Terms & Conditions

Important information about renting vehicles from DS Rent A Car

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Last Updated: October 2025 | Effective Date: October 12, 2025

1. General Terms

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your rental of vehicles from DS Rent A Car ("Company", "we", "us", "our"). By renting a vehicle from us, you ("Customer", "Renter", "you") agree to be bound by these Terms.

1.1 Agreement Acceptance

By signing the rental agreement, making a booking, or taking possession of a rental vehicle, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

1.2 Definitions

  • Rental Vehicle: Any car, van, motorbike, or other vehicle rented from DS Rent A Car
  • Rental Period: The time between vehicle pickup and return as specified in the rental agreement
  • Authorized Driver: Any person listed on the rental agreement who is permitted to drive the vehicle
  • Additional Driver: Any additional person authorized to drive the rental vehicle

2. Eligibility Requirements

2.1 Age Requirements

  • Minimum age: 21 years for cars and vans
  • Minimum age: 18 years for motorbikes (with valid motorcycle license)
  • Maximum age: 70 years (subject to medical clearance if required)
  • Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge

2.2 License Requirements

  • Valid driving license held for minimum 1 year
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) required for foreign visitors
  • Motorcycle license required for motorbike rentals
  • Commercial license may be required for certain vehicle categories

2.3 Documentation

All renters must provide:

  • Valid passport or national identity card
  • Valid driving license (original document)
  • International Driving Permit (for foreign nationals)
  • Credit card in the primary driver's name for security deposit

3. Booking & Payment

3.1 Booking Process

  • Advance booking is recommended (minimum 24 hours)
  • Bookings are subject to vehicle availability
  • Confirmation is required before vehicle pickup
  • Special requests cannot be guaranteed but will be accommodated when possible

3.2 Payment Terms

  • Payment is due at the time of vehicle pickup
  • We accept cash, credit cards, and bank transfers
  • Security deposit is required and held until vehicle return
  • Additional charges may apply for services used during rental

3.3 Security Deposit

  • Security deposit varies by vehicle category (Rs. 25,000 - Rs. 100,000)
  • Deposit is refundable upon satisfactory vehicle return
  • Deductions may be made for damages, fuel, or additional charges
  • Deposit refund processed within 7-14 business days

4. Vehicle Use

4.1 Authorized Use

The rental vehicle may only be used for:

  • Personal transportation and tourism
  • Business purposes (with prior notification)
  • Travel within Sri Lanka only (unless specifically agreed)
  • Normal road conditions and paved roads

4.2 Prohibited Uses

The rental vehicle must NOT be used for:

  • Racing, competition, or speed testing
  • Commercial delivery or courier services
  • Towing or pushing other vehicles
  • Off-road driving or unsuitable terrain
  • Transportation of illegal goods or substances
  • Subletting or re-renting to third parties

4.3 Vehicle Condition

  • Vehicle must be returned in the same condition as received
  • Normal wear and tear is acceptable
  • Any damage must be reported immediately
  • Vehicle interior must be reasonably clean

5. Insurance & Liability

5.1 Included Insurance

  • Third-party liability insurance (mandatory in Sri Lanka)
  • Basic collision damage waiver (with excess)
  • Theft protection (with excess)
  • Personal accident insurance for driver and passengers

5.2 Insurance Excess

  • Standard excess applies to all damage claims
  • Excess can be reduced with additional insurance coverage
  • Full coverage insurance available at additional cost
  • Excess amounts vary by vehicle category

5.3 Customer Liability

Customer is liable for:

  • Damage caused by negligent or reckless driving
  • Damage to vehicle interior (beyond normal wear)
  • Loss of keys, documents, or accessories
  • Traffic fines and violations incurred during rental
  • Damage from prohibited use of vehicle

6. Fuel Policy

6.1 Full-to-Full Policy

  • Vehicle is provided with full fuel tank
  • Customer must return vehicle with full tank
  • Fuel receipt may be required for verification
  • Refueling should be done within 10km of return location

6.2 Refueling Charges

  • Service fee applies if vehicle returned without full tank
  • Fuel costs charged at current market rates plus service fee
  • Pre-paid fuel packages available for customer convenience
  • Electric vehicle charging instructions provided separately

7. Damages & Repairs

7.1 Damage Reporting

  • All damages must be reported immediately
  • Police report required for major accidents
  • Photos and documentation must be provided
  • Unauthorized repairs are not permitted

7.2 Repair Authorization

  • Emergency repairs up to Rs. 10,000 permitted without authorization
  • Major repairs require company approval
  • Original receipts required for all repairs
  • Company reserves right to inspect all damage

7.3 Damage Assessment

  • Professional assessment conducted for all damage claims
  • Repair costs based on authorized service centers
  • Diminished value may be charged for significant damage
  • Total loss procedures apply when repair costs exceed vehicle value

8. Cancellation Policy

8.1 Customer Cancellation

  • Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup
  • 50% cancellation fee for cancellations 24-48 hours before pickup
  • Full charge for cancellations less than 24 hours before pickup
  • No-shows are charged full rental amount

8.2 Company Cancellation

  • Company reserves right to cancel bookings due to vehicle unavailability
  • Alternative vehicle of similar category offered when possible
  • Full refund provided if suitable alternative unavailable
  • Force majeure events may result in cancellation without penalty

8.3 Early Return

  • No refund for early returns on daily rentals
  • Partial refund available for early returns on weekly/monthly rentals
  • Minimum rental period charges apply regardless of early return
  • Administrative fee may apply for processing early returns

9. Driving Restrictions

9.1 Geographic Restrictions

  • Driving limited to Sri Lanka territory only
  • Some remote areas may require special permission
  • Beach driving and off-road use prohibited
  • Certain roads may be restricted during specific conditions

9.2 Driver Restrictions

  • Only authorized drivers listed on agreement may drive
  • Additional drivers must be registered and approved
  • Additional driver fee applies for each extra driver
  • All drivers must meet eligibility requirements

9.3 Mileage Restrictions

  • Unlimited mileage on most rental packages
  • Some special offers may include mileage restrictions
  • Excess mileage charges apply when limits exceeded
  • Odometer readings recorded at pickup and return

Customer Acknowledgment

By renting a vehicle from DS Rent A Car, you acknowledge that:

  • You have read and understood these Terms and Conditions
  • You agree to be bound by all terms and provisions
  • You understand your rights and responsibilities as a renter
  • You acknowledge the insurance coverage and limitations
  • You accept liability for damages and violations as outlined