CI Car Hire

CI CAR HIRE
VEHICLE RENTAL AGREEMENT
Terms and Conditions

This Vehicle Rental Agreement comprises of:
(a) the Rental Agreement;
(b) these Terms and Conditions; and
(c) the Vehicle Inspection Form.

Together, these documents form the entire agreement between CI Car Hire (ABN 83 581 345 195) ("CI Car Hire", "we", "our" or "us") and the person signing the Rental Agreement ("Hirer", "you" or "your").
By signing the Rental Agreement, the Hirer acknowledges and agrees, that they have read, understood and agree to be legally bound by these Terms and Conditions.
They accept full responsibility for the Vehicle throughout the Rental Period and they remain responsible for ensuring that every person permitted to drive the Vehicle complies with this Agreement. The Hirer further warrants that all information provided to CI Car Hire is true and correct.

DEFINITIONS
Agreement: This Vehicle Rental Agreement, including the Rental Agreement, these Terms and Conditions and the Vehicle Inspection Report.
Authorised Driver: The Hirer and any person whom the Hirer permits to drive the Vehicle in accordance with this Agreement. The Hirer remains fully responsible for the actions, omissions and conduct of every person driving the Vehicle during the Rental Period.
CI Car Hire: CI Car Hire (ABN 83 581 345 195).
Damage: Includes mechanical, structural, cosmetic, electrical, interior and exterior damage, whether visible or concealed.
Final Inspection: The inspection completed by CI Car Hire after the Vehicle has been returned.
Hirer: The person who enters into the Rental Agreement and accepts responsibility for the Vehicle.
Loss of Use: The reasonable loss of rental income suffered by CI Car Hire while the Vehicle is unavailable for hire due to damage, repairs or recovery.
Rental Charges: All charges payable under this Agreement, including rental fees, excesses, cleaning charges, fuel charges, administration fees and any other lawful charges.
Rental Period: The period commencing when the Vehicle is collected and ending when it has been returned and accepted by CI Car Hire.
Third Party Loss: Loss, damage, liability, costs or claims suffered by another person arising from the use of the Vehicle.
Vehicle: The rental vehicle, including its tyres, keys, accessories, equipment and any replacement vehicle provided by CI Car Hire.
Your Account: The credit card, debit card, security bond or other payment method nominated by the Hirer for payment of all amounts payable under this Agreement.

1. VEHICLE CONDITION, RETURN AND MONITORING
1.1 The vehicle will be supplied in a clean and good operating condition, subject to any existing damage or defects recorded in the Vehicle Inspection Form. A pre-rental inspection form will be completed and signed.
1.2 The Hirer is responsible for taking reasonable care of the Vehicle throughout the Rental Period and must return it in the same condition in which it was collected. Fair wear and tear is expected. For the purpose of this Agreement, fair wear and tear does not include, but is not limited to broken or chipped windscreens, cuts or sidewall damage to tyres, underbody damage, dents or paint damage, scratches, smoke or other odours, and/or damage resulting from negligence or misuse.
1.3 The Hirer must retain control of all Vehicle keys throughout the Rental Period. Lost or damaged keys, key fobs or remote entry devices will incur a replacement charge of $500.
1.4 CI Car Hire reserves the right to repossess the vehicle without notice and at your expense if the vehicle is used in violation of this agreement or law, or appears to be abandoned.
1.5 The Vehicle must be returned at the agreed date and time, to the agreed return location, with all keys, accessories and equipment, in a reasonably clean condition and with a full tank of fuel. Failure to return the vehicle at the agreed date and time without prior written approval may result in additional charges.
1.6 CI Car Hire will conduct a Final Inspection after the Vehicle has been returned, cleaned and thoroughly assessed. Where additional damage is identified during the Final Inspection, CI Car Hire may recover the reasonable costs in accordance with this Agreement.
1.7 Some vehicles are fitted 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.
1.8 Dashcam footage may be used for accident investigation, insurance claims, dispute resolution and enforcement of this Agreement. Interference with, disabling, disconnecting or obstructing a dash camera constitutes a breach of this Agreement and may result in insurance being reduced, excluded or voided. Unless required for investigation or legal purpose, dash camera recordings will be deleted.
1.9 Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all Vehicle collections and returns will occur at Christmas Island Airport. Where the Hirer requests an alternative collection or return location, the following service fees apply:
•Collection or return: $50
•Collection and return: $95

