Terms and Conditions

WITH DOLPHIN LEISURE YOU CAN ENJOY YOUR TRIP WITH COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND WITH A RENTAL CONTRACT THAT PROTECTS US BOTH

Before departing in the vehicle, you must make sure that you have the signed rental agreement in your possession. It allows you to secure the rental with all the necessary information and is necessary to handle any incidents that may occur during the rental (the information provided on your online booking) is automatically pre-filled on the rental contract and insurance confirmation document).

This rental contract will be available to you once the booking has been confirmed and the required documents have been validated by the Dolphin Leisure team.

Please bring the contract with you to sign when you are picking up the keys.

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Article 1 - The driver or drivers

The driver(s) of the vehicle currently being rented, certify that they are in possession of the licence required to drive the rented vehicle, valid, according to its characteristics and GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight). The drivers will have to respect the conditions of age (the minimum driver age being 26 years old) and duration of dispatch of licence according to the subscribed insurance, such as indicated within the MOTORHOME rental insurance policy . The vehicle can only be driven by the driver(s) identified on the rental contract.

The renter commits with their signature of the rental contract to engage their personal and contractual liability. Unless the damage results from the liability of an identified third party, they may therefore be held liable for any damage caused to any third party, to the vehicle of which they had the use of, direction and control and to its accessories.

Article 2 - Handover, Sublet

The renter may not assign, sublet or lend the rental vehicle to anyone for any reason whatsoever. However, should the vehicle require repairs, the employees of a mechanical garage are authorised to handle the vehicle, provided that the owner has been notified in advance and has given his written consent.

Article 3 - Duration and Mileage

Daily hire costs include limited mileage of 200klm per day. This kilometer package is specified during the order summary of the renter’s request, before payment and appears on the rental contract. The parties accept it contractually at the signing of the contract and cannot contest it later.

The owner is entitled to claim compensation if the kilometer package stipulated in the contract has been exceeded, according to the unit rate stipulated in the advertisement and reflected on the contract. Any agreement between the owner and the renter agreeing to a different kilometer rate must be indicated in writing on the rental contract.
If the kilometer package authorized on the contract has been exceeded, the renter firmly undertakes to pay the difference at the rate stipulated on the rental contract of € 0,25 per extra km used. The sum must be paid, when possible, during the inventory of fixtures of return.

Article 4 - Pick up and drop off of the vehicle

The renter shall not be released from his contractual liability until the vehicle, attached documents and keys have been handed back to the owner, provided that:

no fines for any offense during the rental are to be paid by the owner ;
no tolls charge dating from the rental have been received by the owner
no internal and/or external damage is noted and reported on the inventory of return sheet.

Otherwise, the renter remains liable to the owner and must respect the clauses of the contract, until a solution is brought forward for the incident or the problem(s) declared.

If a fine is received for an infringement during the rental period, the renter is obliged to pay it as soon as the fine is presented.

If the owner receives a toll charge for tolls crossed during a rental, the owner must send proof of said toll charges to Dolphin Leisure and Dolphin Leisure will request the immediate payment of the said charges from the renter. The renter must pay those charges from the very first request. When it will be possible, the card used for the payment of the rental will be used in order to settle those charges.
If the renter damages the interior and/or exterior of the vehicle, his responsibility remains engaged and requires him to pay the amount for the repairs or the amount of the excess applied.

The vehicle and any accessories made available to the renter must be returned in the condition found when the vehicle is handed over to begin the rental. The loss or the deterioration, even partial, of the vehicle or the accessories obliges the renter to pay the total amount for the repairs, under presentation of a quotation or an invoice (according to the type of repair). Responsibility is engaged via the rental contract for the rental and/or any other relevant element (report, eyewitness, third party). The deposit is managed by Dolphin Leisure as part of the rental, the renter gives authorization to Dolphin Leisure to collect the sums due, according to the terms detailed in article 10.

The return of the rental vehicle must take place in a very well lit place in order to complete the return inventory form in good conditions. This return inventory form must be completed and signed by the same person who handed over the vehicle to the renter and who completed the departure inventory form. All parts and surfaces of the vehicle shall be examined, including the upper parts of the vehicle.

Lateness of the owner

The owner undertakes to respect the time agreed upon by both parties for the departure of the vehicle, or if failing this, as specified on the contract and the booking. By default, the vehicle pick-up time is set at 9 am for a morning pick up, on the day of departure and the drop off time, it is fixed, by default, for a rental until late evening. These times are given as an indication and apply, unless otherwise agreed between the two parties, with a tolerance of plus or minus two hours for each of the times mentioned.

Lateness of the renter

Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the owner, any delay in the return of the vehicle, by the renter, of over two (2) hours is billed according to the following rules: between 2 to 6 hours of lateness, the owner is entitled to ask the renter for a payment of 10 euros per hour of delay. Beyond 6 hours, the owner is entitled to ask the renter for the price of an additional day of rental, corresponding to the daily proportional amount calculated on the total remuneration of the owner, plus one hundred percent (100%) (two rental days in total).

Article 5 – Cost, Rental fees and deposits

An initial, non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total rental cost will be secured at the time of booking confirmation. The balance will be collected 30 days before you pick up the motorhome. In the event that at the time of your booking there is less than 30 days prior to pick up date we ask that the total price of your rental period is paid at the time of booking.

The following credit cards are accepted: Master Card, Visa.

The owner must, whenever possible, provide the vehicle with a completely full tank of fuel. Similarly, the renter must return the vehicle with the tank one hundred percent full (100%). Failing this, the lessee must return the vehicle with the tank at the same fuel level as when the vehicle was handed over.

Cancelation policy

If you cancel your booking the initial deposit is not refundable. In addition to this, the following fees may apply.

If you cancel between 999 and 31 days before pick up you will be charged 100 euros of the cost of rental.

If you cancel 30 days or less before pick up you will be charged 100% of the cost of rental.

For cancellations relating to COVID-19 please see Article 12 – COVID-19 (precautions, restrictions and cancellations)

Article 6 - Costs relating to an incident of damage

In the event of a mechanical incident occurring during the rental period of the vehicle, the renter must notify the owner. It is the renter’s responsibility to bring the vehicle to a competent garage, previously indicated by the breakdown assistance. Following the garage diagnostic, repairs or parts changes may be necessary for the vehicle to be operational again. A written agreement in the form of an electronic message sent by e-mail or by text message ("SMS") from the owner must be obtained by the renter before authorising the garage to intervene on the vehicle. In the case where the owner gives their agreement to carry out the repairs, the renter will be able to authorize the garage to carry out the repairs. The invoice can then be paid by the owner.

In the event of an incident or mechanical breakdown that immobilizes the vehicle, the renter may leave the vehicle in the mechanical garage designated by the insurance company who will also cover the repatriation of the driver and passengers. If the culpable party is not clear, the renter must wait for the breakdown assistance, in order to complete the vehicle return form of the rental contract with them. They must also take all the necessary photos (inside and outside) to prove the condition of the vehicle before its removal. In the event that the vehicle is repatriated by the assistance, the renter must pay for the missing fuel compared to what was listed on the inventory form filled out before departure. If the owner refuses to carry out the repair or if the mechanical breakdown immobilizes the vehicle within a timeframe longer than that provided for by the applicable assistance, it will then be up to the owner to recover their vehicle from the garage having carried out the necessary repairs. Depending on the insurance provider, the travel costs from their home to the relevant garage may be covered, according to the conditions defined in the applicable assistance contract.

If the immobilization is due to a misuse or an accident caused by the renter, the owner will be able to claim the expenses of repatriation of the vehicle to his house from the security deposit given by the renter. If the cause of the immobilisation is fortuitous or undefinable, the return costs will be borne equally by the owner, i.e. 50% for each party of the contract. The security deposit provided as part of the lease may be used to implement such a measure. If the immobilization of the vehicle results from normal wear and tear or from negligence related to regular maintenance, which is the responsibility of the owner, he must assume the entire return journey as part of the recovery of his vehicle. Concerning the distance of repatriation of the vehicle, all the countries to visit must be mentioned on the rental contract or be the subject of a written agreement with the owner. Otherwise, the renter must refund the owner the full amount of the return trip.

In the event that the mechanical incident is caused by misuse of the renter, a third party or a fixed object and the renter is found responsible, the latter will then be required to pay for all repairs incurred.

If the mechanical incident is due to normal and regular mechanical wear or poor maintenance of the vehicle, the owner will be held responsible and must assume the cost of the repairs. If the renter had to pay this amount, the owner must reimburse it upon presentation of the corresponding invoices. The renter undertakes that such repairs shall be carried out exclusively by a competent garage authorised to carry out the repairs. The renter can be released from their responsibility by providing proof that the mechanical incident(s) occurred during normal use, from regular wear and tear of the mechanics or from bad maintenance of the vehicle by the owner. The culpable party can be determined with a diagnostic report of the vehicle from a competent garagiste.

If it is not possible to determine a culpable party, both the owner and the renter will be held responsible for the cost of the repairs, at a 50/50 ratio.

Article 7 - The responsibility of the owner

The owner must hand over a vehicle in perfect working order, driving and cleaning alike, with all levels checked, tyre pressure and a tank full of fuel, gas levels sufficient for the duration of the trip, a clean cassette, grey waters emptied, inside and outside cleaning done. By taking the vehicle, the renter implies, unless written otherwise on the rental contract prior to departure, that the vehicle is in perfect working and driving order and that the cleaning is satisfactory.

Both parties to the contract are required to print the rental contract in their language in order to sign it and carry out the inventory of fixtures on the day of departure and return. Both parties may write in their own language on their copy: the information described must correspond on each of them. The owner undertakes to check all the important elements of their vehicle such as air conditioning, heating, water heater, fridge, oven, cooking plates (non-exhaustive list) during the inventory of fixtures as well as when the vehicle is returned in the presence of the renter. They must specifically note on the rental contract the expiry date of the gas pipes if the vehicle is equipped with them.

The owner undertakes to drive their vehicle and perform some manoeuvres in the presence of the renter in order to detect any possible anomaly (suspicious noise, malfunctioning...), on the day of departure and upon return of the vehicle.

The owner undertakes the responsibility for any repairs to the vehicle not resulting from a misuse by the renter (normal use and driving of the vehicle). In case the renter must pay for the repairs upfront, the owner undertakes to reimburse them upon presentation of supporting invoices, for which the owner will have previously and expressively given their authorization to the renter, in order to proceed with the repairs strictly necessary and strictly required at the time. Such requests and authorisations must be made in writing in the form of an electronic message sent via e-mail or via a text message ("SMS").

Unless agreed between owner and renter, the owner has no right to withdraw any amount from the security deposit provided by the renter unless the damage is indicated on the return inventory form.

The owner must check the tyres. They must be changed every 5 (five) years. Dolphin Leisure asks owners to take photos of each tyre for the first rental of the year. For every incident, the renter must keep the damaged tyre and/or take a photo of the DOT (age of the tyre).

In the event of a puncture: the liability lies with the renter, they must cover the cost of replacing the damaged tyre. However, when both front/back tyres must be changed, the cost of the second tyre must be covered by both owner and renter at 50/50.

In the event of a tyre blow out:

Tyres aged more than 5 (five) years: the owner must accept full liability of the damage caused by the burst tyre. If consecutive damage occurs on the vehicle, the excess cannot be asked from the renter. The replacement of both tyres remains at the owner's expense.
Tyres aged less than 5 (five) years: If a burst tyre does not result from an incident linked to driver misuse (impact with a non-moving body), the owner remains liable.

Dolphin Leisure will require the following:

Rental contract filled in and signed
Invoice of the said tyres
Photos of the tyres
Diagnostic from the garage.

If the claim needs to be opened to the Dolphin Leisure insurance (in the event of consecutive damage to the vehicle) and if the elements allow it, an expert will be asked to review the damage and determine the cause of the burst tyre, along with the owner's or renter's liability.

If no party can be identified as responsible for the burst tyre, Dolphin Leisure reserves the right to put in place a shared liability, implying a settlement of up to 50/50 for the owner and the renter.

If the rental must be interrupted due to a breakdown of the vehicle where the renter cannot be held responsible (written diagnostic from a mechanic or breakdown assistance) the owner must reimburse the renter the amount of the days and kilometres non used. The reimbursement must be done directly between both parties. The owner is responsible for this reimbursement. Without this reimbursement done, the renter will be free to take legal action against the owner.

Article 8 - Renter's responsibility

The renter must print the rental contract supplied to them in their language so that both parties have the same inventory. Both parties must write in their respective language. They can request help from Dolphin Leisure if there is any language issues during our opening hours.

The renter has the right to refuse the rental if the main characteristics of the vehicle do not comply with the description of the advertisement proposed on the Dolphin Leisure website. The vehicle must match the interior/exterior photographs on the Dolphin Leisure website. In case of a dispute, the renter must provide proof of non-compliance of the vehicle (photographs, videos ...). The renter must ensure the proper operation of the vehicle and all its equipment during the state of places of departure.

The renter must ensure that the vehicle is locked when they depart. They must not leave valuables in full view and must take all necessary measures to prevent theft of equipment in the vehicle. Neither the owner nor Dolphin Leisure can be held responsible for any theft, loss or damage of the property belonging to the renter and the passengers. In the event of an attempted break-in or theft, and without any identified or identifiable third party, all damage resulting from the break-in or theft will be the responsibility of the renter.

In the event of an accident and / or damage to the vehicle (inside and / or outside), the renter agrees to notify the owner Dolphin Leisure immediately and without delay by phone call and / or e-mail.

The renter must inform the owner and the company Dolphin Leisure by sms and / or e-mail of any maintenance or repair work carried out on the vehicle during the rental. Any repairs must be reimbursed by the owner on the return of the vehicle on presentation of a supporting invoice and following normal use of the vehicle. The owner must have expressly agreed to the repairs proposed by the renter in advance.

The driver(s) designated by this rental contract must hold a category B driving licence for driving a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight less than or equal to 3.5 tonnes. They must imperatively respect the minimum age and number of years they have had their licence for, required by the insurance applicable to the rental or, failing that, required by the owner in their advertisement.

The renter undertakes to maintain the vehicle in a prudent and diligent manner and with the same precautions as if it were their own vehicle, to carry out all the checks made obligatory by the present circumstances. The renter is required to perform regular maintenance of the vehicle during the entire period of the contract and as long as they are in possession of the vehicle.

The renter shall bear all the costs of repairing the vehicle made necessary or insurance deductible applicable, as a result of damage resulting from their personal use or from third parties to the rental contract or from any damage caused by an unidentified third party.

The renter undertakes to return the vehicle in perfect working order and in clean condition, with a full fuel tank, having emptied and cleaned the toilet cassette, drained the dirty water, and cleaned the inside and the outside of the vehicle. Such conditions must be at least similar to those under which the vehicle was handed over. If the vehicle is not handed back according to those terms, and unless noted otherwise on page 3 of the contract, the owner will be able to request the amount indicated in the table below:

Not cleaned	Penalty
Waste tank not emptied (toilet)	50 EUR
Waste water not emptied	50 EUR
Outside cleaning (marks on the car body, the alloys, the windscreen) not in the same condition as on departure.	75 EUR
Inside cleaning (evidence of kitchen or bathroom use, floors not swept, litter present) not in the same condition as on departure.	75 EUR

These penalties can be accumulated depending on the condition of the vehicle compared to the way it was rated on the inventory of departure. Additionally, if the renter breaks one of the rules set by the owner in their listing, they are also liable for the following penalties:

Rules on board	Penalty
No smoking on board	50 EUR
Travelling with pets	50 EUR

If the vehicle requires to be cleaned by a professional, this will be paid for by the renter, upon reception of an invoice. This cannot be added to the penalties listed above.

The different amounts due to the owner will have to be paid upon the return of the vehicle, as a part of the vehicle's maintenance costs that the owner may have to incur personally. In case of immobilization of the vehicle obliging the renter to put an end to the rental, if the immobilization is due to misuse or an accident caused by the renter, the owner will be able to take the amount set by the present terms for the cleaning, directly from the security deposit. If the cause for the immobilization is unintended or undefined, the renter who must generally, hand the vehcile back in the same condition it went out in, the cleaning fee will be covered by both parties (50% each). The security deposit provided as part of the rental may be used to implement such a measure. If the immobilisation of the vehicle results from normal wear and tear or negligence related to irregular maintenance, which is the responsibility of the owner, the latter may not claim compensation for cleaning of the interior or the exterior, nor retain any amount whatsoever, as the renter was not able to perform cleaning in optimal conditions following an immobilisation.

If the vehicle shows cosmetic and superficial damage (see table below) which occurred during the rental, the owner must choose to repair rather than to replace the damaged part, which the renter will cover. Cosmetic and superficial damage include:

Superficial damage types	Location of the incident
indelible marks (coffee, oil, rubber, etc)	Upholstery (seats, cushions, mattress, curtains) or other surface areas
Scrape, scuffmarks	All types of surfaces such as doors, walls, cupboards, floor, etc.
Impact, chip	Delicate surfaces such as the sink, sink cover, washbasin, shower, lights, table, etc.
Small impact	Walls, doors, cupboards, handles/ doorknobs or drawer handles, etc.
Burns (not widespread, cigarette burn type, kettle, coffee machine)	Table, counter top, upholstery (cushions, seats, mattresses), floors, etc.
Perforation	Floors (lino), upholstery (cushions, seats, mattresses) and other types of surfaces.

When the repair of cosmetic and superficial damage is impossible, the renter is required to compensate the owner. It is up to both parties to agree on a compensation amount, in accordance with the size of the damage and its original cost:

if the part costs less than EUR 50: the renter must replace the part or pay the owner the cost of the part itself to be replaced.
If the value of the item is more than EUR 50: the owner may define an amount for compensation, up to a maximum of EUR 150 depending on the size of the damage and in relation to the item's size and value. Cosmetic damage cannot lead to the replacement of the item if the item is valued to be more than EUR 50 unless the damage prevents its general use.

If the hidden damage is only observed due to cosmetic damage, and that the latter prevents the correct use of the part damaged, the renter will then be held responsible and must cover the costs for repairs.

The renter can not make any modifications or irreversible adjustments, both inside and out on the vehicle, without the prior and express agreement of the owner. The renter must check the levels of the various fluids of the vehicle: engine oil, water, sewage, steering fluid, windshield washer and engine coolant. As soon as necessary, the renter must keep these levels adequately refilled during the rental.

The renter must regularly check the tire pressure of the vehicle. As soon as it is necessary, the renter must inflate the tires to the pressure levels indicated on the vehicle's operation and maintenance manual supplied by the manufacturer. This document must be given to the renter when they take possession of the vehicle.

The renter must replace any vehicle equipment that has been used or damaged during the rental period including wipers, toilet paper or light bulbs. The renter is liable for any damage caused by their own negligence or that of third parties during the rental period of the vehicle. The renter is solely responsible for any damage resulting from filling the tank with unsuitable fuel, accidentally filling the fuel tank with water, or filling the water tank with fuel.

For all roadside offences detected by the police during the rental period, the renter is legally liable. The renter is fully responsible for penalties (ticket, point penalties...) reported during the effective period of the rental contract with the rented vehicle. Dolphin Leisure reserves the right to forward the documents (identity document and driving licence) to the competent authorities for attribution of the ticket to the holder of the rental contract responsible for the infringement, following the presentation of the proof of conviction received by the owner. The renter will be charged 200 EUR per call out only if they cause the vehicle to breakdown due to driver misuse.

If the rental must be interrupted after a breakdown due to driver misuse, or it remains unclear who's at fault as of yet, the renter will not be able to claim a reimbursement for the rental. Furthermore, if the renter wishes to rental a substitute vehicle to pursue their journey, the new rental will be entirely at their cost.

Article 9 - Conditions

This rental is expressly agreed and accepted in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. The parties undertake to complete a thorough inventory check of the vehicle when it is rented and when it is returned. These two documents are signed by both parties. The burden of proof lies with the party who disputes the accuracy of the inventory form.

The renter picks up the the vehicle in the state the vehicle is handed over in.

In the absence of the inventory of fixtures (the owner and renters copy) of the vehicle on the day of the taking in hiring, the renter is deemed to have received the said vehicle in good working order, clean without other formalities. As soon as the renter takes possession of the vehicle, he is responsible for its use, control and protection. Upon return of the vehicle, the owner is deemed to receive the vehicle in good condition and clean without further formality. In case of damage (s) reported during the inventory of fixtures (return form) whose accuracy the renter would contest, it is up to them to bring the necessary evidence of their non responsibility of the damage (s). Otherwise, they will remain responsible.

The renter is in full possession of the vehicle and uses it with due diligence and under normal and general condition of use.

Particularly, the renter undertakes to take all necessary precautions and to comply strictly with the provisions of the Highway Code or the regulations in force.

The renter is not permitted to use the vehicle:

to take part in motor sporting events, vehicle testing and as a driving school;
to transport goods or persons for remuneration;
to tow or move another vehicle in any way;
overloaded with a number of persons or a load exceeding the values and prescriptions as indicated by the manufacturer;
to transport flammable, explosive, toxic or dangerous substances;
to commit any offence.

Insurance

The insurance and break down cover correspond to those specified at the time of the booking request, contracted with payment of the booking and which are indicated on the rental contract.

Damage: In the event of damage such as an accident, theft, loss, fire, damage caused by game or any other damage, the renter must immediately notify the police. In such situations, the renter undertakes to draw up or have drawn up a report attesting of the conditions under which the said damage occurred. In the event of such damage, the renter is obliged to inform the owner Dolphin Leisure in writing as soon as possible, by sending a message via e-mail.

If an amicable report is drawn up by the renter, it must be filled in at the scene of the accident, with the other driver involved in the accident, in accordance with the customs and regulations in force without any heading being evaded or ignored, or even partially, incorrectly or in a way that is difficult to read. Sketches must be drawn with care. If the accident involves several vehicles, therenter must establish a report with the driver of the vehicle in front of him, and a report with the vehicle following him. If the other driver refuses to fill in or sign the said report, at least, the registration number of the opposing vehicle must be recorded by the renter. The tenant must then try to obtain the statement of the persons having witnessed the accident, or request the intervention of a police officer.

The said duly completed initial statement must be transmitted to the insurance company at the latest within five working days after it has been previously presented and validated by the owner bound to respect the above deadline which is of public order (art. L. 113-2 of the Insurance Code).

Article 10 - Security Deposit

The security deposit can be used to cover vehicle repair costs in the event of a claim or damage. It can also be used to cover the insurance excess. The security deposit is also intended to cover kilometers overruns and any amount owed to the owner Dolphin Leisure by the renter as a result of the rental, in accordance with the terms of the rental contract. The management of the deposit is subject to the signature by both parties (renter and owner) of the rental contract and then on departure and return of the rental.

Article 11 - Specific Clause

The vehicle may only be used for the duration of the rental in the countries indicated in the booking request.

The use of the vehicle is authorized only under the restrictions indicated by the owner on their advertisement (examples: limitation of travel to EEC countries only, pets not allowed, non-smoking vehicle, etc.) In the event that the renter does not respect the restrictions indicated by the owner on their advertisement, the renter is liable to a financial penalty of fifty (100) euros: the security deposit given by the renter of the vehicle may be used for this purpose.

Article 12 – COVID 19 (precautions, restrictions and cancellations)

As the full impact of COVID-19 continues to evolve, please be aware that Dolphin Leisure are firmly committed to continue to provide you with the same exceptional experience and service we have always deliver.

Please be assured that we have introduced precautionary measures in order to protect our customers and employees.

Should you rental period be affected by COVID-19 and /or travel restrictions imposed by Governments we are here to help and fully understand your situation. As each situation is individual we suggest that you contact us immediately so we can discuss with you the best possible way to accommodate your new travel plans.

In the event that you test positive for COVID-19 during your rental period, we ask that you please notify us ASAP to inform us of the location of the

vehicle. We will then follow strict government set protocols to collect the vehicle.

It is imperative that any current restrictions in place are followed during your rental period, for example, any limitation on the number of passengers allowed in a vehicle. We will advise you of this, if any, at the time of pick-up.

In the event that you have to cancel your rental due to a lockdown or flight cancellation we will remove cancellation fees. All we ask is that you inform us ASAP should your booking be affected, customers will be given the choice of either a refund or a change of booking dates.

Full Rental Terms and Conditions