TERMS & CONDITIONS – Low Cost Self Drive

1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions:

• Company / We / Us / Our means Low Cost Self Drive
  
  
• Customer / You means the individual or entity making a booking (including Hirer)
  
  
• Supplier means a third-party car rental provider
  
  
• Deposit means the upfront amount paid to secure a booking request
  
  
• Booking means a request for vehicle rental facilitated by the Company
  
  
• Rental Agreement means the agreement entered into directly between the Customer and the Supplier
  
  
• Collection Date means the scheduled vehicle pick-up date
  
  

2. Our Role as Intermediary

We act solely as an intermediary and booking agent facilitating car rental arrangements between Customers and third-party Suppliers.

We do not own, operate, or control rental vehicles and do not provide car rental services ourselves. The rental of any vehicle is provided by the Supplier under a separate Rental Agreement.

Payment of a Deposit to us does not create a rental agreement with a Supplier.

3. Booking Requests & Deposit

When you pay a Deposit, you are submitting a booking request and engaging us to source a suitable vehicle from a third-party Supplier based on your stated requirements.

The Deposit:

• Secures our booking and intermediary services
  
  
• Does not guarantee availability with a specific Supplier
  
  
• Does not constitute confirmation of a rental
  
  

Supplier allocation typically occurs within 24–48 hours, however in some circumstances it may take longer.

4. Supplier Allocation & Rental Agreement

Once a Supplier is allocated, we will notify you and provide the relevant Supplier details and applicable Supplier terms and conditions.

A binding Rental Agreement is formed directly between you and the Supplier once the booking is confirmed.

The Supplier’s terms and conditions govern all aspects of the rental, including but not limited to:

• Vehicle use and eligibility
  
  
• Security deposits
  
  
• Insurance and excess
  
  
• Fuel, tolls, fines, and infringements
  
  
• Damage, loss, or theft
  
  
• Cancellations, amendments, and no-shows
  
  

By proceeding after Supplier allocation, you agree to be bound by the Supplier’s terms and conditions.

5. Pricing & Payments

Prices may include:

• Amounts charged by us for booking and intermediary services; and
  
  
• Amounts charged by the Supplier for the rental.
  
  

Additional charges may be payable directly to the Supplier or charged by us on the Supplier’s behalf, including fuel charges, tolls, fines, damage, late returns, or other on-hire costs.

6. Cancellations by the Customer

All cancellation requests must be made in writing.

6.1 Deposit

The Deposit paid at the time of booking represents a genuine pre-estimate of the costs incurred by the Company in providing booking, sourcing, administration, and intermediary services.

Accordingly, the Deposit is not refundable except where required by law.

6.2 Cancellation Fees

If the Customer cancels a booking, the following cancellation charges apply and represent a genuine pre-estimate of losses and costs incurred by the Company and, where applicable, the Supplier:

• 5 days or more before the Collection Date
  A charge equal to 20% of the total order value
  
  
• 3 days or more before the Collection Date
  A charge equal to 50% of the total order value
  
  
• 48 hours or less before the Collection Date
  A charge equal to 100% of the total order value
  
  

These charges take into account administrative costs, Supplier commitments, loss of opportunity to rebook, and other expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation.

6.3 Fees & Processing Costs

In the event of cancellation, any credit or debit card processing fees, bank transfer fees, international currency exchange costs, or other third-party charges incurred are non-refundable, to the extent permitted by law.

6.4 No Waiver Due to Travel Changes

Cancellation of an event, holiday, or reason for travel does not affect the Customer’s liability for the cancellation charges outlined above.

6.5 Outstanding Amounts

If the applicable cancellation charges exceed the amount already paid, the balance becomes immediately due and payable and constitutes a debt owed to the Company.

The Company may take reasonable steps, in accordance with applicable law, to recover any outstanding amounts.

7. Cancellations by the Company

If we are unable to source a vehicle meeting all or part of the Customer’s booking requirements due to emergency, vehicle unavailability, or other reasons beyond our reasonable control, we will take reasonable steps to arrange a suitable alternative.

If this is not possible, we may cancel the booking and refund all monies paid.

To the extent permitted by law, we will not be liable for any inconvenience, loss, or expense incurred as a result of such cancellation. Customers are strongly encouraged to obtain appropriate travel insurance.

8. Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, we are not liable for any loss, damage, injury, delay, or expense arising from:

• The rental or use of any vehicle
  
  
• Acts or omissions of Suppliers
  
  
• Mechanical failure, accidents, or vehicle condition
  
  

All such matters remain the responsibility of the Supplier under the Rental Agreement.

9. Australian Consumer Law

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes, restricts, or modifies any right or remedy available to you under the Australian Consumer Law or any other applicable legislation.

10. Complaints & Disputes

Any issues relating to the rental vehicle or the Supplier’s performance must be raised directly with the Supplier.

We may assist in facilitating communication where reasonable but are not responsible for the resolution or outcome of disputes between the Customer and the Supplier.

11. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of Australia, and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Australian courts.