2. INSURANCE, LIABILITY AND RECOVERY OF LOSSES
2.1 CI Car Hire provides basic insurance for the Vehicle during the rental period. The applicable insurance excess is $3,500 for each separate incident or accident. The Hirer is responsible for payment of this excess in the event of any damage or loss covered by these terms and conditions.
2.2 To the extent permitted by law, the Hirer remains liable for any loss or damage not covered by insurance, any third-party claims, any damage arising from a breach of this Agreement and any other amount recovered under this Agreement.
2.3 Insurance may be void if the Vehicle is driven recklessly, negligently, carelessly, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, by an unauthorised or ineligible driver, in breach of Australian road laws, or contrary to these Terms and Conditions.
2.4 Following any accident, collision or incident involving the Vehicle, the Hirer must immediately notify CI Car Hire, report the incident to the Australian Federal Police on Christmas Island within two hours, undergo an alcohol test within two hours of the incident where requested by CI Car Hire and cooperate fully with the investigation.
2.5 Where the Vehicle is declared a total loss (“written off”) due to reckless driving, negligent driving, driving under the influence, deliberate misuse, criminal conduct, in breach of Australian road laws or any material breach of this Agreement, the Hirer is liable for the full market value of the Vehicle together with the applicable vehicle importation costs (currently $13,000), in additional to any other amount recoverable under this Agreement.
2.6 Where damage results from reckless driving, negligent driving, driving under the influence, deliberate misuse, criminal conduct, in breach of Australian road laws or any material breach of this Agreement, the Hirer agrees to compensate CI Car Hire for all reasonable losses arising from that incident, including but not limited to repair costs, replacement parts, freight charges, towing and recovery charges, administration costs, legal recovery costs and demonstrated Loss of Use while the Vehicle is unavailable for hire.
2.7 The Hirer acknowledges that replacement parts, specialist repairs and replacement vehicles may not be immediately available on Christmas Island. Delays caused by freight schedules, supplier availability, shipping disruptions or other circumstances beyond the reasonable control of CI Car Hire do not affect the Hirer's liability for Loss of Use or any other amounts recoverable under this Agreement.
2.8 The Hirer authorises CI Car Hire to debit or charge the nominated credit card, debit card, security bond or other approved payment method for all amounts lawfully payable under this Agreement.
2.9 CI Car Hire strongly recommends that all Hirers obtain comprehensive travel insurance that includes cover for the vehicle rental excess, flight delays or cancellations, accommodation costs, and other travel-related expenses.

3. AUTHORISED USE OF THE VEHICLE
3.1 The Hirer accepts full responsibility for the Vehicle throughout the Rental Period and must ensure that every Authorised Driver complies with this Agreement. The Hirer accepts full financial and legal responsibility for all acts, omissions, damage, losses, costs, fines, infringements and breaches of this Agreement committed by any person driving the Vehicle during the Rental Period, whether or not that person is named in the Rental Agreement.
3.2 Eligible drivers must be at least 21 years of age, hold a valid and current driver’s licence for at least two years, and not have a suspended or cancelled license in the last year.
3.3 The vehicle may only be used on existing roads that are legally accessible to the public and properly formed and constructed as a sealed, metalled or gravel gazetted road.
3.4 The Vehicle must not be driven into, under, over or through any object, obstacle or hazard that may reasonably be expected to cause damage to the roof, sides, mirrors, underbody, tyres or any other part of the Vehicle. This includes, but is not limited to, low-clearance structures, overhanging branches, rocks, tree stumps, gutters, kerbs, drains, potholes, floodwaters, and narrow openings that do not provide at least 30 cm clearance on either side of the Vehicle, including its mirrors.
3.5 The vehicle must not be used in a dangerous or wilfully negligent, careless or reckless manner.
3.6 Prohibited uses include racing, towing (without authorisation), driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and transporting illegal goods.
3.7 The rental vehicle must not be towed, winched, recovered or transported by any person or organisation other than CI Car Hire or a recovery provider authorised by CI Car Hire.
3.8 Unauthorised towing or recovery that results in damage to the vehicle will be entirely at the hirer's expense.
3.9 The Hirer must immediately stop driving the Vehicle and notify CI Car Hire if an engine warning light appears, an oil pressure warning light appears, the engine overheats, braking performance is affected, steering becomes unsafe, or any other fault develops that may cause further damage if the Vehicle continues to be driven.
3.10 The Hirer acknowledges that Christmas Island contains unique driving hazards, including robber crabs, fallen trees, coconuts, landslides, heavy rainfall and roads with limited lighting. The Hirer and every Authorised Driver must adjust their driving to suit the prevailing road and weather conditions and exercise reasonable care to avoid damage to the Vehicle.

