Vehicle Rental Terms & Conditions

Key Rental Policies

1. Agreement and Acceptance

By signing the Rental Agreement, taking possession of the vehicle, or authorizing payment, the renter confirms that the information provided is accurate and agrees to comply with these Terms & Conditions. The renter is responsible for the vehicle from the time it is released by Standard Auto until it is returned, inspected, and accepted by Standard Auto.

2. Renter Eligibility and Identification

The primary renter and every additional driver must be at least 25 years of age and must present a valid driver's licence and any identification reasonably required by Standard Auto.

A driver whose domestic driver's licence is not written in English must also present a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) together with the original driver's licence.

Standard Auto reserves the right to refuse or cancel a rental if required identification, licensing, payment, or eligibility requirements are not satisfied.

3. Authorized and Additional Drivers

Only persons listed, approved, and named on the Rental Agreement are permitted to operate the rental vehicle. Each additional driver must:

• Be at least 25 years of age;
• Present a valid driver's licence and required identification;
• Meet the same eligibility requirements as the primary renter; and
• Sign the Rental Agreement before operating the vehicle.

An additional driver is not considered authorized until approved by Standard Auto and the additional driver has signed the Rental Agreement. Allowing an unauthorized, unlicensed, uninsured, or non-approved person to drive may void applicable CDW, TLW, or insurance protection and may make the renter and/or driver financially responsible for resulting loss, damage, liability, recovery costs, and other expenses.

4. Reservation, Quotation, Payment and Fees

The rental price, security deposit, optional products, and any applicable charges will be stated in the quotation or Rental Agreement. A reservation is not guaranteed until any required reservation payment has been received and confirmed by Standard Auto.

A 3.5% merchant processing fee is charged on rental charges when payment is made using the required payment methods of credit/debit card or payment link. Merchant/card processing fees already incurred are non-refundable.

Standard Auto will disclose the charges applicable to the reservation before payment. Any additional amount arising after the rental begins must be connected to the Rental Agreement, such as damage, fuel, cleaning, late return, traffic violations, missing items, extensions, or other authorized charges.

5. Cancellation and Reservation Changes

Unless a written quotation states a different cancellation rule, the following policy applies to cancellation of a confirmed reservation:

• 7 days or more before scheduled pickup: 100% refund of the rental payment, excluding merchant/card processing fees already incurred.
• From 72 hours up to 7 days before scheduled pickup: 50% refund of the rental payment, excluding merchant/card processing fees already incurred.
• Less than 72 hours before scheduled pickup: rental payment is non-refundable.
• No-show: rental payment is non-refundable.

Reservation date changes may be accommodated subject to vehicle availability. If Standard Auto cannot accommodate the requested change, the cancellation policy above will apply based on the original scheduled pickup time unless Standard Auto agrees otherwise in writing.

6. Security Deposit

A refundable security deposit is required unless waived in writing. The exact deposit for the reservation will be stated in the quotation or Rental Agreement. Standard Auto's current deposit schedule is:

• Bargain Class: $50
• Economy / Compact: $150-$250
• Full Size: $300-$400
• Caravans and Jeeps: $500

The deposit is refundable after the vehicle has been returned and inspected, provided there are no amounts due. Standard Auto will process the refund within 2-4 days after return and inspection. The customer's bank or card issuer may require additional time to post the credit.

Standard Auto may deduct valid charges from the deposit, including damage, missing fuel, excessive cleaning, smoking-related cleaning, lost or damaged keys, unpaid rental charges, late-return charges, traffic or parking violations, towing/impound charges, missing equipment, and other amounts owed under the Rental Agreement. If charges exceed the deposit, the renter remains responsible for the balance.

7. Mileage and Geographic Use

Unlimited mileage is included. The vehicle must nevertheless be used only for normal lawful driving and within the geographical area approved by Standard Auto. Unlimited mileage does not authorize off-road use, racing, commercial misuse, unauthorized island transfers, or any prohibited use under these Terms.

8. Fuel Policy

The vehicle must be returned with the same fuel level provided at pickup. A $50 refundable fuel surcharge/deposit may be collected. Where the vehicle is returned at the required fuel level, that amount is refundable. Where fuel is missing, Standard Auto may apply the applicable fuel charge against the refundable amount or security deposit.

The renter is responsible for using the correct fuel. Damage caused by misfuelling or contaminated fuel may be charged to the renter where not covered by the applicable policy.

9. Vehicle Inspection, Condition and Return

The renter should inspect the vehicle at pickup and ensure that existing visible damage is recorded. The vehicle must be returned in substantially the same condition, ordinary wear excepted, together with all keys, accessories, documents, and equipment supplied at pickup.

Standard Auto may inspect the vehicle after return. Damage or loss that was not reasonably visible at the immediate return inspection may be documented and communicated to the renter when discovered.

10. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), TLW and Insurance Protection

Where the signed Rental Agreement states that Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is included or purchased, CDW reduces the renter's financial responsibility for covered accidental collision damage to the rental vehicle, subject to a $500 deductible per occurrence unless a different amount is stated in the signed Rental Agreement. CDW is a contractual damage waiver and is not itself an insurance policy. It does not eliminate the renter's responsibility for excluded, prohibited, or otherwise uncovered loss or damage.

