1. Definitions

• "Company": Refers to AK Vehicle Rental Ltd, located at 19 Underwood Road, Paisley, PA3 1TH.
• "Hirer": The individual or entity renting the vehicle.
• "Vehicle": The car, van, minibus, truck, or any other vehicle provided by the Company for rental.
• "Rental Agreement": The signed contract between the Hirer and the Company, incorporating these Terms and Conditions and any applicable insurance policies.

2. Rental Eligibility and Driver Requirements

• Age Restrictions:
  • Drivers must be between 23 and 75 years old.
  • Ages 23-25: Minimum 2 years of full UK driving experience.
  • Ages 25-75: Minimum 1 year of full UK driving experience.
• Licence Requirements:
  • A full UK photo driving licence is required.
  • Holders of the old-style paper licence must provide additional official photo ID.
  • If hiring a 7.5-tonne vehicle or larger, an Operator's Licence may be required.
• DVLA Check:
  • The Hirer must provide a DVLA check code or National Insurance number to verify their licence.
  • If unavailable, a £5 fee applies for a premium-rate DVLA licence check.
• Proof of Address:
  • The Hirer must provide two proofs of address from the last three months (e.g., utility bill, bank statement, council tax bill).
• Restricted Occupations:
  • You must notify us if you are an entertainer, musician, professional sportsperson, scrap metal merchant, model, general dealer, market trader, street trader, or involved in gambling or racing.

3. Payment Terms

• Deposit:
  • A £100 deposit is required for all hires, payable by card or cash.
  • Deposits paid by card may take up to 3 working days to be refunded.
• Payment Methods:
  • All hires must be paid by credit or debit card.
• Additional Drivers:
  • An extra charge of £15 per additional driver per hire applies.

4. Insurance and Liability

• Company-Provided Insurance:
  • Standard insurance is included in the rental.
  • Excess and coverage details are outlined in the Rental Agreement.
  • The Hirer is responsible for any damage or loss not covered by insurance.
  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is available to reduce liability, subject to an additional fee.
  • Insurance does not cover towing, overhead damage (above the windscreen), or unauthorised use.
• Customer-Provided Insurance:
  • If the Hirer chooses to use their own insurance, they must provide proof of comprehensive cover.
  • The Company must be listed as an interested party on the policy.
  • The Hirer is fully liable for any costs if insurance is insufficient.

5. Vehicle Use and Restrictions

• Permitted Use:
  • The vehicle must be used in compliance with all UK traffic laws and regulations.
• Prohibited Use:
  • The vehicle must not be used for:
    • Off-road driving.
    • Racing, pace-making, or competitions.
    • Towing without prior written consent.
    • Transporting illegal goods or substances.
    • Carrying passengers for hire or reward.
    • Exceeding weight limits or carrying more passengers than legally allowed.
  • The vehicle must not be driven under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Smoking or vaping inside the vehicle is strictly prohibited. A £80 cleaning fee will be charged if evidence of smoking is found.

6. Rental Period and Extensions

• Rental Duration:
  • The rental period is stated in the Rental Agreement.
  • If the Hirer exceeds the agreed return time, they will be charged at the current daily rate.
• Early Termination:
  • The Company may terminate the rental early if the Hirer breaches any terms.
  • The Hirer must immediately return the vehicle upon request.
  • Any costs incurred in recovering the vehicle will be charged to the Hirer.

7. Collection, Return, and Fuel Policy

• Collection Hours:
  • Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Saturday: 8 AM - 1 PM
  • Sunday: 9 AM - 1 PM
• Return Conditions:
  • The vehicle must be returned at the agreed time and location.
  • Late returns may incur additional charges.
  • If returning out-of-hours, the Hirer remains responsible for the vehicle until it has been checked in.
• Fuel Policy:
  • The vehicle must be returned with the same fuel level as when hired.
  • If refuelling is required, the Company will charge for fuel plus a £25 refuelling fee.
  • The Hirer is liable for any damage caused by using incorrect fuel.

8. Breakdowns and Accidents

• Breakdowns:
  • Contact the Company immediately for roadside assistance.
  • Replacement vehicles are subject to availability.
• Accidents:
  • Report all accidents to AK Vehicle Rental and the relevant authorities immediately.
  • The Hirer must complete an accident report form.
  • If an accident results in vehicle loss or damage, the Hirer remains liable for any excess.

9. Fines, Penalties, and Additional Charges

• The Hirer is responsible for:
  • Parking fines, toll charges, speeding fines, congestion charges.
  • Traffic offences or penalties incurred during the rental period.
  • A £25 admin fee will apply to any penalty payments handled by the Company.

10. Cancellations and Refunds

• Cancellation Policy:
  • More than 5 days" notice: Full refund.
  • 48 hours to 5 days" notice: Full credit valid for 6 months.
  • Less than 48 hours" notice: No refund or credit.
• No-Shows:
  • Failure to collect the vehicle without prior notice may result in a loss of deposit.

11. Liability and Legal Compliance

• The Company is not liable for:
  • Loss of profit or indirect damages caused by vehicle failure.
  • Loss or damage to personal belongings left in the vehicle.
  • Delays in vehicle availability due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Governing Law:
  • These terms are governed by Scottish law, and any disputes shall be resolved in Scottish courts.

12. Amendments

• The Company reserves the right to amend these terms at any time.
• Updates will be communicated via the website or directly to customers.