Rental Terms and Conditions
If you wish to read the rental contract in its most formal format, identical to the one you will receive when you pick up the vehicle, click here.
If you wish to read the rental rules and terms in more everyday language, read the text below.
» RESERVATIONS
(made at www.drivalia.pt)
The DRIVALIA rent a car service provided through its website, and provided by the company Drivalia Portugal - Automóveis de Aluguer sem Condutor, S.A. with registered offices at Rua José Fonseca Carvalho, 9 2685-869 Prior Velho, is governed by the following terms regarding payments:
i) The online request for a rental vehicle allows two payment methods: immediate (full amount) or later (most of the amount).
ii) When submitting the online car reservation for later payment, a minimum payment of 10% of the rental amount requested is required at that time; This amount is intended to guarantee a commitment to the vehicle requested and is non-refundable.
iii) The remaining amount to be paid later will be made when the vehicle is picked up (or before).
iv) Up to 24 hours before the start of the rental, on the website or by email, the reservation can be cancelled free of charge; payments made will be refunded (up to ±15 days later) except for the 10% of the rental value referred to in paragraph ii).
v) If the customer does not show up to pick up the vehicle on the day and time scheduled (the vehicle will be retained for 24 hours), DRIVALIA reserves the right to charge an additional amount for 1 day of that rental.
» TERMS OF THE RENTAL TO BE CONTRACTED
I – GENERAL CONDITIONS
Service provided
Automotive mobility is made possible by providing a vehicle to be driven normally by the person requesting the service. Depending on the written request (type of vehicle, dates/times, location), the vehicle is intended for occasional, cyclical or continuous use: rental from one to several days or even months, intermittently or uninterruptedly, requiring the issuance of a rental contract or contracts.
Basic requirements for car rental
As a general rule, the driver must have held a valid light vehicle driving license for at least 1 year and be at least 25 years old. However, there is the possibility, subject to additional charges, of accepting a reduction in the indicated age (note: for larger vehicles, the minimum age may be 30 years and the driving license 3 years). Any additional drivers – who must be identified in the rental agreement – must meet the same requirements as those mentioned above and must be requested to be included in the rental agreement, subject to a fee for each additional driver up to a maximum of three (main driver and two additional drivers).
It is also normally necessary to have a valid credit card to provide a deposit (guarantee for any damage to the vehicle) and to present a valid ID card, or equivalent document, of the driver(s).
Vehicle provided
The vehicles in the fleet of different makes and models are divided into vehicle types designated by categories – Economy, Convertible, Superior, Commercial Cargo, etc. – which in turn are subdivided into groups – A, B, C,… – more or less homogeneous (purchase value, power, dimensions, gearbox, fuel,…).
The customer requests the desired vehicle group and, with confirmation of availability at the desired location usually in the DRIVALIA network, receives the vehicle that is available within the request.
If there is a preference for specific models (brand, colour, equipment level, etc.), this must be requested in advance to see if this is possible, as models are not usually guaranteed, but rather vehicle groups.
(This may depend on the fuel, transmission, version, etc., but, for example, the following models are usually the same type of vehicle: Citroën C3, Ford Fiesta, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris, VW Polo – the customer will receive whatever is available)
DRIVALIA also reserves the right not to make the vehicle available if the driver is not fit to drive or shows signs of unsuitability.
Rate inclusions
In addition to the use of the vehicle, third party liability insurance, supplementary collision damage cover (CDW in international terminology), 24-hour roadside assistance and an international car insurance certificate are also included (authorisation must be requested for departures abroad). The vehicle must usually be picked up and returned to the same DRIVALIA station/store. Unless otherwise agreed upon and depending on the characteristics of the service requested, a certain number of kilometres are included in the cost of the service requested (usually stated in the quote). Additional kilometres may be covered and subject to an additional fee.
Excess and provision of security deposit
Excess is an amount for which the customer is legally responsible for compensation for covered and non-negligent damage that may occur to the vehicle (or similar situations, e.g. loss of documents or keys, etc.).
In order to ensure this requirement, when collecting the vehicle, it is necessary to provide a real guarantee: a deposit is made via credit card.
A certain amount (depending on the vehicle group) is used from your credit limit to pay the deposit. No cash is deposited into or out of the customer's or DRIVALIA's bank accounts. At the end of the rental transaction, if everything is in order, this amount is released. If there is any damage, it will then be used to pay for it.
More than one credit card may be used to pay the total amount of the deposit, provided that the holders are present when collecting the vehicle, as a liability document must be signed.
