire Agreement to currency are references to the legal currency of Australia.
1.7 If the Hirer is more than one person, any obligation, covenant, representation or warranty on the part of the Hirer shall be deemed to be an obligation, covenant, representation or warranty on the part of those persons jointly and each of them severally.
2. AGREEMENT TO HIRE
2.1 The Hirer agrees to hire the Vehicles and/or Equipment from the Company upon and subject to the terms, covenants and conditions contained in the Hire Agreement.
2.2 Vehicles are booked for hire by reference to type. The Company reserves the right in its absolute discretion to substitute or replace any Vehicle booked for hire by the Hirer with another Vehicle of the same or similar type if the booked Vehicle is unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances. If a Vehicle of the same or similar type is not made available to the Hirer as a substitute or replacement Vehicle, the Hirer may terminate the Hire Agreement by giving notice in writing to the Company to that effect. In such circumstances, the Hirer is only entitled to, and the Company’s obligations are limited to, a refund of any hire charges paid by the Hirer in respect of the Vehicle at the rate or rates specified in the Contract or, if the Hire Period has already commenced, a pro rata portion thereof.
2.3 By entering into this agreement with the Company, the Hirer consents to the attachment, installation, use and maintenance of a GPS tracking device to determine the geographical location of the Vehicles for the entire duration of the Hire Period. In addition to tracking and recording the Hirer’s geographical location, the GPS tracking device will also record the manner of usage, speed and distances that are travelled by the Hirer. The information recorded by the GPS tracking device shall be held and used by the Company in accordance with the Company’s Privacy Policy.
3. CONDITION OF VEHICLES
3.1 The Hirer acknowledges having received a copy of the Vehicle Condition Report in respect of each Vehicle on or before commencement of the Hire Period.
3.2 The Hirer acknowledges and agrees that each Vehicle is provided by the Company to the Hirer:
- in a good and clean condition except as specified in the relevant Vehicle Condition Report;
- with all items specified in the relevant Vehicle Condition Report;
- with the odometer and fuel or LP Gas reading at the commencement of the Hire Period as specified in the relevant Vehicle Condition Report; and
- in a condition suitable for the purpose for which it is hired.
3.3 The Hirer shall immediately notify the Company of any defect in or to any Vehicle, including with respect to any matter set out in clause 3.2.
3.4 If a Vehicle breaks down due to a mechanical fault and the Hirer is not in default of its obligations under the Hire Agreement, the Company will use its best reasonable endeavours to supply the Hirer with a replacement Vehicle of the same or similar type. If a Vehicle of the same or similar type is not made
available to the Hirer as a replacement Vehicle, the Hirer may terminate the
Hire Agreement by giving notice in writing to the Company to that effect. In
such circumstances, the Hirer is only entitled to, and the Company’s obligations
are limited to, a refund of any hire charges paid by the Hirer in respect of the
Vehicle at the rate or rates specified in the Contract or, if the Hire Period has
already commenced, a pro rata portion thereof.
3.5 If a Vehicle is involved in an accident, the Company may, in its absolute
discretion, elect to supply the Hirer with a replacement Vehicle of the same or
similar type but shall not be under any obligation to do so.
4. USE OF VEHICLES
4.1 Without limiting clause 4.2, the Hirer agrees that the use of any Vehicle is subject to any limitations set out in the Contract.
4.2 Without the prior written consent of the Company, the Hirer shall not use, or permit any Vehicle to be used:
- in a manner not considered to be cautious, prudent and consistent with the exercise of reasonable care;
- without limiting clause 4.2(a), in a manner which results in a Single Vehicle Accident;
- for any illegal purpose;
- for racing or performance testing of any kind;
- for towing, pushing or propelling anything other than Vehicles approved by the Company;
- to carry a greater load than that for which it was built;
- to carry more passengers than may be properly accommodated by the seat belt restraints provided in the Vehicle;
- to carry passengers or property for payment or reward;
- to transport goods without first obtaining all necessary approvals, permits and/or licences;
- to carry any load directly in contact with the surface of the vehicle
- to carry any inflammable, explosive or corrosive substances;
- to transport animals; or
- to jump-start another vehicle.
