Utow Caravans
Terms and Conditions

U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd
Terms & Conditions of Hire
Effective from August 1, 2006 to 30 June, 2007

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DEFINITIONS:
The following definitions apply for the terms & conditions for U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd. U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd is referred to as U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd trading as U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd, We and the Supplier. The client/customer is referred to as I, Me, My, the hirer, the renter, you and the client.

TRADING HOURS:
Monday to Friday – 2.00pm to 6.00pm with pick up and return as agreed upon

PICK UP & RETURN:
Pick up and return of hired caravans is by appointment between the hours of 7.00am and 7.00pm, Monday to Sunday

HELP LINE:
U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd runs a 7 day a week help & information service. Contact is available Monday to Sunday from 7.00am to 9.00pm on mobile telephone – 0400 777 698.
Any problems associated with the hired item/s, including equipment failure, must be reported to U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd as soon as possible and within 24 hours of the occurrence to give U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd the opportunity to rectify the problem during the hire period. Failure to do so will compromise any claims for compensation. We do not accept any liability for claims submitted after this period.

ONE WAY HIRE:
U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd does not offer the convenience of one way hire. You may either pick the caravan or weekender from U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd business site or have it delivered to your nominated site. On site delivery will attract a charge of $35.00 per hour (minimum charge 2 hours and includes return to base charges)
Return of the caravan must be to U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd business address at the end of the hire period. On-site pick up will attract the same charges and conditions as delivery on site.

MINIMUM DAYS HIRE CHARGES:
The minimum number of days hire charges for caravans and weekenders is 2 days, Friday evening to Sunday evening, and 3 days Monday to Friday

HIRE TIMES - ADDITIONAL DAYS:
Additional days for hire items are at the discretion of the management of U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd and rely entirely on future demand and availability. Any request for additional days hire MUST be communicated as soon as practicable and possible and must be approved by our management on (03) 9772 4608 or 0400 777 698. Failure to obtain authorization will result in a fee of $420.00 in addition to the daily rate and may involve notification to the appropriate authorities.

ON-SITE SET UP:
If you would like your caravan or weekender set up at a particular location please call our manager on 0400 777 698 to make arrangements. Charges will apply at $35.00 per hour (minimum 2 hours and will include return charges to our business address)

EARLY DROP OFF:
There will be no refund for early termination of a hire agreement. If a hired item is left at any place other than our business address, pick up fees will be charged at $35.00 per hour (minimum 2 hours plus time taken to travel to the pick up point) for the retrieval of the item. There is no refund available for the unused portion of the hire should the item be returned earlier than contractually agreed.

CANCELLATIONS:
Cancellation fees apply as follows:
A full refund will be given if cancellation occurs outside of 14 days from the date hire is to commence. (less a $50.00 non-refundable deposit)
No refund will apply (other than the bond if pre-paid) if inside 14 days from the date hire is to commence.
Special circumstances will be considered on an individual basis.

HIRED ITEMS SUBSTITUTION:
There will be no caravan or weekender substitutions. If a caravan or weekender becomes unavailable because of mechanical or other failure prior to the hire, a full refund or credit for a future hire date will be made available.

DAILY HIRE CONDITIONS:
U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd calculates the hire of a caravan or weekender on a daily calendar basis. That means that irrespective of what time it is picked up or returned the pick up day is counted as 1 day rental and the return day as 1 day rental. (other than after 5.00pm Friday and before 5.00pm Sunday evening return.

HIRE DURATION CALCULATIONS:
A minimum of 6 days hire duration is required during Victorian school holidays. At other times caravans and weekenders may be hired for durations of from 2 days (weekends) to 2 months (longer with U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd approval)
Unless otherwise agreed and noted on the hire agreement, travel must be kept strictly within Victoria and no more that 50km into NSW or South Australia.

