Silas Van Rentals – Terms and Conditions

1. General Terms

1.1 These terms and conditions apply to all rentals of vehicles and any associated services provided by Silas Van Rentals.

1.2 By signing the Rental Agreement, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.

2. Rental Period and Fees

2.1 Rental charges are calculated on a calendar day basis, with the day of pick-up considered as day one, and the day of drop-off as the final day, regardless of the time.

2.2 Any amendments to the booking dates and times must be approved by us and may affect future bookings.

2.3 Silas Van Rentals may alter minimum hire periods from time to time. If the Hirer wishes to hire the vehicle for less than the minimum hire period, a fee equivalent to the difference between the actual rental period and the minimum rental charge will apply.

3. Rental Conditions

3.1 The Hirer must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver’s license to rent a vehicle from Silas Van Rentals.

3.2 The vehicle must only be used by the Hirer or other drivers approved by Silas Van Rentals.

4. Insurance and Liability

4.1 Silas Van Rentals offers insurance options with exclusions including damage caused by driving under the influence, off-road use, incorrect fuel, and more, as detailed in the full Rental Agreement.

4.2 The Hirer is responsible for all damages and costs not covered by the insurance policy.

5. Deposit and Bond

5.1 A non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total booking cost is required to secure the booking.

5.2 The bond will be refunded in full if the vehicle is returned on time, on the agreed return date, and in the condition specified.

5.3 Silas Van Rentals reserves the right to deduct any costs related to damage, cleaning, or outstanding fees from the bond.

6. Cancellation Policy

6.1 The non-refundable deposit will not be refunded if a booking is cancelled at any time.

6.2 Cancellation fees apply based on the following schedule:

• 31–15 days prior to pick-up: 50% of total rental cost.
• 14–7 days prior to pick-up: 75% of total rental cost.
• 6 days or less prior to pick-up or no-show: 100% of total rental cost.

7. Payment

7.1 Silas Van Rentals accepts payment via Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and China Union Pay only.

7.2 A 4% surcharge applies to payments made by credit card.

7.3 Balance payments via bank transfer are subject to a $40 administration fee.

8. Road User Charge Recovery Fee

8.1 Road User Charge Recovery Fees apply for all diesel vehicles, calculated based on the kilometres travelled during the hire.

9. Vehicle Return

9.1 The vehicle must be returned on the agreed return date, time, and location. Late returns may incur additional charges.

9.2 The vehicle must be returned with a full tank of fuel, and the LPG bottle (if provided) must be full. A $35 fee will apply if not refilled.

9.3 The vehicle must be clean and tidy. A cleaning fee of up to $150 will be charged for excessively dirty vehicles.

9.4 If a portable toilet is provided, it must be returned in a sanitized state. Failure to do so will result in a $300 cleaning fee.

10. Responsibility for Vehicle and Property

10.1 The Hirer is responsible for all damage to the vehicle and its contents during the rental period, including lost or damaged items and accessories.

10.2 The Hirer is also responsible for any infringement notices, including parking tickets, speeding fines, and tolls, and for the full cost of repairs to any damaged parts.

11. Travel Insurance

11.1 It is recommended that the Hirer arrange their own travel insurance to cover any potential costs related to cancellations, disruptions, or illness.

12. Late Collection or Non-Collection

12.1 If the vehicle is not collected on the scheduled pick-up date, Silas Van Rentals reserves the right to cancel the booking and release the vehicle.

12.2 If the vehicle is not returned on time, additional charges may apply.

13. Termination

13.1 Silas Van Rentals reserves the right to refuse any rental or terminate the agreement if the Hirer breaches any terms of this agreement or if the vehicle is used in a manner that endangers the safety of the passengers or others.

14. Refund Policy

14.1 Any refunds owed will be credited to the Hirer’s credit card, minus any applicable credit card fees.

14.2 Refunds will not include any credit card surcharges.

15. Dispute Resolution

15.1 Any disputes should be notified to Silas Van Rentals in writing. If the dispute cannot be resolved, either party may refer the matter to an independent mediator.

16. Privacy

16.1 Silas Van Rentals will collect and protect the personal information of the Hirer for the purposes of vehicle hire and related services.

16.2 The Hirer has the right to request correction or access to their personal information.

17. Indemnity and Release

17.1 The Hirer agrees to indemnify Silas Van Rentals for all losses or damages resulting from the rental, except where the company is at fault due to negligence.

18. Jurisdiction

18.1 This Agreement is governed by the laws of New Zealand. Any dispute arising from this Agreement will be resolved in accordance with New Zealand law.

19. Entire Agreement

19.1 This document contains the entire agreement between the Hirer and Silas Van Rentals. If any provision is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full effect.

20. No Waiver

20.1 Any failure by Silas Van Rentals to exercise any right under this Agreement does not waive that right.

21. Force Majeure

21.1 Silas Van Rentals is not liable for delays or failures in the provision of services due to force majeure events, including natural disasters, public health events, or government restrictions.