Charging for the rental period
The minimum rental period (via usual means except cheque) is in 24-hour increments, even if the vehicle is used for a shorter period. Depending on the distribution channel or specific commercial agreements, the rate may be subject to the rental period (longer rental periods may result in a reduction in the daily rate). The daily rate will be set according to the characteristics of the requested reservation. Except in previously agreed situations (granting of credit) or deposit of reservation (partial payment of the service), the rental payment is made when the vehicle is picked up or in advance if the customer prefers.
Fuel policy
Depending on the engine, vehicles are delivered with a certain level of petrol or diesel (they should have at least a quarter of a tank left). The customer must return the vehicle with the same level of fuel as when they received the vehicle (Same to Same). If this is not the case, the customer must pay DRIVALIA the amount of the missing fuel.
In the case of electric vehicles, it is not necessary to return the vehicle with the same level of charge as when the vehicle was received.
Vehicle circulation
DRIVALIA vehicles are intended for circulation in mainland Portugal. Any departure abroad (country: Spain) is subject to prior authorization request when booking the vehicle and, if granted, subject to the charging of a border crossing fee (to maintain the conditions of supplementary coverage for CDW collision damage and 24-hour roadside assistance).
If during the use of the vehicle, DRIVALIA becomes aware of improper use of the vehicle, whether on national or foreign soil, the company reserves the right to unilaterally terminate the rental.
Additional rental options
You can request the so-called extras: electronic toll (Via Verde device rental, requiring a credit card and the service to be requested before the rental begins; toll amounts will depend on the vehicle, highways and distances traveled), GPS navigation device, Wi-Fi device, child seats (depending on age/weight to be indicated) and additional coverage – WDW (glass coverage), PAI (personal accidents), ACDW (lock damage), RAP (premium roadside assistance), ER (excess reduction and supplementary coverage), SP (zero excess and additional coverage). Please note that, as previously explained, there will be mandatory extras: if the driver does not meet the age requirements (and this possibility is accepted subject to conditions), if there are additional drivers, if the vehicle is driven abroad (Spain), a fee for collection or return (validated) of the vehicle outside the usual hours (this may include holidays and Christmas holidays), a fee for additional kilometres (in addition to those included in the rental), a one-way fee (authorised return of the vehicle to a different location from where it was collected) or fees for any other exceptional services provided (e.g. delivery and collection of the vehicle). These extras, in accordance with the information previously provided by the customer, will be included in the booking quote or, in the absence or impossibility of this information, when collecting the vehicle (e.g. if the driver is found to be younger than the stipulated age) or at the end of the rental (e.g. additional kilometres).
II – SPECIFIC CONDITIONS
Cancellations of reservations or changes to part of the rental period
No fee is charged for cancellations of reservations except if made within 24 hours prior to collection of the vehicle, in which case the cancellation fee will be charged for one day's rental.
If advance payments are made for the rental, the amount will be refunded (up to ± 15 days later), except in the case of reservations made on www.drivalia.pt, the mandatory 10% deposit of the total rental amount.
If the customer fails to show up to collect the vehicle on the scheduled day and time (the vehicle will be retained for 24 hours), DRIVALIA reserves the right to charge an additional fee for 1 day of that rental.
Early returns of the rental vehicle will result in non-compliance with the request made to DRIVALIA, which will violate the period reserved for the customer to use the vehicle (to the detriment of possible other rentals). In other words, the terms of the rental contract are not complied with and therefore the refund of the amount for days not complied with is not guaranteed.
Advances or extensions of the rental period (and respective charges if there is another 24-hour period) require a written request for authorization from DRIVALIA so that, in the fleet/reservations management, it can verify whether this is available.
Vehicle delivery and collection – possible damages and similar
The customer must return the rented vehicle on the stipulated day, time and place (if this is not done, and after a one-hour grace period, he/she will be subject to possible additional costs and penalties) and in the same condition in which he/she received the vehicle.
If this does not occur – for example, if there is a dent/scratch on the sheet metal, chipped glass, stained/burned seats, lost or unusable documents, damaged key, missing accessories/material, burnt clutch, fuel change, etc. – the customer will have to reimburse DRIVALIA (amounts subject to a specific quote).
When the vehicle is picked up and returned, it is inspected by a DRIVALIA employee – the customer may accompany the inspection – to check for and note any damage (from previous rentals – minor repairs are not always possible to carry out immediately). This procedure, with the appropriate notes, is recorded and signed by the employee and the customer.
When the vehicle is returned and there is doubt about possible new damage, this record will serve as proof. If there is no record of previous damage, the customer must reimburse DRIVALIA.
