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CI Car Hire – Terms and Conditions of the Rental Contract and Agreement
This Rental Contract consists of the Rental Agreement and the Vehicle Condition and Accessories Report. When we refer to “the Rental Agreement” or “the Agreement,” we refer to the entire Rental Contract. By signing the Rental Agreement, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the full terms of the Agreement. If there is anything you do not understand, please seek clarification before signing.

DEFINITIONS

• The Company / We / Us / Our: CI Car Hire (ABN 83 581 345 195), the rental vehicle provider.
• Rental Agreement: The legal contract between CI Car Hire and the Hirer that outlines the terms of the rental.
• You / Your / Hirer: The individual or individuals entering into this Rental Agreement and authorised to operate the vehicle.
• Authorised Driver: Any driver listed in the Rental Agreement who has been approved to operate the rental vehicle.
• Rental Period: The duration specified in the Rental Agreement during which the vehicle is rented.
• Rental Charges: All costs and fees associated with the rental, including base hire rate, extension charges, fuel costs, cleaning charges, and penalties.
• Your Account: The nominated payment method, including credit/debit card or bond deposit, used to secure and pay for the rental.
• Collection Costs: Costs associated with recovering unpaid fees, including legal and agency fees.
• Vehicle: The rental vehicle, including all parts, keys, accessories, and any replacement vehicle provided.
• Overhead Damage: Damage sustained above the windscreen level due to impact with an object (e.g., trees, signs).
• Underbody Damage: Damage below the door sills, including chassis and components, from off-road use or debris.
• Third Party Loss: Damage or claims from third parties, including their property or income loss resulting from an incident.
• Single Vehicle Accident (SVA): An accident not involving another moving vehicle, such as hitting a stationary object or rolling over.
• Multiple Vehicle Accident: An accident involving one or more other moving vehicles.
• Final Inspection: The inspection undertaken after the vehicle is cleaned and returned to assess any damage or additional charges.

1. VEHICLE CONDITION, RETURN AND MONITORING

• The vehicle will be provided clean and in good operating condition. A pre-rental inspection will be completed and documented.
• You must return the vehicle in the same condition, excluding fair wear and tear, with all tools, tyres, accessories, and equipment.
• Ordinary wear does not include windscreen cracks, tyre damage, or interior stains.
• The vehicle keys must remain under your control at all times. Lost keys will incur a $500 fee.
• CI Car Hire reserves the right to repossess the vehicle without notice and at your expense if the vehicle is used in violation of the agreement or law, or appears to be abandoned.
• Failure to return the vehicle at the agreed date and time without prior written approval may result in the vehicle being reported as stolen.
• Some vehicles are equipped with forward and rear dash cameras to monitor driving behaviour. Reckless driving, including harsh braking, speeding, and erratic manoeuvres, may result in contract termination without refund.
• Dashcam footage will be used as evidence in the event of an accident or reckless driving report and deleted at the end of each rental period unless required.
• All vehicle pickups and returns are conducted at Christmas Island Airport. If the hirer prefers an alternative location, additional fees apply. $50 for pickup OR return. $95 for pickup AND return.
• Vehicles must be returned to Christmas Island Airport by 2:00 PM on the agreed date.

      Additional charges will apply if returned after 2PM.

2. INSURANCE

• CI Car Hire provides basic insurance for the vehicle with an excess of $3,500 per event.
• The hirer is responsible for this excess amount in the event of any damage or loss.
• Third-party damage caused by you or any other driver is your full responsibility.
• Insurance is void if the dashcam records reckless driving, or if accidents are not reported to CI Car Hire and the police within one hour.
• In the event of an accident, you must report it to CI Car Cire representatives, the local police officer, plus undergo a drug and alcohol test within one hour of any incident, or the insurance may be void.
• If the vehicle is written off due to your actions or a breach of these terms, you will be liable for the full market value plus a $13,000 import fee.
• CI Car Hire recommends that all hirers obtain comprehensive travel insurance.

3. UNAUTHORISED USE

• The authorised driver who signed the Rental Agreement takes full responsibility for all other drivers.
• Drivers must be over 21 years of age, hold a valid driver’s license for at least two years, and not have a suspended or cancelled license in the last year.
• The vehicle may only be used on existing roads.
• Prohibited uses include racing, towing (without authorisation), driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and transporting illegal goods.
• Using the vehicle contrary to Australian road laws, or any willfully negligent or dangerous use, voids the agreement and insurance coverage.

4. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

• You agree to pay all rental fees, fines and charges incurred during the rental period.
• CI Car Hire reserves the right to debit your account for damages, penalties, or traffic infringements.
• If a vehicle is returned with damage or without a full fuel tank, additional charges apply as outlined in the agreement.
• Failure to make payment will result in debt collection action, and you agree to bear all associated legal and recovery costs.

5. SAFETY OBLIGATIONS

• You must take reasonable care to prevent damage to the vehicle and ensure safe operation at all times.
• Child restraints must be used and properly fitted for passengers under legal height and age limits. CI Car Hire does not provide child restraints.
• You must not operate the vehicle if it is unsafe or after becoming aware of a fault or issue without notifying CI Car Hire.
• Secure all items and loads, and avoid overloading the vehicle.
• Do not park under trees where possible, to prevent damage from falling trees.

6. PROOF OF IDENTITY

• You must present a valid driver’s licence (held for at least two years) and a credit or debit card at the time of booking.
• International licences are accepted if in English or accompanied by an official translation.
• CI Car Hire reserves the right to request additional identification or proof of residence.

7. ACCIDENTS

• Do not admit liability, offer payment, or attempt repairs without authorisation from CI Car Hire.
• You must notify CI Car Hire and the police within one hour of any accident or damage.
• Where possible, gather written statements, photos, and police reports at the scene.
• You must cooperate with any follow-up investigations and legal processes.
• No refunds will be given if the vehicle becomes undriveable due to an accident you caused.
• Replacement vehicles are provided at CI Car Hire’s discretion and availability.

8. FUEL

• The vehicle should be returned with the same fuel level it had at collection.
• If not, a charge of $3.50 per litre plus a $50 administration fee will apply.
• The correct fuel type must be used as advised by CI Car Hire.
• If the incorrect fuel is used, a fixed charge of $2,500 will be incurred, and CI Car Hire must be notified immediately to minimise further damage.

9. CLEANING CHARGES

• Additional cleaning fees may be charged if the vehicle is returned in an excessively dirty or odorous condition.
• Examples include but are not limited to: mud, sand, smoke, vomit, food spills, and strong odours like fish or bait.
• Smoking, vaping, or use of illicit substances in the vehicle is strictly prohibited and will result in cleaning charges.

10. PERSONAL PROPERTY

• You are responsible for removing all personal belongings at the end of the rental period.
• CI Car Hire is not liable for any loss or damage to personal items left in the vehicle.
• You agree to release CI Car Hire and its staff from all claims related to lost or stolen property.

11. RENTAL EXTENSION OR TERMINATION

• Either party may terminate the agreement in the event of a material breach.
• You do not have the right to use the vehicle beyond the prepaid rental period unless expressly approved in writing.
• Failure to return the vehicle without arranging payment or an extension may result in police reporting and the vehicle being considered stolen.

12. GENERAL TERMS

• You agree to indemnify CI Car Hire from all losses, expenses, and liabilities incurred due to your breach of this agreement.
• You are a bailee of the vehicle, not an owner, and may not sell, assign, or encumber the vehicle in any way.
• A copy of this agreement must remain in the vehicle during the rental period.
• Liability is limited to repair, replacement, or refund of rental charges as permitted under Australian law.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• 30 days or more before vehicle collection: Full refund of the total booking amount (excluding any non-refundable agent booking fee, if applicable).
• Between 30 and 7 days before vehicle collection: 50% refund of total booking amount.
• 7 days or less before vehicle collection: No refund
• Non-arrival on the day of collection: No refund

We strongly recommend that customers take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover the vehicle damage excess, as well as costs incurred due to flights delays, disruptions or cancellations.

All vehicle pickups and returns are conducted at Christmas Island Airport. If you prefer an alternative pickup and/or return location, this can be arranged for an additional fee. The following charges apply:

• $50 for pickup OR return from a location other than Christmas Island Airport.
• $95 for pickup and return from a location other than the airport.

Vehicles must be returned by 2:00 PM on the agreed return date. If returning the vehicle after this time, please inform us in advance to avoid additional charges.

Please leave the keys inside the vehicle upon return. 

To ensure a pleasant experience for all our customers, smoking is strictly prohibited in all vehicles. If the vehicle is returned with signs of smoking (e.g., odor, ashes), a cleaning fee will be applied to cover the cost of restoring the vehicle to its original condition.