Damage Policy
At Golden Dust UK Ltd , we strive to provide clean, safe, and well-maintained rental vehicles for every customer. This Damage Policy outlines your responsibilities, inspection requirements, reporting procedures, and potential fees for damages incurred during the rental period. By confirming a booking, you agree to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a transparent and fair rental experience.
1. Customer Responsibility
The renter is responsible for the condition of the vehicle from the moment it is handed over until it is returned to the rental provider. Any damage, mechanical failure caused by negligence, loss of parts, or interior wear beyond normal use will be assessed to the customer unless covered under a purchased protection plan or insurance package.
2. Pre-Rental Vehicle Inspection
Customers are responsible for inspecting the vehicle thoroughly at pickup. Pre-existing dents, scratches, windshield chips, tire conditions, interior defects, and functionality of lights or mirrors must be reported immediately to the rental provider. Failure to report such issues may result in the customer being held liable for them upon return.
3. Post-Rental Inspection & Damage Assessment
Upon return, the rental company will conduct a detailed inspection. If new damage is found, the customer may be charged for:
- Repair or replacement costs
- Labor charges
- Loss of use fees (vehicle downtime)
- Administrative processing fees
Charges may vary depending on the severity of damage and provider-specific policies.
4. Normal Wear & Tear
“Normal wear and tear” refers to minor imperfections that occur through regular usage, such as small surface scratches or minimal upholstery marks. However, significant damage—including deep scratches, dents, rips, stains, broken components, or cigarette burns—is not considered normal and will be billed to the customer.
5. Reporting Damage or Accidents
Customers must immediately report any accident, damage, theft, vandalism, or vehicle malfunction to both the rental provider and local authorities (where required). Delay in reporting incidents may result in denied insurance claims, increased liability, or additional charges.
6. Insurance & Protection Plans
The rental provider may offer insurance options such as:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
- Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
- Tire & Glass Protection
- Theft Protection Coverage
Customers are encouraged to review policy inclusions, exclusions, deductibles, and limitations before accepting any coverage. Declining protection plans may result in full financial liability for damages.
7. Excluded Damage Types
The following damages are generally excluded from insurance or waiver coverage and will be fully billed to the customer:
- Damage due to reckless or aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Off-road driving or using the vehicle outside permitted areas
- Damage caused by unauthorized drivers
- Misfueling or engine damage caused by negligence
- Violation of traffic laws or road rules
8. Tire, Windshield & Interior Damage
Customers will be charged for:
- Flat or damaged tires
- Cracked or broken windshields/windows
- Damaged mirrors
- Interior spills, pet damage, stains, or odors
- Burn marks or torn upholstery
Unless the renter purchased specific coverage, these costs remain fully chargeable.
9. Theft or Total Loss
In cases of theft or total loss of the vehicle, customers may be responsible for the full value of the vehicle unless Theft Protection Coverage was purchased. A police report must be filed immediately; failure to do so may void insurance.
10. Unauthorized Repairs
Renters may not perform any repairs, replacements, or mechanical work on the vehicle without written authorization from the rental supplier. Unauthorized repairs may void insurance and result in additional penalties.
11. Loss of Use Fees
If a vehicle is unavailable for rental due to damage caused by the customer, a daily “loss of use” fee may be charged for each day the vehicle is being repaired or cannot be rented out. This fee is in addition to repair costs.
12. Customer Negligence
Any damage or loss caused by negligence—including leaving the vehicle unlocked, losing keys, failing to secure the vehicle, or ignoring warning indicators—will result in full liability for repair or replacement costs.
13. Documentation & Proof of Damage
Rental providers may provide detailed documentation such as:
- Photos or videos of the damage
- Repair estimates or invoices
- Inspection reports
- Incident or police reports
Customers may request this documentation before charges are finalized.
14. Administrative & Processing Fees
The rental provider may charge administrative fees related to handling the damage claim, including:
- Claim processing
- Repair coordination
- Insurance paperwork
- Vehicle logistics
15. Acceptance of This Damage Policy
By renting a vehicle through Golden Dust UK Ltd , you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted the terms outlined in this Damage Policy. We reserve the right to modify or update this policy at any time. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of revised terms.
