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Rental Agreement

Effective: October 1, 2025  ·  Last updated: June 6, 2026

This Rental Agreement governs every vehicle rental transaction with SureRentals. By collecting a vehicle, you agree to all terms below.

This agreement is binding. By signing the rental voucher at vehicle collection, or by completing a booking online, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to all terms of this Rental Agreement. Please retain a copy for your records.

1. Definitions

In this Rental Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set out below:

Term Meaning
"Company", "we", "us" SureRentals, the vehicle rental company.
"Renter", "you" The person named as primary driver on the booking confirmation.
"Authorised Driver" Any additional driver listed on the Rental Agreement and approved by us in writing.
"Rental Period" The period commencing at vehicle collection and ending at vehicle return, as specified in the booking confirmation.
"Vehicle" The motor vehicle, including all accessories, spare tyres, tools and documentation, supplied under this Agreement.
"Rental Agreement" This document, the booking confirmation, the insurance schedule and any other documents incorporated by reference.
"Excess" The maximum amount you are liable to pay in the event of damage or theft, depending on the insurance option selected.
"Bond" A pre-authorisation security hold placed on your credit or debit card at the time of vehicle collection.
"Loss" Any damage to, or theft or loss of, the Vehicle or third-party property arising during the Rental Period.
"NZD" New Zealand Dollars, the currency of all pricing and charges.

2. Renter Obligations

By entering into this Agreement, the Renter agrees to:

  1. Operate the Vehicle safely, lawfully and in accordance with all New Zealand road rules and legislation at all times during the Rental Period.
  2. Only allow Authorised Drivers (as listed on this Agreement) to drive the Vehicle.
  3. Return the Vehicle to the agreed drop-off location on or before the agreed return date and time, in the same condition as collected, fair wear and tear excepted.
  4. Immediately report any accident, damage, mechanical fault, theft or vandalism to the Company, regardless of whether the Renter considers the damage minor.
  5. Not abandon the Vehicle. If the Vehicle becomes unroadworthy, contact our 24/7 roadside assistance line immediately.
  6. Take reasonable steps to secure the Vehicle at all times — lock all doors and windows, activate the alarm where fitted, and never leave keys unattended in the Vehicle.
  7. Maintain adequate fuel, tyre pressures and engine oil throughout the Rental Period.
  8. Use only the fuel type specified on the fuel cap label and in the rental documentation.
  9. Ensure all passengers wear seatbelts at all times when the Vehicle is in motion.
  10. Ensure the Vehicle is not overloaded beyond its stated maximum passenger capacity or payload.

3. Authorised Drivers

Only the Renter and any Additional Drivers named on and approved under this Agreement may operate the Vehicle. To be approved as an Authorised Driver, each person must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age at the time of rental commencement.
  • Hold a current, valid driver licence (New Zealand, Australian, or International Driving Permit) and present the original at vehicle collection.
  • Have held a full (not learner or restricted) driver licence for a minimum of 12 months.
  • Not be disqualified from driving in any jurisdiction.
  • Be approved in writing by the Company prior to driving the Vehicle.

Additional drivers must be added at or before vehicle collection. An additional driver fee applies per driver per day (see current rates). Allowing an unauthorised person to drive the Vehicle immediately voids all insurance cover and renders the Renter fully liable for any Loss.

4. Vehicle Collection & Return

4.1 Collection

At the time of collection, the Renter must present:

  • A current, valid original driver licence (not a copy). Licences not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
  • The booking confirmation email or reference number.
  • A credit or debit card in the Renter's name with sufficient available funds to cover the bond amount.
  • A second form of photo identification (e.g. passport) may be requested for international visitors.

The Company will conduct a pre-rental vehicle inspection with the Renter. Any existing damage will be documented on a Vehicle Condition Report. The Renter must review and agree to this report before driving the Vehicle. Any damage not recorded on the Condition Report at collection will be the Renter's responsibility.

4.2 Return

The Vehicle must be returned:

  • To the agreed drop-off location by the agreed date and time stated in the booking confirmation.
  • With the same quantity of fuel as at collection (full-to-full or as otherwise agreed in writing).
  • Clean inside and out, reasonable use excepted. An excessive cleaning fee of up to $250 NZD applies if the Vehicle is returned in an unacceptably dirty condition.
  • With all accessories, documentation and spare equipment as supplied at collection.

A post-rental inspection will be conducted at return. If the Renter is not present for the return inspection, the Company's assessment of the Vehicle condition at the time of inspection shall be final and binding, subject to photographic evidence.

