1. DEFINITIONS
The following definitions apply for these Terms & Conditions for Australian auto network Pty Ltd. Australian auto network Pty Ltd is herein referred to as TRAVEL WHEELS. The Travel Agent is herein referred to as The AGENT. The Client (Renter) is herein referred to as The HIRER.
2. DEPOT HOURS
Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm. Saturday: 9:00am to 13:00 noon. Sunday by appointment only. All branches will be closed on Christmas Day, New Years Day and Good Friday.
3. VEHICLE CHECK IN TIME
Vehicle pick-up and drop-off must be between 9:00am and 3:30pm weekdays or between 8:00am and 11:00am Saturdays. Sunday vehicle pick-up and drop-off is by appointment only. On Saturdays, please arrive at least an hour prior to the depot closing time (closing time is 13:00pm). Vehicles returned late will be charged a full day rental penalty unless prior arrangement has been made. After hours pick-up and drop-off may be made by prior arrangement at a cost of AUD$50.00, payable on pick-up or drop-off.
4. HELPLINE
TRAVEL WHEELS Head Office offers a 7-day-a-week Australia-wide help and information service. Please call TOLL FREE on 1800 289222 for on-road service. Any problems associated with the vehicle, including equipment failure, must be reported to TRAVEL WHEELS as soon as possible and within 24 hours in order to give TRAVEL WHEELS the opportunity to rectify the problem during the rental period. Failure to do so will compromise any claims for compensation. We do not accept liability for any claims submitted after this period.
5. MINIMUM DAY RENTALS BETWEEN DEPOTS
Minimum rental is seven days. All other One-Way rentals between depots are for a minimum of 10 days. Minimum rental period from all other depots is 10 days.
6. ONE WAY RENTALS
There is A $200 extra charge for One-Way rentals.
7. RENTAL TIME EXTENSIONS
Rental time extensions or drop-off location changes are at the discretion of the Management and rely entirely on future demand and availability. Any request for an extension MUST be communicated as soon as practicable and possible and must be approved with Head Office on 1800 289222. Unauthorised drop-off to a depot other than that contracted for (as stated on the rental agreement) will result in a fee being charged to the renter of AUD$500.00 in addition to the daily rate.
8. EARLY DROP-OFF
There will be no refund for early termination of a rental or Hire Agreement. If a vehicle is left at any place other than our depots, pick-up fees will be charged at AUD$75.00 per hour for the retrieval of the vehicle. There is no refund available for the unused portion of the rental should the vehicle be returned earlier than contractually agreed on the rental agreement signed by the renter.
9. CANCELLATIONS
Cancellation fees apply as follows: If cancelled over 30 days prior to pick-up date: AUD$200 (Deposits up to AUD$200 are non-refundable). If cancelled on the day of pick-up or no show: No refund available No commission will be paid on cancellation fees.
10. VEHICLE SUBSTITUTIONS
TRAVEL WHEELS reserves the right to upgrade to a higher rated vehicle at no extra cost. Should The HIRER decide to take a smaller vehicle than booked they will not be entitled to any refund.
11. WHERE THE HIRER WILL RETURN THE VEHICLE
THE HIRER will return the vehicle to TRAVEL WHEELS location set out on the Rental Agreement. THE HIRER understands that there will be an extra charge of AUD$500 if THE HIRER returns the vehicle to a different location. This is non-negotiable.
12. DRIVERS
A current motor vehicle driver’s licence is required and must be produced on pick-up. Should a foreign licence be in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by a current International Driving Permit, issued in the same country as the foreign licence was issued, or by an accredited English translation of that foreign licence.
13. UNAUTHORISED AND PROHIBITED USE
The following persons must not drive the Vehicle a. Any person who is not identified on the Rental Agreement b. Any person whose blood alcohol concentration exceeds the lawful percentage. c. Any person whose driver’s licence has been cancelled or suspended. d. Any person who is under the influence of legal or illicit drugs. e. Any person who holds a learner’s permit or a probationary license. All insurance cover will be void if any of the above terms are breached.
14. DRIVERS AGE
The minimum age for drivers is 21 years. The maximum age is 75 years.
