Sterling and Kiwicar Rentals Terms and Conditions
Hirer’s Liability
The Hirer acknowledges that he or she shall be liable in respect of the agreed bond for damage or loss (including windscreens) referred to in the insurance cover specified below. The Hirer agrees that is he/she has presented a charge card by way of bond or payment for the hire, that any actual or consequential liability arising out of the rental agreement may be billed directly to his/her charge card and that the cardholder’s signature will be deemed to have been made on the appropriate charge voucher.
The Hirer’s Obligation
The Hirer shall ensure that:
- The water in the radiator and battery of the vehicle is maintained at the proper level
- The oil in the vehicle is maintained at the proper lever
- The tyres of the vehicle are maintained at their proper pressure
- The Hirer shall ensure that ensure that all reasonable care is taken in handling and parking the vehicle and that it is left securely locked when not in use
Owners Obligation.
The Owner shall supply the vehicle in a safe and roadworthy condition
The owner shall be responsible for all ordinary and extraordinary costs of running the vehicle during the term of the hire except that by the terms of the rental agreement those costs are payable by the Hirer
Mechanical Repairs and Accidents
If the vehicle is damaged or requires repair or salvage, whether because of an accident or breakdown, the Hirer shall advise the owner of the full circumstances by telephone as soon as possible.
The Hirer shall not undertake any repairs or salvage without the authority of the Owner except to the extent that the repair or salvage are necessary to prevent further damage to the vehicle or other property
The Hirer shall ensure that no person shall interfere with the distance recorder or speedometer or except in an emergency, any part of the engine, transmission, braking or suspension system of the vehicle.
Use of the Vehicle
The Hirer shall not permit the vehicle to be used for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward unless the vehicle is hired with the knowledge of the Owner for use in a passenger service licensed under the Transport Services Licensing Act 1989.
The Hirer shall not-
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a. Sublet or hire the vehicle to anyother person
b Permit the vehicle to be operated without his or her authority
c Operate the vehicle, or permit it to be operated, in circumstances that constitute an offence to the driver against section 58 of the Transport Act 1962 (which relates to driving or attempting to drive with excess breath or blood alcohol or operate under the influence of any drink or drug)
d Operate the vehicle or permit it to be operated in any race, speed test, rally or contest
e Operate the vehicle or permit it to be operated to tow or propel any other vehicle
f Operate the vehicle or permit it to be operated in breach of the Transport Act 1962, the Traffic Regulations 1976 or any other Act, regulations or bylaws relating to road traffic
g Operate the vehicle or permit it to be operated for the transfer of more than the number of passengers or more than the weight of the goods specified in the certificate of the loading of the vehicle
h Drive or permit the vehicle to be driven by any other person if at the time of driving the vehicle the Hirer of the vehicle is not the holder of a current drivers licence appropriate for the vehicle.
Where damage to the vehicle is caused by a breach of clauses (above a - h ) the hirer shall be responsible for the full cost of repair notwithstanding that collision damage waiver may have been purchased.
Return of the Vehicle
a The Hirer shall at or before the expiry of the term of hire, deliver the vehicle to the location specified on the cover of the contract at the time of signing, or obtain the Owners consent to the continuation of the hire.
B If the vehicle is returned and it is our opinion that it is extensively dirty outside or inside, then a $50.00 cleaning fee will be charged.
Immediate Return of Vehicle Where Default or Damage
The Owner shall have the right to terminate the hiring and take immediate possession of the vehicle if the hirer fails to comply with any of the terms of agreement, or if the vehicle is damaged. The termination of the hire under this clause shall be without prejudice to other rights of the Owner and the rights of the Hirer under the agreement or otherwise
Insurance Conditions
Subject to the exclusions set out below, the Hirer, and any driver authorised to drive the vehicle, is fully indemnified in the respect of any liability he or she might have to the Owner in respect of the loss or damage of the vehicle and it’s accessories and spare parts, and any consequential loss of revenue or other expenses of the Owner, including towage and salvage costs associated with the recovery of the vehicle and its accessories and spare parts. Subject to the exclusions set out below, the Hirer, and any driver authorised to drive the vehicle, is, indemnified to the extent of $1,000,000 in respect of any liability he or she might have for damage to any property (including injury to any animal) belonging to any other person and arising out of the use of the vehicle.