4.3 Late Return

Vehicles returned more than 59 minutes after the agreed return time will be charged an additional day at the applicable daily rate. Advance notice of a late return must be given and is subject to vehicle availability. The Company reserves the right to charge the Renter's card on file for late return fees without further notice.

5. Fuel Policy

All vehicles are supplied with a full tank of fuel and must be returned full. The Renter is responsible for refuelling at their own cost before returning the Vehicle.

If the Vehicle is returned with less fuel than at collection, the Company will charge the Renter for the cost of fuel required to refill the tank, plus a refuelling service fee of $35 NZD.

The correct fuel type (petrol, diesel or electric charging) is indicated on the fuel cap and in the vehicle documentation. Misfuelling — putting the wrong fuel type into the Vehicle — is not covered by any insurance option. All costs arising from misfuelling (including recovery, tank draining, fuel system repairs and loss of use) are the full and sole liability of the Renter.

6. Traffic Infringements, Tolls & Fines

The Renter is solely responsible for all parking fines, traffic infringement notices, road tolls (including Northern Gateway Toll, Tauranga Eastern Link and other tolled roads), congestion charges, and any other government or local authority charges incurred during the Rental Period.

Where the Company receives a fine or toll notice on behalf of the Renter, we are legally required to provide the Renter's details to the relevant authority. An administration fee of $25 NZD per infringement notice will be charged to the Renter's card on file to cover the cost of processing.

Outstanding fines or tolls not paid by the Renter within 14 days of notification may be referred to a debt collection agency and reported to the relevant credit bureau.

7. Insurance Cover

The Company maintains comprehensive vehicle insurance on its fleet. The Renter's liability under each insurance option is as follows:

Option Excess Bond Cost
Peace of Mind $1,500 NZD None $52.00/day
Assured $3,000 NZD None $42.00/day
Basic $6,000 NZD $3,000 NZD FREE

All insurance options exclude cover for:

  • Damage to the undercarriage, roof, windows, tyres or interior if caused by negligence or prohibited use
  • Damage or theft resulting from leaving keys in the Vehicle or failing to lock the Vehicle
  • Damage caused while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (BAC exceeding NZ legal limit of 0.05)
  • Damage caused by a non-Authorised Driver
  • Damage resulting from use of incorrect fuel type (misfuelling)
  • Damage resulting from use of the Vehicle in a manner prohibited by this Agreement
  • Consequential losses, loss of personal property left in the Vehicle, or personal injury (covered by ACC in New Zealand)

8. Excess & Bond

At vehicle collection, the Company will place a pre-authorisation hold (bond) on the Renter's credit or debit card. This is not a charge — it is a temporary hold that reserves funds in case of damage or other charges.

In the event of a Loss:

  • If the cost of Loss is less than the Excess, the Renter is liable for the actual cost of the Loss.
  • If the cost of Loss equals or exceeds the Excess, the Renter is liable up to the Excess amount only (subject to the exclusions in Section 7).
  • If the Loss results from excluded conduct (Section 7), the Renter is fully liable for all costs with no cap.

Where no Loss occurs and all charges are settled, the bond hold will be released within 5–10 business days of vehicle return. The exact release time depends on the Renter's bank or card issuer.

9. Damage & Incident Procedure

In the event of any accident, damage, theft or incident involving the Vehicle, the Renter must:

  1. Ensure safety first. Call 111 (New Zealand emergency services) immediately if anyone is injured or in danger.
  2. Contact the Company on +64 27 7873 227 as soon as practicable, regardless of the time of day or night.
  3. Gather information. Record the names, addresses, vehicle registrations, licence plate numbers, insurer details and contact information of all parties involved. Photograph the scene and all damage if it is safe to do so.
  4. Do not admit liability or make any payment or promise to any third party without the Company's written consent.
  5. Report to Police if legally required (e.g. where there is injury, significant property damage, or the other party fails to stop). Obtain a Police event or job number.
  6. Complete an Accident/Incident Report Form (available from the Company) within 24 hours of the incident.

Failure to comply with these steps may result in the Renter being held fully liable for the entire cost of any Loss, regardless of the insurance option selected.

10. Prohibited Use

The Vehicle must not be used:

By an unlicensed or non-Authorised Driver
While the driver is under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that impairs driving ability
For racing, rallying, pace-making, speed testing or any competitive event
To carry passengers or goods for hire or reward (rideshare, taxi or courier services)
To push, tow or pull any other vehicle, trailer or load unless specifically authorised in writing
Off-road or on unsealed roads not maintained for regular traffic (unless a 4WD vehicle with prior written approval)
On beaches, riverbeds, in floodwater or in any area where the vehicle could become stuck
To transport any illegal substance, prohibited goods, or hazardous materials
Outside the territorial limits of New Zealand
In any manner that contravenes the New Zealand Land Transport Act 1998 or Road User Rule 2004

Any prohibited use immediately voids all insurance coverage under this Agreement. The Renter will be held fully liable for all Loss, costs and third-party claims arising from prohibited use.

