Great Ocean Road Prestige Hire
Damage Policy
This Damage Policy forms part of the rental agreement between Great Ocean Road Prestige Hire (“we”, “us”, “our”) and the renter (“you”).
By proceeding with a booking and signing the rental agreement, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this policy.
1. Renter Responsibility
1.1 You are responsible for the vehicle from the time of pickup until it is returned and accepted by us following inspection.
1.2 This responsibility includes damage to, or loss of, the vehicle and its components, including but not limited to exterior, interior, wheels, tyres, glass, underbody, mechanical components (where caused by misuse), keys, and accessories.
2. Vehicle Inspections
2.1 A pre-rental inspection is conducted prior to vehicle handover and documented using photographs and written records.
2.2 A post-rental inspection is conducted following vehicle return using the same method.
2.3 Any damage identified during the post-rental inspection that was not recorded during the pre-rental inspection may be reasonably assessed as having occurred during the rental period, based on the available evidence.
3. Security Bond
3.1 A security bond is required for all rentals and is held as a pre-authorisation on your nominated payment card.
3.2 Depending on the outcome of the return inspection, the bond may be released in full, partially deducted, or retained to cover damage, cleaning, administrative costs, or insurance excess.
4. Chargeable Damage
4.1 Chargeable damage includes damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, including but not limited to wheel damage, tyre damage not caused by road hazards, paint damage, underbody damage, windscreen damage, interior staining or odours, incorrect fuel use, and damage caused by misuse or prohibited conduct.
4.2 Normal wear and tear that was clearly documented prior to the rental period is excluded.
5. Prohibited Use
5.1 You must not operate the vehicle in a reckless or negligent manner or engage in prohibited activities including burnouts, drifting, track use, driving on unsealed roads, driving under the influence, or allowing unauthorised drivers.
5.2 Damage resulting from prohibited use may void any applicable insurance coverage and may result in you being liable for the full cost of repairs and associated losses.
6. Dashcam and GPS Systems
6.1 The vehicle is equipped with dashcam and GPS tracking systems.
6.2 By entering into the rental agreement, you consent to the collection and use of footage and data for the purposes of assessing damage, investigating incidents, supporting insurance claims, and resolving disputes.
7. Repairs and Costs
7.1 Where damage is identified, we may obtain one or more repair quotes from qualified repairers.
7.2 You will be provided with supporting evidence, including inspection records, photographs, and repair quotes.
7.3 Reasonable repair and administrative costs may be deducted from the bond.
8. Insurance and Excess
8.1 Where an insurance claim is required, the applicable insurance excess may be deducted from the bond.
8.2 You remain liable for any costs not covered by insurance, including where damage arises from prohibited use or exclusions under the policy.
9. Bond Release
9.1 Where no damage or additional charges apply, the bond will be released following the return inspection.
9.2 Release timeframes vary by financial institution and typically range between 2–10 business days.
10. Disputes
10.1 If you dispute a damage charge, you may request supporting evidence, including inspection records and repair documentation.
10.2 Nothing in this policy limits your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
Damage Liability and Charges
This clause forms part of the rental agreement between Great Ocean Road Prestige Hire (“we”, “us”, “our”) and the renter (“you”).
1. Liability for Damage
1.1 You are liable for damage to the vehicle that occurs during the rental period, to the extent that such damage is reasonably assessed as having arisen during your rental and is not attributable to fair wear and tear or pre-existing condition.
1.2 Chargeable damage includes, but is not limited to, exterior and interior damage, wheel and tyre damage, windscreen damage, underbody damage, mechanical damage caused by misuse, and loss or damage to accessories.
2. Evidence and Review
2.1 Vehicle condition is documented through pre-rental and post-rental inspections, including photographs and written records.
2.2 Dashcam footage and GPS data may be reviewed to assist in determining the cause of damage, driving behaviour, and compliance with rental terms.
3. Insurance Excess and Uninsured Damage
3.1 Where damage results in an insurance claim and you are at fault, you are liable to pay the applicable insurance excess, being $__.
3.2 Where damage arises from prohibited conduct, negligence, or breach of the rental agreement, insurance coverage may be limited or excluded, and you may be liable for the full cost of repairs and associated losses.
4. Wheel, Tyre, and Windscreen Damage
4.1 Damage to wheels, tyres, and windscreens, including kerbing, punctures, cuts, or cracks, is chargeable unless otherwise required by law.
5. Cleaning and Odours
5.1 Excessive cleaning required due to smoke odours, spills, biohazards, or unreasonable soiling may result in cleaning fees being charged.
6. Additional Charges
6.1 Kilometres driven in excess of the agreed allowance will be charged at the rate specified in the rental agreement.
6.2 Tolls, parking fines, speeding infringements, and other penalties incurred during the rental period remain your responsibility and may be charged to your bond or recovered separately.
7. Consumer Law
7.1 Nothing in this clause limits or excludes your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
8. Acceptance
By proceeding with a booking and signing the rental agreement, the renter acknowledges and accepts this Damage Policy.