15. CREDIT CARD TRANSACTIONS
We accept Mastercard, VisaCard, Australian Bankcard and Eftpos. All transactions will be conducted in Australian Dollars.
16. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
By entering into the Rental Agreement, The HIRER authorises and agrees that TRAVEL WHEELS will charge The Hirer’s credit card or other credit card provided by The HIRER with a bond and/or deposit (a credit card imprint authorised but not processed, and held for the duration of the rental), and that The HIRER will pay on demand any balance of the following charges:
a. All Rental charges specified on the Rental Agreement.
b. All charges incurred by TRAVEL WHEELS in respect of parking or any other traffic violations during the period of the rental. (These will be charged to the Hirer’s credit card plus an AUD 75.00 administration fee per fine whensoever TRAVEL WHEELS becomes aware of such violations).
c. The renter is totally responsible for all loss of, or damage to the motor vehicle (including loss of use) cost of the vehicle, legal expenses, towing and recovery charges where:
1. The vehicle is totally or partially immersed in water regardless of the cause.
2. The interior of the vehicle is damaged (regardless of cause).
3. The vehicle is damaged by driving it under or into an object lower than the height of the vehicle. ADDITIONAL NOTE: When cash is tendered as payment for the total rental, damage protection and bond, three forms of identification are required:
4. Drivers license.
5. Two Personal references or passport.
6. Bank or solicitor reference 19.
WRITING AND CALCULATION ERRORS ON RENTAL AGREEMENT: The charges as set out herein are not final. Should a written and/or a calculation error occur, THE HIRER authorises TRAVEL WHEELS to charge their credit card for any shortage, or in case of overpayment, receive payment from TRAVEL WHEELS.
17. TAXES and CHARGES
Financial institution charge for Stamp duties and financial charges as well as the 10% GST are included in our rental rates.
18. FUEL
The fuel (Unleaded Petrol) tanks are to be refilled by the HIRER as and when required. TRAVEL WHEELS will not be held responsible for any representation as to fuel economy for individual vehicles. Fuel economy is dependent upon a number of varying factors, including how the vehicle is driven, weather conditions and the maintenance of correct tyre pressures.
19. TRAVEL WHEELS’ LIABILITY
TRAVEL WHEELS will not be liable to The HIRER for any loss, damage or inconvenience caused by delayed delivery of the vehicle, or by the vehicle not being as described in an AGENT’s brochure, or by the vehicle not being suitable for The Hirer’s purposes. TRAVEL WHEELS will not be liable for any loss or inconvenience from change in drop-off location caused by natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, hailstorms, earthquakes, etc, nor for any personal injury or damage to The Hirer’s property caused thereby.
20. TYRE DAMAGE
The Hirer’s insurance policy has an AUD$500.00 excess. Average tyre prices in Australia are AUD$125.00, so please take care of the vehicle’s tyres. The renter will be responsible for tyre damage and windscreen damage up to $500.00.
21. AGENT NON PAYMENT
In the case of non-payment to TRAVEL WHEELS of payments made by The HIRER to an AGENT, THE HIRER hereby agrees to make full payment for the gross amount of the rental prior to the pick-up of the vehicle.
22. MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PASSENGERS
The HIRER agrees that the vehicle rented may only be used to carry the maximum number of passengers as shown on the Rental Agreement or as dictated by licensing authorities. TRAVEL WHEELS will not accept any liability if these Terms are breached.
23. VALUABLES
TRAVEL WHEELS assumes no liability for valuables left in or stolen from the vehicle. Please do not leave valuables in the vehicle because of possible theft. In major cities it is advisable to leave the vehicle in a Caravan Park and take public transport to the city. Please note: Insurance on personal property is The Hirer’s responsibility.
24. TRANSFERS
Transfers to and from TRAVEL WHEELS are not included in the rental price. It is the responsibility of the HIRER to arrange transport to and from TRAVEL WHEELS Depots.
25. CLEANING FEE ON RETURN OF VEHICLE
The vehicle will be delivered in a clean condition to THE HIRER, who agrees to forfeit a cleaning fee of AUD$100.00 should the vehicle not be returned to TRAVEL WHEELS in the same clean condition.
26. ANIMALS & PETS
TRAVEL WHEELS does not allow the carriage of pets or any animals in their vehicles whilst on rental. Carriage of pets or animals will render the contract void, and the rental bond and the cleaning bond will be retained and used for cleaning and fumigating the vehicle.
27. RENTAL REFUSAL
TRAVEL WHEELS reserves the right to refuse any rental, or the continuation of any rental at its discretion.
28. REPAIRS
a. TRAVEL WHEELS vehicles are always fully maintained and serviced. However, we recognise that occasional breakdowns and small problems will occur. Minor repairs to mechanical items and oil consumption up to AUD$50 will be reimbursed against receipts on completion of the rental.
b. Should larger problems be encountered, please ring our Head Office (toll free on 1800 289 222) for further assistance. TRAVEL WHEELS will then approve and fund repairs if the HIRER is not directly responsible for the problem.
c. In all cases the responsibility of TRAVEL WHEELS is limited to refunding for the downtime that the vehicle is actually in a repair shop.
d. No alternative accommodation or food items will be paid for during such down time. Malfunction of Radio/Cassette players TV’s, Videos, Microwave, Stove or Grill, Air-conditioning Units, Refrigerator, Water Pump or Shower are not considered mechanical breakdowns, and downtime will not be paid for these items.
e. Towing and retrieval of damaged vehicles to the closest TRAVEL WHEELS depot is covered. In the event of an accident resulting in the vehicle being damaged sufficiently to require replacement, it is the Hirer’s responsibility to make their way to the closest TRAVEL WHEELS depot or agent to collect a replacement vehicle. If The HIRER requires a Vehicle to be relocated to the damaged vehicle’s location, a re-positioning fee of AUD$350.00 will be charged. This fee is very inexpensive in relation to the distances travelled in Australia. Any expenses incurred whilst travelling to the closest TRAVEL WHEELS depot are The Hirer’s responsibility.
f. Any refund for on-road problems will be made at the time of the repair. The repair time will be calculated, and the downtime reimbursed at the time of delivery from the repairer. Down time will be calculated in hours, not days, and credited to The Hirer’s credit card.
29. MAINTENANCE & RESPONSIBILITY
Joint Hirer’s and all drivers are jointly and severally responsible under the Rental Agreement. The HIRER will be held fully responsible for engine damage if the radiator cap is not properly replaced and sealed after checking fluid levels and/or the warning buzzer for overheating is ignored. All vehicles are fitted with a radiator alarm.
It is The Hirer’s responsibility to check and maintain all fluid and fuel levels and to immediately rectify and/or report to Head Office any defect of which The HIRER becomes aware. TRAVEL WHEELS, on presentation of receipts, will reimburse refills of all fluids except petrol and diesel.
The HIRER shall drive the vehicle in a careful and cautious manner and will not do or allow to be done anything to harm the vehicle. The HIRER shall not use the vehicle for anything other than its intended purpose, or allow use of the vehicle to carry passengers or goods for hire. The HIRER shall not allow the vehicle to be used to carry volatile liquids, corrosive or flammable materials or explosives.
30. ROAD RESTRICTIONS
– 2WD: Driveways TRAVEL WHEELS vehicles are not allowed to travel on unsealed (dirt or gravel) roads. Travel on these roads voids all damage protection cover that the HIRER may have selected and paid for. The HIRER will be totally liable for all damage caused by travelling on unsealed (dirt or gravel) roads.
The full cost of the damage to all parties concerned may be deducted from the HIRER. If in the opinion of TRAVEL WHEELS a vehicle is found to have travelled on unsealed (dirt or gravel) road the bond/deposit will be retained until the vehicle is fully inspected and checked for damage.
If no damage has occurred the bond will be returned to the HIRER, less the cost of inspection. Inspection labour cost is $55.00 per hour.
31. LIVING EQUIPMENT
All living equipment, as detailed in the line drawings, is included in the vehicle for use. Any extra equipment requested may be supplied if available and be collected on Pick-up. Picnic table and 2 chairs are available at AUD$30 per rental (subject to availability). Extras must be booked in advance.
The HIRER is responsible for the return of the Convenience Kit supplied at the commencement of the hire period. The HIRER will be charged for any missing or damaged items. An inventory list is available upon Pick-up of the vehicle.
32. SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT
A vehicle being involved in a ‘Single Vehicle accident’ will incur upon The HIRER additional liability of AUD$250.00.
33. INSURANCE EXCESS
An Insurance excess/Security credit card swipe of AUD$1000.00 will be taken at the point of pick-up. This payment will be processed and will be held as bond. Note 1: Bond/Security Deposit Return. If the vehicle is returned with any damage, or has been involved in an accident, whether the fault of The HIRER or not, the excess/security bond will be retained by TRAVEL WHEELS until the full cost of the damage is determined, or the claim has been settled by the Third Party’s Insurance Company. The excess/security bond will then be returned to The HIRER in full if it is determined that there is no liability to the third party under Australian Motor Vehicle Laws and/or with Australian litigation. Please note that Third Party claims can take months or even years to resolve.
TRAVEL WHEELS cannot force the destiny of these claims, it is up to our Insurance Company and the Third Party, be they insured or not. Note 2: Excess/Security Bond/deposit return (Single Vehicle Accident). Single Vehicle accidents are defined as any damage that is done to the vehicle when no other vehicle is involved, or when the accident is with another vehicle, but The HIRER cannot provide TRAVEL WHEELS with the driver’s licence, name or the registration number of the other vehicle.
Examples of single vehicle accidents include such things as running into trees, guideposts or animals, whether intentionally or not, whilst travelling forward or reversing. Collision with animals are considered to be a single vehicle accident, as too is overturning the vehicle, or any other damage done to the vehicle for any reason when no other vehicle is directly involved. A single vehicle accident carries a fee of $250.00 to be charged against the renter’s credit car on return of the vehicle.
34. DAMAGE COVER
In the event of an accident, personal injury is covered through Registration 3rd Party Insurance. All vehicles are fully insured for own their damage and 3rd Party Property Damage, but The HIRER is responsible for the Insurance Excess.
35. ACCIDENTS
Most accidents occur for the following reasons: o Driving too fast. Driving on the wrong side of the road. o Turning across oncoming traffic. Driving while sleepy and tired. o Collisions with animals. Whilst reversing the vehicle. o Driving while intoxicated. Driving at night. o Looking for kangaroos at night (or at dawn or dusk) when kangaroos come to the side of the road to eat the sweeter grasses. All of the above-mentioned accidents are avoidable.
36. CONTRACTUAL RIGHTS
By signing this rental Terms and Conditions contract, the HIRER accepts that the Terms and Conditions make this an Australian contract and that the HIRER will be bound by the Australian State Law in which State this Agreement is contracted. This contract overrides any other contract form or contract taken in any other country. Any changes made to this contract may only be in writing and signed by the HIRER and an authorized agent of TRAVEL WHEELS. TRAVEL WHEELS makes no express or implied warranty in relation to this Agreement.
37. KEYS
The HIRER will be responsible for the cost of replacing keys which are lost or broken, or for the retrieval of keys locked in a vehicle. Cost of a locksmith travelling to the vehicle will be at The Hirers’ expense.
38. PAYMENT IN AUSTRALIA
All payments to be paid in Australia will be in Australian Dollars (AUD$) only. No foreign currency will be accepted.
39. DISCLAIMER
All illustrations, line drawings and text in any of our brochures or advertising material, including on the Internet, are a representation only of the vehicles depicted. Variances in any vehicle or its equipment offered for rental may occur due to modifications and/or upgrades to vehicle design.
40. EXCHANGE RATE/CURRENCY FLUCTUATION
All credit card transactions are conducted in Australian Dollars (AUD$). Due to exchange rate fluctuations there could be some variation in the amount initially debited against the credit card and the amount refunded when the vehicle is returned. TRAVEL WHEELS accepts no liability for these variations, up or down.
Signature of Hirer
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Signature of Hirer
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