4.3 Without the prior written consent of the Company, the Hirer shall not drive, or permit any Vehicle to be driven:
- on the Canning Stock Route, the Old Gunbarrel Highway, the Old Telegraph Road Cape York, Fraser Island or the Simpson Desert;
- Off-road unless the Vehicle is a 4WD or an Off-road Camper;
- in circumstances where the Vehicle is, or is reasonably likely to be, damaged either submersion in water, contact with salt water, or driving through an creek, river or flooded area;
- when it is damaged or unsafe or whilst any warning light is illuminated;
- in areas in which snow chains are required by any relevant Authority to be fitted to the Vehicle;
- in breach of any legislation, regulations, rules or by-laws relating to road traffic and/or use including, without limitation, where the Vehicle is used contrary to any road sign or other similar warning sign, direction by Authorities or operated by a person who is under the influence of alcohol or any drug or illegal substance;
- by any person who is under the age of 25 years or is not listed as an authorised driver in the Contract; or
- by any person who does not hold a current Driver’s Licence or International Driver’s Licence.
4.4 The Company reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to restrict Vehicle movements in certain areas for any reason. The Company will advise the Hirer of additional travel restrictions when necessary to ensure the Vehicle is used in a cautious, prudent manner consistent with the exercise of reasonable care.
4.5 The Hirer shall not sub-let, on-hire, or otherwise part with possession of, a Vehicle to any third party at any time during the Hire Period.
4.6 The Hirer shall not leave a Vehicle, or allow a Vehicle to be left, unattended whilst the ignition key is in the Vehicle at any time during the Hire Period.
5. SECURITY, SAFETY AND CARE OF VEHICLES
The Hirer shall, at all times:
- maintain each Vehicle’s engine and brake oils and engine coolant levels to the manufacturer’s specifications;
- maintain each Vehicle’s tyre pressure at the level recommended by the manufacturer as specified in the relevant manuals;
- keep each Vehicle locked and secure and the keys under the Hirer’s personal control and be able to produce the keys if a Vehicle is stolen;
- comply with any relevant warning signs, instructions or customer notices affixed to the vehicle;
- comply with any relevant seat belt and child restraint laws; and
- do all things necessary to keep and maintain each Vehicle in the state and condition which it was in at the commencement of the Hire Period.
6. RETURN OF VEHICLES
6.1 The Hirer shall return each Vehicle:
- to the Company located at the Agreed Return Location during the Company’s normal business hours on or before the date and time specified in the Contract or such other date and time as is agreed between the Company and the Hirer in writing;
- in the same condition as it was in at the commencement of the Hire Period as specified in the relevant Vehicle Condition Report; and
- with a fuel or LP Gas reading at least equal to the level it was at the commencement of the Hire Period as specified in the relevant Vehicle Condition Report
6.2 The Hirer acknowledges and agrees that:
- if a Vehicle is not returned in accordance with clause 6.1(a), the Vehicle may be reported to the police as stolen and/or additional fees will apply including, but not limited to, the Vehicle Transport Fee;
- the Hirer shall be responsible for a Vehicle, and the hire of a Vehicle shall continue upon and subject to the terms, covenants and conditions contained in the Hire Agreement, until the Company performs a final inspection of the Vehicle including, without limitation, where the inspection is delayed due to the Vehicle not being returned to the Agreed Return Location by the date and time specified in the Contract or being returned to the Agreed Return Location after normal business hours or at a time when the Agreed Return Location is unattended; and
- if a Vehicle is returned with a fuel or LP Gas reading less than the level it was at the commencement of the Hire Period as specified in the relevant Vehicle Condition Report, the Fuel Service Fee may apply.