11. Breakdown & Emergencies

In the event of a mechanical breakdown or roadside emergency:

  1. Move the Vehicle to a safe location off the road if possible and activate hazard lights.
  2. Call our 24/7 roadside assistance line immediately: +64 27 7873 227.
  3. Do not authorise any repairs or towing without our prior written approval. Unauthorised repair costs will not be reimbursed.
  4. Keep all receipts for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a direct result of the breakdown (e.g. emergency accommodation if you are stranded). These may be reimbursed at the Company's discretion.

The Company will arrange replacement transport where reasonably practicable, subject to vehicle availability. We are not liable for any consequential loss or inconvenience resulting from a mechanical breakdown.

Breakdowns caused by the Renter's negligence (e.g. running out of fuel, misfuelling, driving through floodwater, or damage to the Vehicle from prohibited use) will be charged to the Renter in full, including towing, recovery and repair costs.

12. Liability

12.1 Company Liability

The Company's liability to the Renter is limited to the direct costs of the rental transaction. The Company is not liable for:

  • Loss or damage to personal belongings left in or on the Vehicle
  • Consequential, indirect or economic loss of any kind
  • Delays caused by mechanical breakdown, traffic, weather or any other factor beyond our reasonable control
  • Loss arising from a change in booking due to vehicle unavailability where a substitute vehicle of equivalent class has been offered
12.2 Renter Liability

The Renter is fully liable for:

  • All damage to the Vehicle occurring during the Rental Period up to the applicable Excess amount (or in full if exclusions apply)
  • Loss or damage to third-party property or persons, beyond what is covered by the Company's third-party liability insurance
  • All traffic infringements, tolls, and related administrative fees
  • The full cost of any Loss arising from prohibited use or excluded conduct
  • Recovery, towing and storage costs where the Vehicle is abandoned or the breakdown is due to Renter negligence
12.3 Personal Injury

Personal injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident in New Zealand is covered by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) scheme. Neither the Renter nor the Company may sue for personal injury compensation in New Zealand.

13. Charges Summary

The following standard charges apply in addition to the base rental rate. Amounts are in NZD and inclusive of GST:

Charge Amount
Late return (per additional day) Daily rate at time of rental
Refuelling service fee $35 NZD + cost of fuel
Excessive cleaning fee Up to $250 NZD
Smoking/vaping in vehicle Up to $300 NZD
Traffic infringement admin fee $25 NZD per notice
Lost key replacement At cost (minimum $250 NZD)
Lost or damaged documentation $50 NZD
Unauthorised driver surcharge Full liability for all Loss
Misfuelling recovery & repair Full cost — not covered by insurance
Towing (due to renter negligence) At cost
Recovery from off-road/beach/flood area At cost
Battery jump-start (due to renter negligence) $75 NZD call-out fee
Unauthorized one-way return At the Company's discretion

All charges are subject to change. Current rates will be confirmed at the time of booking and at vehicle collection.

14. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute arising from this Agreement, the parties agree to the following process:

  1. Direct negotiation: Contact us at info@surerentals.co.nz or +64 27 7873 227 within 14 days of the dispute arising. We will endeavour to resolve the matter within 10 business days.
  2. Mediation: If direct negotiation fails, either party may request mediation through an agreed independent mediator, with costs shared equally.
  3. Disputes Tribunal: Claims up to $30,000 NZD may be referred to the New Zealand Disputes Tribunal. Decisions of the Disputes Tribunal are binding on both parties.
  4. Court proceedings: For claims exceeding the Disputes Tribunal jurisdiction, proceedings may be brought in the New Zealand District Court or High Court, as appropriate.

This Agreement is governed by the laws of New Zealand. The parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.

15. Entire Agreement

This Rental Agreement, together with the booking confirmation, insurance schedule, Vehicle Condition Report, and any other documents incorporated by reference, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, warranties and understandings.

If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

The Company's failure to enforce any right or provision of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.

This Agreement may not be assigned by the Renter without the Company's prior written consent.

Questions About Your Rental?

Our team is available 7 days a week to answer any questions about this Agreement or your rental.

3 Buckley Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023, New Zealand