RETURN OF HIRED CARAVAN OR WEEKENDER:
If I have hired an equipped caravan/weekender from U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd I will return it to the U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd business address as set out in this hire agreement on the date and by the time as agreed upon. I understand that there will be an additional charge of $35.00 per hour (minimum 2 hours) for retrieval of that item if not returned to the address as set out in the hire agreement.
I also understand that I will be charged the total market value of the hired item/s if not returned to the U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd location as set out in the hire agreement. This is not negotiable.
Signed:…………………………………. Date:………………..

RENTERS/HIRERS LICENCES
A current, Australian or International driving licence is required for identification purposes. (If an International driving licence, a copy of the current passport must also be provided) Caravans and weekenders must not be towed by any unlicenced driver. If the driver is not licenced the insurance cover is deemed void and the total market value will be charged to the hirer if the unit is damaged.

UNAUTHORISED AND PROHIBITED USE:
Persons who must not tow U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd caravans and weekenders are:
• A person who is not identified on the hire agreement
• A person whose blood alcohol concentration exceeds the lawful percentage
• A person whose vehicle licence has been cancelled or suspended
• A person who is under the influence of a legal or illicit drug
• A person who holds a learners or probationary licence to drive a vehicle

All insurance cover will be deem void if any of the above terms are breached

RENTERS AGE:
The minimum age for renters of U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd caravans or weekenders is 21 years. The maximum age is 75 years. (Special terms may be agreed upon depending upon the circumstances)

CREDIT CARD TRANSACTIONS:
We strongly recommend that you bring an internationally accepted credit card
We only accept Bankcard, Mastercard, Visa and AMEX
A handling fee of 2.5% will apply to Bankcard, Mastercard and Visa.
A handling fee of 3% will apply to AMEX

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS:
Prices quoted are subject to change and U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd reserves the right to update or alter the pricing structure from time to time. By entering into the hire agreement you authorize U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd to charge the credit card provided/nominated or any other credit card provided for your bond/security deposit (and you will pay on demand any balance) with the following charges:
• All hire charges specified in the hire agreement
• When cash is tendered as payment for the total hire, damage protection and bond, three forms of identification are required: 1) Photo drivers licence, 2) copy of passport or credit card/medicare card, 3) Bank or Solicitor reference in writing.
• All charges claimed from U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd in respect of parking or any other traffic infringements incurred during the hire period
• All loss or damage to hired item/s (including loss of use) for caravans/weekenders/camping equipment, legal expenses, towing & recovery charges where:
i) You have left the caravan or weekender unlocked or left the key in the door
ii) You have not kept the key secure and under your personal control
iii) The caravan or weekender is totally or partially immersed in water regardless of the cause
iv) The interior of the caravan or weekender is damaged regardless of the cause
v) The caravan or weekender is damaged by driving it under an object lower than the caravans or weekenders height
vi) You have failed to rectify and notify U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd of any defect or damage which causes additional damage to the caravan or weekender
vii) For any damage to the caravan or weekender in your care regardless of who is in the wrong

WRITING AND CALCULATING ERRORS ON THE HIRE AGREEMENT:
The charges as set out herein are not final. Should a written and/or calculation error occur, I authorize U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd to charge my credit card for any shortage, or in the case of an overpayment, receive payment from U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd up to a maximum amount of the overcharge
Signed:………………………………. Date:……………………..

TAXES & CHARGES:
A handling fee will be charged on all credit card transactions which involve payment for hired items. This is levied to cover financial institution charges. GST is not included in our hire rates and is payable at time of pick up or when full payment is made, whichever is earlier.

GAS:
The initial fill of gas is included in our hire rate. Should you run out of gas you will need to refill the gas bottle at your own expense. It is not necessary to fill the gas bottle upon return of the caravan at the end of the hire period.

U-TOW CARAVAN HIRE PTY LTD’s LIABILITY:
U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd will not be under any liability to the hirer for any loss or damage caused through delay in delivery of the hired items that is caused through accidents or by reason of the items not being as already described, or not being suitable for the clients purposes. U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd will also not be liable for loss of time, change in drop off location or damage through natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, hailstorms, etc.