7. EQUIPMENT
7.1 The Hirer acknowledges and agrees that the Equipment is provided by the Company to the Hirer on an “as is” basis and is in a condition suitable for the purpose for which it is hired.
7.2 The Hirer shall immediately notify the Company of any defect in or to the Equipment.
7.3 If the Equipment fails to operate as intended and the Hirer is not in default of its obligations under the Hire Agreement, the Company will use its best reasonable endeavours to supply the Hirer with suitable replacement Equipment. If suitable replacement Equipment is not made available to the Hirer for any reason, the Hirer may terminate the Hire Agreement by giving notice in writing to the Company to that effect. In such circumstances, the Hirer is only entitled to, and the Company’s obligations are limited to, a refund of any hire charges paid by the Hirer in respect of the Equipment at the rate or rates specified in the Contract or, if the Hire Period has already commenced, a pro rata portion thereof.
7.4 The Hirer shall not use, or permit the Equipment to be used, in a manner not considered to be cautious, prudent and consistent with the exercise of reasonable care.
7.5 The Hirer shall not sub-let, on-hire, or otherwise part with possession of, the Equipment to any third party at any time during the Hire Period.
7.6 The Hirer shall, at all times, do all things necessary to keep and maintain the Equipment in the state and condition it was in at the commencement of the Hire Period.
7.7 The Hirer shall return the Equipment:
- to the Agreed Return Location during the Company’s normal business hours on or before the date and at the time specified in the Contract or such other date and time as is agreed between the Company and the Hirer in writing; and
- in the same condition as it was in at the commencement of the Hire Period.
7.8 The Hirer acknowledges and agrees that:
- if the Equipment is not returned in accordance with clause 7.7(a), the Equipment may be reported to the police as stolen; and
- the Hirer shall be responsible for the Equipment, and the hire of the Equipment shall continue upon and subject to the terms, covenants and conditions contained in the Hire Agreement, until the Company performs a final inspection of the Equipment including, without limitation, where the inspection is delayed due to the Equipment not being returned to the Agreed Return Location by the date and time specified in the Contract or being returned to the Agreed Return Location after normal business hours or at a time when the Agreed Return Location is unattended.
8. HIRE CHARGES & OTHER PAYMENTS
8.1 The Hirer agrees to pay to the Company, or reimburse the Company on demand:
- all hire charges in respect of the Vehicles and/or Equipment at the rate or rates specified in the Contract until such time as the Vehicles and/or Equipment are returned to, or are recovered by, the Company PROVIDED THAT late charges shall apply at the rate of 150% of both the agreed daily hire rate and any amount payable under any Damage Liability Reduction Option accepted by the Hirer for each consecutive 24 hour period (or part thereof) after the agreed return date specified in the Contract. For the avoidance of doubt, the Hirer acknowledges and agrees that no refunds or credits (partial or otherwise) are payable by the Company for the early return or late pick up of a Vehicle and/or any Equipment unless expressly agreed by the Company in writing;
- any GST payable by the Company in respect of any Taxable Supply made by the Company under the Hire Agreement, and any other applicable duties or taxes;
- the Security Bond in accordance with clause 9.1;
- the Company’s costs, charges and expenses incurred in connection with any default by the Hirer of its obligations under the Hire Agreement including, without limitation any recovery costs, fines for traffic infringements and any mercantile agent’s fees and legal costs (on a full indemnity basis) incurred by the Company in connection with the contemplated, attempted or actual enforcement, preservation or exercise of any of the Company’s rights, powers or remedies under the Hire Agreement;
- any surcharge payable in accordance with clause 8.5;
- any interest charges or administration fees payable in accordance with clause 8.6;
- any satellite phone calls made by the Hirer using the Equipment; and
- any other amount payable under the Hire Agreement including, but not limited to, damages under clause 11.