Where the signed Rental Agreement states that Total Loss Waiver (TLW) is included or purchased, TLW is subject to a $750 deductible per covered total-loss occurrence unless a different amount is expressly stated in the signed Rental Agreement. The scope of TLW, including any coverage limits, conditions, and exclusions, is governed by the signed Rental Agreement and applicable insurance policy. CDW does not by itself provide third-party liability, personal accident, personal effects, or theft protection. Any third-party liability, theft, comprehensive, or other insurance protection applies only to the extent specifically stated in the signed Rental Agreement and provided by the applicable insurance policy and law. These Terms do not expand or replace the insurance policy.

CDW, TLW, or other protection may be void, reduced, or unavailable where loss or damage results from an unauthorized or uninsured driver, impaired driving, reckless or illegal conduct, intentional damage, prohibited use, failure to report an accident or cooperate with the claims process, false information, leaving the vehicle unsecured, or another material breach of the Rental Agreement. The renter remains responsible for any deductible, excess, excluded loss, or amount not covered by the applicable protection or insurance policy.

Tyres, wheels, windows/glass, mirrors, roof, underbody, interior, keys/remotes, towing, recovery, and similar items may be excluded or limited unless the signed Rental Agreement or applicable policy specifically provides coverage. The renter is responsible for any amount not covered, including damage arising from misuse, negligence, prohibited use, or breach of the Rental Agreement.

11. Accidents, Theft, Damage and Claims

Any accident, collision, theft, vandalism, or significant damage must be reported to Standard Auto immediately. The renter must also contact the police or other appropriate authority when required and obtain available incident or police documentation.

The renter must cooperate with Standard Auto and the insurer, provide accurate information, and preserve relevant evidence. The renter must not admit legal liability, negotiate a settlement, abandon the vehicle, or authorize repairs without Standard Auto's approval except where immediate action is necessary for safety.

12. Prohibited Use

The renter must not permit the vehicle to be:

• Driven by anyone who is not an approved and signed authorized driver;
• Used while the driver is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or any substance affecting safe operation;
• Used for racing, speed testing, reckless driving, illegal activity, or driver training;
• Used off-road, on unsuitable roads, or in flooded areas where a reasonable driver would avoid entry;
• Used to tow, push, or transport another vehicle or heavy object without written authorization;
• Overloaded or used in a way inconsistent with the manufacturer's intended use;
• Taken outside the approved geographical area or transferred between islands without written authorization;
• Used after a warning light, mechanical issue, tyre failure, overheating condition, or other serious safety concern where continued driving could worsen damage.

13. Roadside Assistance and Repairs

If the vehicle experiences a mechanical problem, breakdown, warning light, or tyre issue, the renter must contact Standard Auto promptly and follow reasonable instructions.

The renter must not authorize repairs exceeding $100 without Standard Auto's prior approval, except where emergency action is necessary to prevent injury or greater property damage. Unauthorized repairs may not be reimbursed. Where a breakdown is not caused by misuse or negligence, Standard Auto will make reasonable efforts to assist or provide an appropriate solution.

14. Cleaning, Smoking and Interior Condition

Standard Auto rental vehicles are smoke-free. The renter must return the interior in reasonably clean condition. Excessive dirt, stains, odors, smoking residue, pet-related cleaning, spills, burns, or other conditions requiring extraordinary cleaning may result in a cleaning charge.

Depending on severity, smoking or extraordinary cleaning charges may range from $250-$500, subject to the condition documented and the work reasonably required.

15. Late Return and Rental Extensions

A grace period of up to 59 minutes may apply after the agreed return time unless the Rental Agreement states otherwise. After the grace period, additional rental or late-return charges may apply.

A rental extension is not effective until approved by Standard Auto. The renter should request an extension before the scheduled return time. Failure to return the vehicle or obtain an approved extension may affect CDW/TLW or insurance protection and may result in additional charges or recovery action.

16. Traffic, Parking, Towing and Government Charges

The renter is responsible for traffic tickets, parking fines, towing charges, impoundment fees, road or government penalties, and similar charges arising from use of the vehicle during the rental period. Standard Auto may charge or invoice the renter for violations received after the vehicle is returned where the violation relates to the rental period.

17. GPS and Vehicle Tracking

Rental vehicles may be equipped with GPS or other vehicle-tracking technology for vehicle security, recovery, fleet management, maintenance, and operational purposes. By entering into the Rental Agreement, the renter acknowledges the use of such systems subject to applicable law and Standard Auto's legitimate business purposes.

18. Child Seats and Optional Equipment

Where Standard Auto provides a child seat or other optional equipment, the renter is responsible for checking suitability and ensuring correct installation and use. Lost, damaged, or missing optional equipment may be charged to the renter.

19. Personal Property

Standard Auto is not responsible for personal belongings left in, on, or around the rental vehicle except to the extent liability cannot lawfully be excluded. Customers should remove all personal property when returning the vehicle.

20. Weather, Force Majeure and Events Beyond Control

Standard Auto is not responsible for delays, interruptions, or inability to perform caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including hurricanes, severe weather, flooding, road or port closures, government restrictions, civil emergencies, natural disasters, or similar events. Standard Auto will make reasonable efforts to communicate and manage affected reservations fairly.

21. Privacy and Customer Information

Standard Auto may collect and use customer information for booking administration, payment processing, identity verification, vehicle security, insurance and claims administration, customer communication, legal compliance, and legitimate business operations. Customer information should be handled securely and only for appropriate purposes.

For further detail, please see our Privacy Policy.

22. Governing Law, Severability and Entire Agreement

The Rental Agreement and these Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. If any provision is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect to the extent permitted by law.

The signed Rental Agreement, these Terms & Conditions, the written quotation, and any written addenda form the agreement between Standard Auto and the renter. Any waiver or special exception should be confirmed in writing by Standard Auto.

Contact Information