TYRE DAMAGE:
Tyres are subject to the clauses of the selected Insurance Cover. Authorisation for repair or replacement MUST be obtained from U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd. Failure to do so will void your coverage on tyres. With CIL Insurance you are responsible for all damage occasioned to tyres and all associated costs to repair or replace these tyres. (including blowouts and tyre staking)

OVERLOADING:
Do not overload caravans or weekenders past their stated limit. (or the limit of the vehicle and towbar). U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd will not accept any liability if these items are breached.

VALUABLES:
U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for valuables left in the caravan or weekender or stolen from these hired items. Please do not leave valuables in the hired item because of possible theft. In major cities it is advisable to leave the caravan or weekender in the caravan park. Please note: Insurance on personal property is your responsibility.

TRANSFERS:
Transfers to and from U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd for hirers are not included in the hire price. It is the clients, and their passengers, responsibility to make their way to and from U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd.

CARAVAN/WEEKENDER AND EQUIPMENT CONDITION:
We aim to present our caravans and weekenders immaculately. Before departure please take a few minutes to inspect the hired unit with our staff and discuss, and have noted, any exterior, interior or general blemishes. At drop off we inspect the units with you so that you are satisfied that you will not be held responsible for problems that were not caused during your hire. After drop off we clean the hired items and carry out a general inspection to ensure everything is clean and safe for the next hirer. Any dents or paint damage, or missing/damaged equipment will be repaired at your cost (copies of the quote/invoice will be provided to you) Excessive amounts of mud, wet annexes requiring drying, food/drink spillage on fabrics or excessive scratches on paintwork requiring polishing may attract an additional cleaning fee of up to $100.00. Cooking and kitchen utensils will be returned clean. Excessively soiled bedding or other items will attract a cleaning fee. This may take a few days to finalise.

CLEANING BOND:
As part of the $350.00 bond, $50.00 is a cleaning bond. This cleaning bond will also be returned on completion of the hire provided that all items are in a clean condition. This cleaning bond will be forfeited if all of the items are not returned in a clean condition.

ANIMALS & PETS
U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd does not allow for the carriage of pets or any animals in their caravans or weekenders whilst on hire. Carriage of pets of animals will render the contract void, and the hire bond and the cleaning bond will be retained and used to have the hired item properly cleaned and fumigated.

HIRE REFUSAL:
U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd reserves the right to refuse any hire, or continuation of any hire at its discretion.

REPAIRS:
U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd caravans and weekenders are always fully maintained and serviced. This does not stop occasional breakdowns and small problems. Minor repairs up to $50.00 will be reimbursed upon production of receipts on completion of the hire. Should larger problems be encountered please ring our manager on 0400 777 698 for further assistance. U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd will then approve the repairs if the hirer was not directly responsible for the damage. In all cases the responsibility of U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd is limited to refunding for the time that the unit was actually in repair. No alternative accommodation or food items will be paid for during the down time. Malfunction of microwaves, stoves, refrigerators or water pump are not considered mechanical breakdowns and downtime will not be paid for these items. Towing and retrieval of caravans or weekenders to the closest repairer or U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd business address is not covered under CIL Insurance and is the responsibility of the hirer. This cost will be charged to the hirers credit card or bond/security held. In the event of an accident resulting in the hired item being damaged, it is the clients responsibility to make their way to U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd base to collect a replacement caravan or weekender if one is available. If not available the remaining time may be credited to their next hire at the rate of 50% of the remaining hire time.

MAINTENANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF CARAVANS & WEEKENDERS
Joint hirers and all renters of tow caravans and weekenders are jointly and severally responsible under the hire agreement. The hirer will be held responsible for any damage occasioned to the hired items if they are used in a manner for which they were not intended to be used. No volatile, corrosive, flammable or explosive materials or liquids may be carried in or on the caravans or weekenders.

ROAD RESTRICTIONS:
U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd caravans and weekenders are for on-road use only. They may be towed on good quality, well maintained, formed roads consisting of bitumen, concrete or gravel surfaces and on the entry and exit to caravan parks only.