4. PAYMENTS, FEES AND FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
4.1 The Hirer agrees to pay all Rental Charges, fines and charges incurred during the rental period.
4.2 The Hirer irrevocably authorises CI Car Hire to debit or charge the nominated credit card, debit card or other approved payment method for all amounts lawfully payable under this Agreement, including but not limited to rental charges, rental extensions, insurance excesses, cleaning fees, fuel charges, damage, loss of use, towing, recovery costs, repair costs, administration fees, traffic infringements and any other costs arising from a breach of this Agreement.
4.3 The Hirer acknowledges that repair costs may not be immediately available due to the remote location of Christmas Island, limited availability of parts and repair services, shipping schedules and supplier delays. Such delays do not affect the Hirer's obligation to pay all reasonable amounts recoverable under this Agreement.

5. DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES AND SAFETY OBLIGATIONS
5.1 The Hirer and every Authorised Driver must exercise reasonable care when driving, reversing, parking and otherwise operating the Vehicle and must not continue driving if aware of any fault that may make the Vehicle unsafe or likely to cause further damage.
5.2 The Hirer must not repair, modify, dismantle, authorise repairs or arrange servicing without the prior written approval of CI Car Hire. Unauthorised repair costs will not be reimbursed unless approved in advance.
5.3 The Hirer must ensure that, all loads are properly secured, the Vehicle is not overloaded, passengers are carried safely and that all children travelling in the Vehicle are restrained in accordance with Australian law. Unless otherwise agreed, CI Car Hire does not provide child restraints and accepts no responsibility for their installation or suitability.
5.4 The Hirer must take reasonable care when parking the Vehicle and should avoid parking beneath trees, coconut palms or other locations where falling branches, coconuts or debris may cause damage.
5.5 The Hirer acknowledges that parts of Christmas Island have limited or no mobile phone reception. Before travelling to remote areas, CI Car Hire strongly recommends that the Hirer obtains a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) from the Christmas Island Police Station (available free of charge).
5.6 The Hirer is solely responsible for allowing sufficient time to return the Vehicle before any scheduled flight or other travel arrangements. CI Car Hire accepts no liability for missed flights, cancelled travel, accommodation expenses, alternative transport costs, loss of income or any consequential loss arising from traffic delays, weather conditions, breakdowns, accidents, road closures or any other circumstance beyond CI Car Hire's reasonable control.

6. DRIVER ELIGIBILITY, IDENTIFICATION AND VERIFICATION
6.1 Before the commencement of the Rental Period, the Hirer must provide a valid and current driver’s licence (held for at least two years), a valid credit or debit card or other approved payment method acceptable to CI Car Hire and any additional identification reasonably requested by CI Car Hire.
6.2 International driver’s licences are accepted where the licence is written in English or accompanied by an official translation.
6.3 CI Car Hire reserves the right to request additional identification or proof of residence.
6.4The Hirer warrants that all information supplied to CI Car Hire is true, accurate and complete.
6.5 The Hirer may permit another person to drive the Vehicle only if that person satisfies the eligibility requirements set out in this Agreement. The Hirer remains fully responsible for ensuring that every additional driver complies with this Agreement and accepts full legal and financial responsibility for all acts, omissions, damage, losses and liabilities arising from their use of the Vehicle.

7. ACCIDENTS, BREAKDOWNS AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
7.1 Following any accident, collision, breakdown or incident involving the Vehicle, the Hirer must immediately stop the Vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.
7.2 The Hirer must notify CI Car Hire as soon as reasonable practicable, and no later than two hours after any accident, collision or damage.
7.3 Where required by law, or where any person is injured, property is damaged, or requested by CI Car Hire, the Hirer must immediately notify Christmas Island Police Officers, and provide CI Car Hire with the police event number as soon as it becomes available.
7.4 Where requested by CI Car Hire, the Hirer must obtain an alcohol test within two hours of the incident where reasonably practicable.
7.5 Where it is safe to do so, the Hirer must obtain the names and contact details of all drivers involved, registration numbers of all vehicles involved, photographs of the accident scene, photographs of all vehicle damage and witness names and contact details.
7.6 CI Car Hire will use reasonable endeavours to provide roadside assistance as soon as practicable. However, the Hirer acknowledges that Christmas Island is a remote location where assistance may be delayed due to limited personnel, weather conditions, road access, freight schedules, availability of replacement parts, availability of replacement vehicles and other circumstances beyond CI Car Hire's reasonable control.