Exclusions to Insurance Cover
The indemnities referred to above shall not apply where the damage, injury or loss arises when
A The driver of the vehicle is under the influence of alcohol or any drug that affects his or her ability to drive the vehicle
B The vehicle is in an unsafe or unroadworthy condition that arose during the course of the hire and that caused or contributed to the damage or loss, and the Hirer or driver was aware or ought to have been aware of the unsafe or unroadworthy condition of the vehicle
C The vehicle is operated in any race, speed test, rally or contest
D The vehicle is driven by any person not named on the rental contract agreement
E The vehicle is driven by any person who at the time when he or she drives the vehicle is disqualified from holding or has never held a drivers licence appropriate for the vehicle.
F The vehicle is wilfully or recklessly damaged by the Hirer or any other person named on the agreement or driving the vehicle under the authority of the hirer, or is lost as a result of wilful or reckless behaviour of the Hirer or any such person
G The vehicle is operated outside the term of the hire or any agreed extension of the term
H The vehicle is operated in breach of aforementioned conditions
I In the event that the driver is charged with an offence as a result of an accident, the hirers liability is increased to $10,000
J The vehicle is operated on any of the following roads, Skippers Canyon, any beaches.
It is agreed between the owner and the Hirer that section 11 of the Insurance Law Reform Act 1977 shall apply to the above as if this clause constituted a contract of Insurance.
The general effect of this provision is that an exclusion will not apply if the hirer proves on the balance of probability that the damage was not caused or contributed to by the matters to which the exclusion applies.
Replacement of the Vehicle
In the event of an accident no refund of unused hire will be made. Provision of a replacement vehicle is at the owner’s discretion.
Windscreen and Tyre Damage
Broken windscreen, punctures and damaged tyres are at the cost of the hirer
Where vehicles are fitted with radio, radio/cassette player, air con and any other accessories, these are supplied “gratis” and do not form any part of the Rental Contract unless specifically stated
Note to Hirer.
The owner must give you at least one copy of the agreement. A copy must be kept in the vehicle throughout the term of the hire and produced on demand by any police officer, or other authorised employee of the Ministry of Transport.
Each unpaid traffic infringement will incur a $30 administration fee
Replacement of vehicle keys charge is $150,00
There are no refunds on unused days
The standard excess on each vehicle is $1500, a non refundable collision damager waiver option is available at a cost of $10.00 per day to reduce the excess to $750 or $15 to reduce said excess to $250.00. Insurance is fully comprehensive.
Drivers age 20 years incur a $2000 excess, collision damge waiver option is not available.
Hire Periods
Hires will be charged at a 3 day minimum per Island. One day same city hires are available, however please not that any collision damage waiver purchased must be done so at a 3 day minimum rate to reduce the standard excess.
Ferry Crossings
Sterling Rental Cars may either be taken on the ferry at the clients own cost, or returned to the depot on either side of the Cooks Strait and a fresh vehicle collected on the next Island. 3 days notification is required for any changes to crossing dates or previously unplanned crossings to allow for vehicle availability. Ferry crossings are not arranged by the Car Rental Company.
Additional Days
Any extra days booked and not requested via the clients agent will be charged at the standard hire rate and not at the prepaid agent rate.
Accessories
Child seats/capsules, Ski & Snowboard racks/Chains can be supplied with prior notification at a cost of $2.00 per item per day.
Late Fees
Late pick ups can be arranged subject to availability and the managers discretion outside of office hours, however these will incur a cost of $60 which must be paid at the time of pick up by cash or credit card.
Transfers
Courtesy Transfers can be arranged for all clients to and from the airport and from hotel and motels within a 10km radius of the depot. Please note we do not collect from private addresses.




