Agreement Terms & Conditions

1. General

   1. This agreement consists of these terms and conditions and the details provided on the front page of this document, including your personal information, address, driver’s licence details, vehicle details, the excess amount, additional insurance exclusions, and rental dates.

   2. We agree to rent one of our vehicles to you for the specified rental period, and you agree to adhere to these terms and conditions. This agreement is subject to the laws of New Zealand.

2. Our Commitments

   1. We will rent the vehicle described in the Details to you for the duration of the rental, ensuring that the vehicle complies with legal requirements in New Zealand.

   2. We will provide insurance coverage for the vehicle unless stated otherwise and signed by you.

   3. We will explain any additional charges (the “Additional Charges”).

3. Our Rights

   1. We may, at our discretion, allow other Authorised Drivers to operate the vehicle. You are responsible for fulfilling your obligations and for the actions and omissions of any Authorised Driver under this agreement.

   2. If you breach this agreement, we may take possession of the vehicle. You will be liable for all costs incurred in recovering the vehicle.

   3. We may cancel the agreement at any time if we believe you or your driving poses a genuine risk of harm to others or property. You will be responsible for all costs incurred in recovering the vehicle and any outstanding debts.

4. Your Responsibilities

   1. Carry a copy of this agreement in the vehicle throughout the rental period.

   2. Ensure that only you or an Authorised Driver operate the vehicle and pay the total amount owed, including: (a) the daily rate for the agreed number of rental days; (b) any applicable location fee; (c) any additional extras requested at pickup (e.g., GPS, child seat, ski racks).

   3. Pay any Additional Charges, which may include:

      1. One-way hire costs.
      2. Late return fees.
      3. Administration fees.
      4. Fuel costs (unless you purchased Pre-paid Fuel).
      5. Vehicle cleaning expenses (if necessary).
      6. Restoration costs to return the vehicle to its original condition at the time of rental (if necessary), up to the Excess amount.
      7. Road tolls, parking tickets, or driving offence fines incurred during the rental.
      8. Replacement costs (at current retail value) for damaged, lost, or missing accessories (including GPS) or keys. You authorise us to deduct these charges from the credit/debit card provided or from the excess or bond paid earlier via bank transfer.

   4. Transfer the Bond amount as a security deposit for any outstanding amounts under this agreement (including Additional Charges). On return, any unused portion will be sent back to you. If final charges exceed the security deposit, you are responsible for the balance, to be charged to your card or paid via bank transfer. Note: bank pre-authorisations may take 3–7 business days to release.

   5. Return the vehicle to the agreed location on or before the specified time/date in the Details.

   6. Take care of the vehicle, ensuring its safety and security at all times.

   7. Contact us immediately if a warning light or “check engine” light illuminates.

   8. Inform us if you wish to change your return date, time, or location. We will try to accommodate, but Additional Charges may apply.

5. You Must Not

   1. Use or permit use of the vehicle:

      1. Beyond the scope of your authorised authority.
      2. By any person under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescribed medication.
      3. In races, speed tests, rallies, or any competitive contests.
      4. Contrary to any laws or bylaws in New Zealand.
      5. By any person without a valid driver’s licence appropriate for the vehicle.
      6. To push or tow another vehicle, except when the vehicle has a towbar and:
         1. The towed item is safe, roadworthy, compliant with relevant laws/regulations, and properly secured; and
         2. The weight and dimensions do not exceed the specified capacity of the vehicle (refer to the vehicle capacity guide).
      7. To transport animals, except for disability assist dogs as defined by the Dog Control Act 1996.
      8. To intentionally or recklessly cause damage or loss to the vehicle.
      9. With incorrect fuel.
      10. To smoke or allow others to smoke in the vehicle.
6. Prohibited Locations

   You must not use the vehicle in the following locations:

   1. Any area not officially designated as a road.
   2. Non-commercial ski field roads.
   3. Beaches, including Ninety Mile Beach.
   4. Roads north of Colville on the Coromandel Peninsula.
   5. Tasman Valley Road (Ball Hut access road) at Aoraki/Mt Cook.
   6. Skippers Canyon Road near Queenstown.
7. Infringement Offences

   1. You are responsible for fines and costs related to: (a) speeding, parking, traffic infringements, or toll offences; (b) failure to comply with traffic signs/signals; (c) freedom camping offences under the Freedom Camping Act 2011.