8. FUEL, TYRES AND VEHICLE OPERATING COSTS
8.1 The vehicle must be returned with the same fuel level at the commencement of the Rental Period. Where the Vehicle is returned with less fuel than recorded at collection, CI Car Hire will charge the Hirer the cost of replacement fuel at a rate of $4:00 per liter and a refuelling administration fee of $50.
8.2 The Hirer must ensure that only the fuel type specified by CI Car Hire is used. The Hirer is solely responsible for any loss or damage arising from the use of incorrect fuel.
8.3 If incorrect fuel is introduced into the Vehicle, the Hirer must stop refuelling immediately, not start or continue operating the Vehicle, immediately notify CI Car Hire and follow any reasonable instructions provided by CI Car Hire. Failure to comply with this clause may result in the Hirer being liable for all additional damage caused. The Hirer is responsible for all reasonable costs associated with draining, repairing or replacing components damaged as a result of incorrect fuelling. Where the Vehicle has been operated after incorrect fuel has been added, a minimum charge of $2,500 applies, without limiting CI Car Hire's right to recover any additional losses where the actual costs exceed this amount.
8.4 The Hirer is responsible for inspecting the tyres during the Rental Period and must take reasonable care to avoid tyre damage. Where a tyre becomes flat or damaged, the Hirer must notify CI Car Hire as soon as reasonably practicable.
8.5 Where CI Car Hire is requested to attend and assist with a flat tyre, a minimum call-out fee of $100 will apply. This fee does not include tyre repairs, replacement tyres, or any additional recovery costs.
8.6 The Hirer is responsible for all tyre, wheel and rim damage occurring during the Rental Period unless the Hirer can demonstrate that the damage resulted solely from normal wear and tear or a pre-existing defect. Tyre damage includes, but is not limited to punctures, cuts, sidewall damage, impact damage, rim damage and damage resulting from striking kerbs, potholes, rocks or other hazards.

9. CLEANING AND SMOKING
9.1 The Hirer must return the Vehicle in a reasonably clean condition, allowing for ordinary use during the Rental Period. The Vehicle must be free from excessive dirt, mud, sand, rubbish and other contamination.
9.2 Where the Vehicle requires cleaning beyond what would reasonably be expected from ordinary use, CI Car Hire may charge the Hirer the reasonable cost of cleaning.
9.3 Smoking, vaping and the use of illicit substances inside the Vehicle are strictly prohibited. Where smoking or vaping occurs, a minimum cleaning charge of $300 will apply, together with any additional reasonable costs required to remove smoke odours or contamination. Where the Vehicle is unavailable for hire while being cleaned, CI Car Hire may also recover any demonstrable Loss of Use.

10. PERSONAL PROPERTY
10.1 The Hirer is solely responsible for removing all personal property from the Vehicle before returning it.
10.2 CI Car Hire is not responsible for any loss, theft or damage to personal property left in the Vehicle.

11. RENTAL EXTENSION OR TERMINATION
11.1 The Hirer has no right to retain the Vehicle beyond the agreed Rental Period unless CI Car Hire has approved an extension in writing. Where an extension is approved, additional rental charges apply at the rate determined by CI Car Hire.
11.2 CI Car Hire may immediately terminate the Rental Agreement where the Hirer breaches this Agreement, provides false information, uses the Vehicle unlawfully, fails to pay Rental Charges, places the Vehicle at unreasonable risk or fails to comply with reasonable directions given by CI Car Hire.

12. GENERAL TERMS
12. 1 The Hirer indemnifies CI Car Hire against all reasonable losses, liabilities, claims, damages, costs and expenses arising from breach of this Agreement, negligent or unlawful use of the Vehicle, damage caused by the Hirer or any Authorised Driver or any act or omission of the Hirer or an Authorised Driver.
12.2 The Hirer must not sell, lease, mortgage, pledge or otherwise deal with the Vehicle or any interest in the Vehicle.
12.3 Nothing in this Agreement excludes, restricts or modifies any right or remedy available under the Australian Consumer Law or any other law that cannot lawfully be excluded.
12.4 If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force and effect.
12.5 CI Car Hire reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version applicable to the rental will be the version provided to the Hirer at the commencement of the Rental Period.

13. CANCELLATION POLICY
13.1 30 days or more before vehicle collection: Full refund of the total booking amount (excluding any non-refundable agent booking fee, if applicable).
13.2 Between 29 and 8 days before vehicle collection: 50% refund of total booking amount.
13.3 7 days or less before vehicle collection: No refund
13.4 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.