Terms & Conditions

1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions:

• "Company," "We," "Us," "Our" refers to Guardian Transports, located at 7 Ellis Street Frankton, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand.
• "Customer," "You," "Your" refers to the individual or entity using our services.
• "Services" refers to vehicle rental services and passenger transport services provided by Guardian Transports.
• "Vehicle" refers to any van, bus, or transport vehicle provided by Guardian Transports for rental or transport services.
• "Rental Agreement" refers to the contract between Guardian Transports and the Customer for vehicle rental.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By making a booking, renting a vehicle, or using our transport services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, along with our Privacy Policy.

We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.

3. Vehicle Rental Services

3.1 Eligibility Requirements

To rent a vehicle from Guardian Transports, you must:

• Be at least 21 years of age (main driver/hirer)
• Additional drivers must be at least 18 years of age
• Drivers aged 21–24 years may be subject to additional insurance excess as specified at the time of booking
• Hold a valid full driver's licence (NZ or approved overseas licence)
• Provide valid government-issued photo identification
• Provide a valid credit or debit card for payment and security deposit
• Not have any serious driving convictions in the past 5 years

3.2 Booking and Payment

• All bookings must be made through our website, phone, or email
• Payment is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation
• A security deposit is required at vehicle pickup and will be refunded upon safe return
• We accept major credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers

3.3 Vehicle Use and Restrictions

You agree to:

• Use the vehicle only for lawful purposes
• Drive only on sealed roads within New Zealand
• Not use the vehicle for racing, competitions, or commercial transport (unless agreed)
• Not sublet or lend the vehicle to any other person
• Not allow anyone else to drive unless they are listed as an additional driver
• Not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Comply with all New Zealand road rules and traffic laws

4. Insurance and Liability

4.1 Insurance Coverage

All rental vehicles include comprehensive insurance with a standard excess of NZD $5,000. This excess can be reduced through optional insurance upgrades.

4.2 Customer Liability

You are liable for:

• The insurance excess for any damage to the vehicle during the rental period
• All damage if insurance is voided due to breach of these terms
• Replacement or repair costs for items not covered by insurance
• Towing and recovery costs if the vehicle is improperly used
• Traffic fines, parking tickets, and toll charges incurred during your rental

4.3 Insurance Voidance

Insurance coverage is void if:

• The vehicle is driven off-road or on unsealed roads
• The driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• The driver does not hold a valid license
• The vehicle is used for illegal purposes
• Damage results from intentional or reckless behavior

5. Cancellation and Refunds

5.1 Hirer Cancellations

If the hirer cancels a confirmed booking, the Company reserves the right to apply the following cancellation fees, calculated as a percentage of the total hire charges:

• 10% cancellation fee for cancellations made more than seven (7) days prior to the scheduled commencement of the hire
• 25% cancellation fee for cancellations made within seven (7) days or less prior to the scheduled commencement of the hire
• 50% cancellation fee for no-shows, or for cancellations made within forty-eight (48) hours of the scheduled hire commencement where the Company has not been notified in advance

Cancellation fees may be deducted from any amounts already paid or charged to the hirer's nominated payment method.

5.2 Company-Initiated Cancellations

The Company reserves the right to cancel a booking at any time where it is unable to provide the vehicle due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Mechanical failure, breakdown, or damage to the vehicle
• Safety, compliance, or roadworthiness concerns
• Vehicle unavailability due to prior hire issues or delays
• Incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information provided by the hirer
• Non-payment, declined payment, or suspected fraudulent activity
• Events of force majeure, including accidents, natural disasters, government restrictions, or emergencies

Where the Company cancels a booking under this clause, all amounts paid by the hirer will be refunded in full. The Company shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or additional costs incurred by the hirer, including alternative transport, accommodation, or loss of use.

5.3 Changes to Bookings

Any request to change hire dates, pickup time, return time, or location must be made in writing and is subject to vehicle availability and applicable fees. Changes are not confirmed until acknowledged by the Company.

6. Passenger Transport Services

6.1 Service Description

Our transport services include:

• Airport transfers
• Event transportation
• Wedding and corporate transport
• Accessible transport for passengers with mobility needs

6.2 Passenger Responsibilities

Passengers must:

• Be at the designated pickup location at the agreed time
• Behave respectfully towards drivers and other passengers
• Not bring prohibited items (weapons, illegal substances, etc.)
• Follow driver instructions regarding safety
• Inform us in advance of any special requirements (wheelchair access, child seats, etc.)

6.3 Flight Delays

For airport transfers, we monitor flight times and accommodate reasonable delays at no extra charge. However, delays exceeding 2 hours may incur additional waiting fees.

7. Payment Terms

• All prices are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and include GST
• Payment is due at the time of booking unless otherwise arranged
• Late payment may result in cancellation of your booking
• We reserve the right to adjust prices without prior notice
• Promotional offers are subject to availability and specific terms

8. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Guardian Transports is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
• Our total liability shall not exceed the total amount paid for the service
• We are not responsible for personal belongings left in vehicles
• We are not liable for delays caused by weather, traffic, or other circumstances beyond our control

9. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for details on how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

10. Complaints and Disputes

If you have a complaint about our services, please contact us at info@guardiantransports.co.nz or call 021 533 800.

We will make every effort to resolve complaints within 14 business days. If a resolution cannot be reached, disputes shall be governed by the laws of New Zealand and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.

11. General Terms

• Severability: If any provision of these terms is found invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force
• Waiver: Failure to enforce any right does not constitute a waiver of that right
• Assignment: You may not assign your rights under these terms without our written consent
• Entire Agreement: These terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Guardian Transports