Damages that occur during the customer's rental are also subject to the cost of immobilizing the vehicle due to repairs (resulting in loss of revenue - the vehicle is unable to be rented, causing loss of sales i.e. reservations).
If for any reason the vehicle is abandoned or is returned without the customer, the DRIVALIA inspection record of the vehicle will always prevail.
Despite the preventive and corrective maintenance carried out on vehicles, if by chance the customer notices a mechanical or electrical fault (without a serious impact on driving) shortly after leaving DRIVALIA's premises, they should immediately return to DRIVALIA to report the situation (or stop and contact DRIVALIA – or, alternatively, contact 24-hour roadside assistance) in order to avoid being held responsible for the problem.
In any case, if there are problems with the vehicle, they should contact DRIVALIA or 24-hour Roadside Assistance (contact details provided in the rental agreement and/or document bag).
If the vehicle is returned very dirty, it will be subject to an extraordinary cleaning and washing fee of up to 100 Euros (please note that before the vehicle is returned to start the rental, the vehicle is prepared in advance for a synthetic technical inspection and due sanitation – cleaning and washing).
Use of the vehicle
The customer must use the vehicle normally and prudently and ensure that it is properly locked and in a safe place when not in use. The customer must fill it with the appropriate amount of fuel (indicated in the rental agreement, in the vehicle documents, near the fuel cap) and, especially in long-term rentals (but not exclusively), check the water, oil and AdBlue levels.
Any expenses for minor repairs carried out by the customer – bulbs, fuses, oil topping up, except AdBlue – with a value exceeding 25 Euros require authorisation from DRIVALIA and, regardless of the amount, will only be reimbursed upon presentation of the invoice-receipt proving the purchase and in the name of Drivalia Portugal S.A. with tax number 502766883.
The use of DRIVALIA vehicles in sporting events (or training) is prohibited, whether official or not.
It is important to note that the customer must comply with the Highway Code, such as only transporting passengers or goods in accordance with the law or not driving under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or any substance that directly or indirectly reduces their perception and ability to react.
Fines, for example, for excessive speed, unpaid tolls and other similar infractions are the sole responsibility of the customer.
Accidents – procedure
In the event of an accident, the customer must follow the following procedures:
i) Report any and all accidents, theft, robbery or any other incidents to DRIVALIA within a maximum period of 24 hours;
ii) immediately call the police whenever third parties intervene or if the vehicle is prevented from moving;
iii) obtain the names and addresses of the people involved and witnesses;
iv) Do not abandon the vehicle without taking appropriate measures to protect and safeguard it;
v) Do not assume any liability on behalf of DRIVALIA;
vi) Provide DRIVALIA with a detailed report of the accident, including the accident report issued by the police authorities. In the event of vandalism, theft or robbery of the vehicle, it is essential to present documentary proof of the complaint to the police authorities, including the stamp of that entity and the delivery of the vehicle key.
Coverage and insurance details
Extracted from the General Conditions of the contract, which can be found at www.drivalia.pt/pt/transparencia
“...5.1 - The Renter and/or authorized driver takes out a civil liability insurance policy in accordance with the country's legal provisions, which covers the risk of personal or material damage caused to third parties, which includes the coverage detailed below, which can be found at www.drivalia.pt/pt/transparencia or at rental centers:
5.2 - CDW - Collision Damage Waiver - which generally covers damage caused to the vehicle, as well as damage resulting from Shock, Collision, Rollover, Fire, Lightning or Explosion, Theft and Robbery, Vandalism and Natural Phenomena, with the Renter being subject to the payment of a deductible, the calculation basis of which varies depending on the vehicle group. Includes RA - Road Assistance coverage.
5.3 - ER - Excess Reduction – which generally covers damage caused to the vehicle, as well as damage resulting from Crash, Collision, Rollover, Fire, Lightning or Explosion, Theft and Robbery, Vandalism and Natural Phenomena, with the Renter being subject to the payment of a deductible, reduced in relation to the deductible provided for in point 5.2, the calculation basis for which varies depending on the vehicle group. Includes RA - Road Assistance coverage.
5.4 - SP - Super Protection – which generally covers damage caused to the vehicle, as well as damage resulting from Crash, Collision, Rollover, Fire, Lightning or Explosion, Theft and Robbery, Vandalism and Natural Phenomena, with the Renter being exempt from paying the deductible and having the benefit of additional coverage, Isolated Breakage of Glass, Locks and Wheels (tyres and rims). Includes RA - Road Assistance coverage.
5.5 - WDW - Windows Damage Waiver – coverage exclusively for Isolated Glass Breakage, with the Renter being exempt from paying the deductible.