EQUIPMENT HIRE
All equipment as detailed in the price list may be given for hire if available and may be collected on unit pick up. Extras must be booked in advance. The hirer is responsible for the return of the equipment supplied at the commencement of the hire period.

BOOKING DEPOSIT:
A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is required to be paid upon confirmation of your booking. The full amount of your hire is required 14 days prior to the commencement of the hire. The bond/security is payable upon departure. Please note that booking deposits are non-refundable if cancellation occurs, but will be noted as a credit for a future booking.

SECURITY DEPOSIT:
Security deposit for insurance – On departure of the hired items a $350.00 bond/security deposit is payable. Please note that this however excludes water damage. We recommend that customers wishing to insure personal belongings consider taking out personal travel insurance. Please note that the bond/security on items is non-refundable if damage occurs. The security may be paid for on your credit card or cash, cheques are not accepted. This is refunded upon satisfactory return of all items.

DAMAGE COVER:
All caravans & weekenders are insured for damage and 3rd party property damage. but if the hirer is responsible for the damage liability, their security will be used to cover damage expenses and will not be refunded. Digital cameras may be used to take photographs of the hired items on pick up and again when returned. Any additional damage will be the responsibility of the hirer.
The excess level of the hirer’s damage protection is $350.00 being the security/bond amount.

POTENTIAL LIABILITY
The potential liability based on industry experience is as indicated below:
Caravans:
Tyres - $225.00, Towing & retrieval - $1000.00, Awning - $1380.00
Weekenders:
Tyres - $125.00, Underbody damage - $800.00, Awning - $1250.00

ACCIDENTS:
Most accidents occur for the following reasons:
Driving too fast, Driving on the wrong side of the road, Turning across the face of oncoming traffic, Driving while sleepy & tired, Collisions with animals, Whilst reversing, Driving while intoxicated, driving at night.

CONTRACTUAL RIGHTS:
By signing this hire agreement you accept that the terms and conditions make this an Australian Contract and you will be bound by the Australian State Law in which this State is contracted in. This contract over-rides any other contract taken in any other country. Any changes made to this contract must be in writing and signed on behalf of U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd and the hirer. U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd makes no expressed or implied warranty in relation to this agreement.

AWNING/ANNEX DAMAGE OR REPLACEMENT COSTS:
All cost associated with the full replacement or damage repairs to the awning or annex, where included , shall be borne by the hirer. A copy of repair or replacement invoices shall be forwarded to you.

KEYS:
The hirer will be responsible for the cost to replace keys that have become lost or broken, or retrieval of keys that have been locked in a caravan. The cost of a locksmith traveling to the caravan is at the hirers expense.

PAYMENT IN AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS
All payments will be made in Australia and in Australian Dollars only. No Foreign Currency is accepted.

DISCLAIMER
All illustrations, line drawings and text in any of our brochures or advertising material, including the internet, are a representation only of the hire items depicted. Variances in any items offered for hire could occur due to modifications and/or upgrades.

EXCHANGE RATE / CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS
All credit card transactions are conducted in Australian Dollars. Due to exchange rate fluctuations there could be some variance in the amount initially debited against the credit card and the amount refunded when the hirer item is returned. U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility for these variances, up or down.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Problems associated with the hire of an item must be reported in writing to U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd during the actual hire period – we do not accept liability for any claims submitted after that period.

VARIABLE RATE – BOOKINGS
Rates as advertised on the U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd internet page are set in $AUD. Variable rates may fluctuate on a daily basis. If a confirmed booking needs to be changed for whatever reason, U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd reserves the right to recalculate your booking at the applicable rate level at that time. This may lead to a higher or lower rate than originally confirmed.

I also understand that if there is any damage the $350.00 security bond will be lodged as the insurance excess and that this is duly authorized by me. I understand that any other liability that is in excess of the security bond held will be owing to U-Tow Caravan Hire Pty Ltd from my account/savings/credit card.