8.2 Final charges will be determined by the Company after a final inspection of the Vehicles and/or Equipment is carried out by the Company after the Vehicles and/or Equipment are returned to the Company in accordance with the Hire Agreement.
8.3 To confirm a booking the Hirer must pay to the Company a booking deposit equal to the greater of $300 or 20% of the full amount of the hire charges in respect of the Vehicles and/or Equipment at the rate or rates specified in the Contract (“Deposit”) within 7 days of the booking being made. The balance of all hire charges in respect of the Vehicles and/or Equipment (“Hire Balance”) is payable no later than 28 days prior to the commencement of the Hire Period. The Company reserves the right to cancel a booking if the Deposit or the Hire Balance is not paid by the Hirer in accordance with this clause 8.3. The Company also reserves the right to increase any hire charges payable by the Hirer in respect of the Vehicles and/or Equipment at any time prior to payment of the Hire Balance in full.
8.4 Payments may be made by credit card, cash or electronic funds transfer. The Hirer irrevocably and unconditionally authorises the Company to charge the Hirer’s credit card and/or bank account nominated by the Hirer for payment of the amounts referred to in this clause 8.
8.5 All payments made by American Express will attract a 3% surcharge. If payment of the Security Bond is made by Visa or MasterCard a 2% surcharge will apply.
8.6 The Company reserves the right to charge interest at the rate of 19% per annum on all outstanding amounts which are due but have not been paid by the Hirer in accordance with the Hire Agreement plus a monthly administration fee of $30 (or such greater amount as is determined by the Company from time to time) per month until such time as all outstanding amounts are paid in full. If applicable, interest shall be calculated on a daily basis from the due date for payment and the monthly administration fee shall be charged on the first day of each calendar month. The Company further reserves the right to charge an administration fee of $110 (or such greater amount as is determined by the Company from time to time) for each Claim event and/or insurance Claim in respect of a Vehicle and/or any Equipment.
9. SECURITY BOND
9.1 To secure the performance of the Hirer’s obligations under the Hire Agreement, the Hirer shall provide a security bond equal to the Standard Damage Liability Amount as reduced by any Damage Liability Reduction Option accepted by the Hirer (Security Bond) prior to the commencement of the Hire Period.
9.2 Subject to clause 9.3, the Security Bond shall be in the form of an imprint of the Hirer’s credit card and the Hirer expressly authorises the Company to charge that credit card at any time for an amount up to the amount of the Security Bond to cover payment of any amounts payable by the Hirer under the Hire Agreement.
9.3 The Company reserves the right at any time, in the Company’s absolute discretion, to require that the Hirer satisfy the Security Bond by way of a cash or a credit card payment in the sum of the Security Bond. The Company may retain the Security Bond for a period of either 21 days after the conclusion of the Hire Period, or such other period as is reasonably required by the Company to determine the Hirer’s liability to the Company under the terms of this Hire Agreement and to attend to payment of that liability from the Security Bond.
9.4 Should a Security Bond be satisfied by way of credit card the Company accepts no liability for variances in exchange rates, interest or fees charged by the Hirers financial institution.
9.5 The Security Bond cannot be paid with either a Debt Card or Pre-paid Credit Card.
10. CANCELLATIONS
10.1 Bookings may be cancelled or postponed by the Hirer giving not less than 90 day’s notice in writing to the Company prior to the commencement of the Hire Period, in which case the Hirer shall be entitled to a full refund of any amounts already paid by the Hirer to the Company (including, but not limited to, the Deposit) less an administration fee of $90 (or such greater amount as is determined by the Company from time to time). Should the booking be postponed giving not less than 90 days notice, the hire rate will revert to the hire rate and any associated minimum hire period, fees and charges applicable for the hire period selected.
10.2 If the Hirer cancels a booking, either wholly or in part, but fails to give notice of such cancellation in accordance with clause 10.1, the Company shall apply a cancellation charge, calculated as a percentage of the total rental contract. The cancelation charge is applied in accordance with the following table: