Terms & Conditions
All rentals are subject to the following Terms & Conditions. Clients will be asked to confirm acceptance of these terms before submitting any vehicle reservation. These Terms and Conditions form a part of the Rental Agreement issued at the time of rental (“rental document”), and the Terms and Conditions stated below.
This agreement is between the person signing it and O’neil Auto Rentals Ltd. a company duly incorporated under the laws of Trinidad and Tobago.
By signing this agreement understand that these Terms and Conditions will apply to each rental of a car to you by us and upon signing the Agreement; the Renter certifies that he or she has read each clause or provision thereof agreeing to rent the Vehicle from the rental car company.
DRIVERS/WHO MAY DRIVE THE VEHICLE
Drivers must each have reached the age of twenty-six (25) years and be the holder of a valid driver’s license issued in their country of residence, which he or she has held for at least two (2) years. You agree that we have the right to verify that your license has been validly issued and is in good standing; and that we may refuse to rent to you if your license has been suspended, revoked, otherwise restricted in any way, or if your driving record is unsatisfactory to us.
We reserve the right to deny rental based upon information about your license status or driving record provided by the Motor Vehicle Department of the jurisdiction that issued your license.
START OF RENTAL
The rental commences when you receive the keys to the designated car from us or when you drive the designated car to the gate. At the time of taking the vehicle, the renter shall check carefully that the vehicle is in good working order and must immediately report the noticeable fault to the rental car company.
VEHICLE USE
The primary renter and any Authorized Driver must only use the vehicle on a road that is properly formed and constructed as a sealed, metal, or gravel road. The Renter will not leave the vehicle unattended and fail to lock all doors, windows, and trunks, or remove the keys from the vehicle. The renter shall not use the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or uncontrolled substance or for any illegal purpose whatsoever; transport goods which are prohibited or dangerous; transport passengers or property for hire, money, or reward; to tow or push anything; to be operated in a test, race or contest, recklessly. It is strictly forbidden for Renter or any Authorized Driver to overload or exceed seating accommodation, transform the vehicle, modify its technical features, add or remove any parts or accessories, take or attempt to take the vehicle to Trinidad except permitted in writing by the Owner, which may be withheld at Owner’s discretion. You also agree that all vehicles are non-smoking and for failure to comply with this rule a fee of $ 50 USD will be charged to have the same cleaned.
VEHICLE DAMAGES: The renter is responsible for any new damages to the vehicle while it is in their possession. This includes but is not limited to dings, scratches, dents, cracks, tears, punctures, etc. Renter acknowledges that the credit card held on file for their booking may be automatically charged with or without prior notice for repair costs associated with their assigned vehicle during their rental period. Typical minor damage repair costs can range from TT$300-TT$2,500 or more depending on the extent of the damage. The renter acknowledges this and accepts responsibility for all at-fault damages.
TIRE DAMAGES: The Renter agrees that when changing a vehicle’s tire it is not always possible to only purchase one tire by doing so this can result in the vehicle driving lop-sided due to the difference in tire treading and sometimes tire brand which can evolve into a future driving hazard. To avoid this in the event of tire damage the rental company agrees to make a reasonable effort to source a comparable used tire to match the tire that is already on the vehicle however in the event that the rental car company cannot source a used tire of the same size and or brand then both tires must be replaced. By signing this rental agreement renter both accepts and acknowledges this.
SPARE TIRES:The Renter acknowledges that certain manufacturers may not equip newer hybrid model vehicles with spare tires, which could be part of the rental car company’s fleet. Instead, these manufacturers may opt for run-flat systems or omit spare tires altogether. Consequently, some rented vehicles might not have a spare tire. The Renter acknowledges this possibility. In case of a tire issue, they may use an available run-flat repair system, if provided. Alternatively, if no spare tire or run flat system is available, the rental car company commits to offering roadside assistance for flat tires and tire damages.
REFUSAL OF SERVICE AND RECLAMATION: Company reserves the right to refuse service to any client at its discretion. Additionally, Company retains the right to reclaim a rented vehicle, with or without prior notification to the rental customer, even if such action is taken within the rental period and is deemed necessary by the Company for any valid reason.
VEHICLE RETURN
The renter agrees to return the vehicle in the same condition as received, with ordinary wear and tear expected, by the specified date and time agreed upon during reservation. If required by us, the vehicle must be returned earlier; failure to comply or returning it later may result in a different or higher rate being applied.
Our operational hours are from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM; however, arrangements must be made in advance for pick-up and drop-off outside of these hours. It is prohibited to return the vehicle when our office is closed. In such instances, the renter remains responsible for any damage or loss until the office reopens and the vehicle is returned to our possession. Charges stated on the Agreement as a periodic rate will continue to accrue until we regain possession of the vehicle.
All extensions are subject to availability. To request an extension, the renter must promptly contact the office at (868) 361-1042. Please be advised that changes to reservation times are contingent upon schedule availability. While we strive to accommodate extension requests, we reserve the right to decline them. If an extension is granted, a different or higher rate may apply for the extended period.
REFUELING
Renter acknowledges the level at which the vehicle’s current gas is on and renter AGREES to refill the vehicle to this level before returning. WE DO NOT REIMBURSE FOR FUEL IF THE FUEL LEVEL IS RETURNED AT A HIGHER LEVEL THAN THE VEHICLE WAS COLLECTED ON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
LATE FEE
Renter clearly understands the date and time the rented vehicle must be returned and I understand and agrees to pay a LATE FEE of TTD $325.00 if the vehicle is returned late without notice. (To avoid this just communicate with us if you’re running late. )
VEHICLE DAMAGES
The renter is responsible for any new damages to the vehicle while it is in their possession. This includes but is not limited to dings, scratches, dents, cracks, tears, punctures, etc. The renter acknowledges that the credit card held on file for their booking may be automatically charged for repair costs associated with their assigned vehicle during their rental period.
EARLY RETURN POLICY
Unfortunately, we are not able to refund customers if they choose to return their rental vehicle earlier than the scheduled contract times. This is mainly because when your vehicle is booked we turn away all other rental requests to honor your booking.
CANCELLATION POLICY
In the event, that the renter cancels a booking before the booking pick-up time a cancelation fee of 25% of the total rental amount is charged to the renter. The renter has the option to reschedule their booking. In this event, the driver may still be obligated to pay the 25% booking cancelation fee and can use the remaining monies that were already paid towards a future booking. Cancelations done within 48 hours of the rental pick-up time will be subject to a 40% cancelation fee.
COVID-19 CANCELLATION POLICY
Due to the unexpected global health situation and the number of cancellations we are receiving we can grant a full customer credit of the full amount paid for future use. Valid for up to 2 years from the cancellation date. In an effort to remain in business, this is the best option we can currently offer.
EXCESSIVE DIRTINESS FEE
The renter clearly understands that there may be a cleaning fee of up to TTD $350 applied if a vehicle is returned in a condition that is deemed excessively dirty. This includes but is not limited to excessive beach sand, excessive garbage, excessive seat water damage, any internal or external vandalism, or any pungent smell that is difficult to remove (such as fish water). The renter agrees that this fee will automatically be taken from the credit card that is on file.
RENTER’S OBLIGATION IN CASE OF BREAKDOWN OR FAULT
The Renter must immediately inform the car rental company of any breakdown, defect or fault in the vehicle and must not use the vehicle in an unroadworthy condition. If breakdown, defect, or fault is a result of unauthorized, neglect, or careless use by the Renter, Renter will be liable for any and all costs of damage caused to the vehicle including the number of days the vehicle is down for repair according to the applicable rental price.
If the vehicle shall become unroadworthy for any reason, the Rental car company shall at its sole discretion replace the vehicle with an alternative vehicle of similar or greater seating capacity and performance subject to the availability of such which will be subject to the Terms and Conditions of this Agreement.
RENTER’S OBLIGATION IN CASE OF ACCIDENT,
DAMAGE LOSS OR THEFT CAUSED TO VEHICLE
In case of neglect, tampering, loss, or accident the Renter promises to take any and all steps or measures necessary to protect Owner’s interests. It is required that any accident (no matter how minor) or other incident involving the Vehicle be reported immediately to the Owner and the nearest Police Station. The Renter must fill accident report within 24 hours of the occurrence of the incident, theft, or otherwise.
The renter is responsible for any and all loss of or damage to the vehicle and/or its accessories resulting from any cause including without limitation, collision, loss, or damage caused due to a driver operating the vehicle in a manner prohibited under the terms and conditions hereof or by the willful, wanton or reckless act of a driver or theft of the vehicle where the keys were left in or on the vehicle. The renter shall not be responsible for mechanical damage to the vehicle unrelated to an accident or that could reasonably be expected from fair wear and tear due to normal use of the vehicle unless it is established that the Renter or an unauthorized driver failed to exercise reasonable care or committed or aided in the commission of the theft of the vehicle.
The renter must pay for any fine or ticket issued under any traffic violation incurred during the use of the vehicle. If the Renter loses the keys or locks the same in-vehicle and requests assistance from the Owner, the Owner may charge for the cost of replacing the keys. The cost of the key varies depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
INSURANCE/THIRD-PARTY LIABILITY
The renter (as well as any Authorized Driver) is covered against liability to third parties by the Owner’s third-party liability insurance policy contract (“Third Party Insurance”), a copy of which may be inspected during normal hours of business at the office of the Owner. Renter on behalf of himself and any Authorized Driver agrees to comply fully with and be bound by all terms and conditions of the said Third Party Insurance policy, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
This insurance covers any property and/or physical damage caused to third parties to the limits stated in the Third Party Insurance if the accident results from the use of the vehicle as permitted by this Agreement. Renter and all Authorized Drivers will indemnify and hold Owner harmless from and against any and all loss, liability claim, demand, and cause of action, attorney’s fees, and expenses of any kind (collectively “Loss”) in excess of the limits stated herein or beyond the scope of protection provided for herein, arising from the use or possession of the vehicle by Owner or any Authorized Driver including but not limited to Attorney’s fees and other expenses incurred by the Owner to enforce any of its rights hereunder, unless such Loss arises out of Owner’s sole negligence.
In the event that Third Party Insurance provider should refuse or reduce the granted benefits by virtue of the terms of the said policy of insurance being voided by the Renter’s acts. Omissions or breach of the law or in the application of the insurer’s general terms and conditions, the damage repair shall remain under the Renter’s responsibility and the Renter shall compensate and fully indemnify the car rental company for any loss suffered or damage incurred as a result.
PAYMENT OF CHARGES
Renter guarantees to Owner that he will pay all amounts mentioned and any other sum resulting from this Agreement and, in particular, from damage caused to the Vehicle by any credit card if a credit card is accepted at the commencement of this rental agreement.
RENTER UNDERSTANDS THAT VIOLATION OF THE AGREEMENT WHICH INCLUDES THE USE OF THE CAR BY AN UNAUTHORIZED DRIVER WILL AUTOMATICALLY TERMINATE YOUR RENTAL; VOID ALL LIABILITY PROTECTION AND OR ANY OPTIONAL SERVICES THAT YOU MAY HAVE ACCEPTED, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE, PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE, AND COLLISION DAMAGE WAIVER IF AVAILABLE. IT ALSO MAKES YOU LIABLE TO US FOR ALL PENALTIES, FINES, FORFEITURES, LIENS, AND RECOVERY AND STORAGE COSTS, INCLUDING ALL RELATED LEGAL EXPENSES, FEES, AND COSTS. WE MAY REPOSSESS THE VEHICLE ANYTIME IT IS FOUND ILLEGALLY PARKED, BEING USED TO VIOLATE THE LAW OR THIS AGREEMENT, APPEARS ABANDONED, OR ANYTIME WE DISCOVER YOU MADE A MISREPRESENTATION TO OBTAIN THE SAME. YOU AGREE THAT WE NEEDN’T NOTIFY YOU IN ADVANCE. ONCE THE VEHICLE IS REPOSSESSED YOU AGREE TO PAY THE ACTUAL COSTS INCURRED BY US TO DO THE SAME AND SUCH COSTS WILL BE CHARGED TO THE CARD YOU USED TO RENT THE CAR.