   2. If an offence is committed during the rental:

      1. You are liable for the costs, whether or not you were the driver at the time.
      2. Within five working days of notice, we will transfer liability by providing your details to the relevant authority.
      3. You may challenge or object to any ticket directly with the issuing organisation.
      4. You may request a court hearing within 56 days of issue or within 28 days of a reminder.

   3. If we receive a fine/infringement related to your rental, we will deduct a NZ$95 administration fee from your card or bond and then transfer liability to the contract holder.

   4. If we are unable to transfer liability, we will charge your card for the total fine plus the NZ$95 administration fee and remit payment to the authority.

   5. We may disclose offence details to authorities or a debt collection agency if necessary.

   6. You authorise us to charge the card used for the bond for any fines, penalties, or other charges incurred during the rental (including speeding, parking, toll charges, and related fines) without further notice.

   7. By signing this agreement, you acknowledge we have informed you about your rights and obligations regarding any ticket for which you may be held liable.

8. In the Event of Damage

   1. Record details of all other vehicles involved (driver’s name, address, and phone).

   2. Do not arrange recovery or repair. Notify us promptly and cooperate to minimise losses and/or pursue legal action against any responsible party.

   3. 24/7 roadside assistance: 0800 694 737 or +64 3 244 9512. Provide registration number, make/model/colour, exact location, and nature of breakdown. Callouts caused by your fault (e.g., out of fuel, lost/locked keys, puncture) are at your cost. If the callout is for a mechanical breakdown, we will refund the callout cost.

   4. We may provide a replacement vehicle for the remaining period or terminate the rental at our discretion.

   5. We are not liable for costs you incur due to an accident or vehicle damage.

   6. Before the rental starts, you must pay the applicable Excess in advance. It is refundable if the vehicle is returned in reasonable, acceptable condition.

   7. We will obtain a repair quote.

   8. If the repair cost is lower than the Excess, we will refund the difference minus an administration fee of up to NZ$295.

   9. If an identifiable third party is responsible and accepts liability (via our insurer), the total Excess will be refunded to you.

9. Important Note on Cover

   If clauses 5 and/or 6 are breached, the damage protection in clause 8 will not apply. You will be liable to us (or our insurer) for damage up to NZ$50,000, as well as all third-party losses, related charges, and fees resulting from the breach and contributing to theft, damage, or third-party losses.

10. Insurance

    1. Unless clauses 5 and/or 6 are breached, and subject to any exclusions in the Details, you are indemnified for liability to us for: (i) damage to the vehicle or its spare parts; and (ii) consequential losses (e.g., loss of revenue), towing, and salvage costs.

    2. You are indemnified up to NZ$10,000,000 for liability for damage to other people’s property arising from use of the vehicle.

    3. You may reduce the Excess by selecting Premium or Standard cover options. The Excess and additional daily rate depend on vehicle, location, and duration; the applicable Excess appears in the Details.

    4. No insurance is provided for any trailers or items towed by the vehicle, nor for their contents.

    5. Theft Exclusion: Insurance does not cover you in the event of theft during your hire period. You will be responsible for 100% of the vehicle cost, payable to the company according to the sum insured or market value, whichever is higher.

11. Privacy

    1. We collect and retain personal information about you (e.g., name, contact details, driver’s licence information, invoices, and correspondence).

    2. We use this information to provide rental and related services, including monitoring, reporting and repairing damages, responding to accidents/incidents, processing payments/charges, debt recovery, fraud prevention, insurance claims and credit management, marketing, and promoting safe driving in New Zealand.

    3. We comply with the Privacy Act 2020 regarding collection, use, and storage.

    4. We may disclose your information to our insurers, service providers (including online platforms), infringement authorities, police (on request), credit reporting/debt collection agencies, your card provider (in case of default), and other parties involved in an accident with the rented vehicle.

    5. You may request a copy of your information or corrections if inaccurate. Contact: info@queenstowncarrental.nz.