5.6 - PAI Personal Accident Insurance – Covers personal accidents, with maximum amounts of €1,500 (one thousand five hundred) Euros in the event of illness or hospitalization and €15,000 (fifteen thousand) Euros in the event of death or disability. Applicable only to passengers.
5.7 - RA - Road Assistance – Roadside assistance service for the vehicle identified in the contract and its passenger(s). This service is activated by contacting the roadside assistance insurance support line listed on the Green Card that accompanies the vehicle.
5.8 - RAP - Road Assistance Premium – the coverage described in 5.4 also includes the RA - Road Assistance Premium service. This assistance service includes Damage to the Vehicle caused by negligence under the terms defined in point 5.9 below.
This service is activated by contacting the roadside assistance insurance support line listed on the Green Card that accompanies the Vehicle.
5.9 - The following are expressly excluded from coverages 5.2 to 5.6, and therefore do not give rise to any reduction or coverage: Damage due to negligence to the Vehicle, Damage underneath the Vehicle, Damage to the Roof, Damage to the Interior of the Vehicle, Fuel Change, Loss of Keys and Damage to the Batteries of Electric Vehicles.
5.10 - For the purposes of the provisions of the previous point, the following are considered acts of negligence, and therefore do not give rise to any reduction or coverage, by way of example only and without excluding others:
- driving the vehicle by an unauthorized driver or without legal qualification;
- failure to comply with the maximum permitted height limit of the vehicle;
- driving in places with conditions unsuitable for circulation;
- improper use of the vehicle or contributing to damage/theft thereof;
- Collision with objects hanging, suspended or obstructing the road;
- Driving through a barrier that is too low for the vehicle to pass through;
- Damage caused by gates or barriers in car parks;
- Driving on a road in poor condition without due care, resulting in damage to the vehicle;
- Driving on the beach or on unauthorised land or land that could put the vehicle's integrity at risk;
- Driving on flooded roads;
- Filling the vehicle with the wrong fuel or, on the other hand, contaminating the fuel with other substances, including additives;
- Damage that occurs as a result of ignoring a signal light/traffic light;
- Damaging the clutch (due to frequent misuse) or using the handbrake incorrectly;
- Damage to the rim caused by driving with a flat tire;
- Placing unauthorized objects inside or outside the vehicle;
- Carrying dirty or foul-smelling materials that require extra cleaning costs or that damage or burn the interior;
- Damage resulting from situations in which the keys are left inside the vehicle or lost;
- Damage resulting from situations in which the windows are left open;
- Using the vehicle in demonstration, sporting events or circuits, including private or public track days;
5.11 - Coverage will only be valid during the period agreed in the Contract, unless there is an extension of this period under the terms of these general conditions, and the Lessor hereby declines all and any liability for accidents caused or that may be caused by the Lessee beyond the rental period, and the Lessee shall be solely and exclusively responsible for such accidents.
5.12 - The aforementioned Services, even if voluntarily acquired by the Lessee, shall not produce their respective effects in the event of (i) intent or gross negligence on the part of the Lessee or the driver in causing the damages, (ii) negligent driving, misuse of the vehicle, violation of the Highway Code, driving under the influence of alcohol or psychotropic substances; and (iii) failure to return the Vehicle or the keys. In such cases, the Lessee shall be required to compensate the Lessor for all expenses, losses and damages caused to the latter by the actions of the Lessee or the driver of the Vehicle. ...”
DRIVALIA also reserves the right not to provide the aforementioned supplementary coverage.
Additional information
Unless otherwise stated, prices include VAT and Value Added Tax at the legal rate in force.
In the case of customers on credit, if invoices are not paid by the due date, these will be subject to interest on arrears at the maximum rate permitted by law.
In the event of difficulties in collecting rental payments, the customer is responsible for all costs incurred by DRIVALIA arising from outstanding payments. As well as for all taxes and fees levied on the rental of the vehicle or the amount set by DRIVALIA for the reimbursement of such taxes.
In the event that DRIVALIA is notified as a result of an administrative offence or unlawful conduct committed by the customer/driver, the latter is obliged to pay, solely for the purpose of identification, the amount of 20 Euros for the information provided to these entities. In the event of an accident, the customer will pay, as administrative costs for the respective process, the amount of 50 Euros.
The addresses indicated in the rental agreement are considered the domicile for any contact, particularly for the purposes of citations or notifications. For legal purposes, the signed rental agreement constitutes a legal document resulting from the use of the vehicle.
In terms of the customer's personal data, DRIVALIA follows the legal terms of the GDPR General Data Protection Regulation.