4x4 Self-Drive Rental Agreement

This Self-Drive Rental Agreement ("Agreement") is between Golden Tai Expeditions ("GTE") and the person named above ("the Renter").

By signing this Agreement and taking possession of the vehicle, the Renter confirms that they have read, understood, and accepted the terms contained herein.

This Agreement should be read together with GTE's general Terms & Conditions, quotation, invoice, and any vehicle-specific documentation provided to the Renter.

GTE agrees to rent the vehicle identified in this Agreement to the Renter for the agreed rental period.

The vehicle must be returned on or before the agreed date and time unless GTE has approved an extension in writing.

Any extension of the rental period is subject to vehicle availability and additional rental charges.

Only drivers approved and recorded by GTE may operate the vehicle.

Each authorized driver must:

• Hold a valid driving licence appropriate for the vehicle.
• Meet GTE's minimum age requirements.
• Provide valid identification and driving documentation.
• Be physically and legally fit to drive.
• Comply with all applicable traffic laws.

The Renter must not permit an unauthorized person to drive the vehicle.

Allowing an unauthorized person to drive may constitute a breach of this Agreement and may affect insurance coverage and the Renter's financial responsibility.

Before departure, the Renter and GTE will inspect the vehicle.

Existing damage, defects, accessories, equipment, fuel level, mileage, and general condition may be recorded on a Vehicle Inspection/Condition Report.

The Renter agrees to return the vehicle in substantially the same condition in which it was received, allowing for reasonable wear and tear.

The Renter must notify GTE promptly if they identify any mechanical, electrical, bodywork, or equipment problem.

A refundable security deposit of:

may be required before the vehicle is released.

The security deposit may be used, subject to this Agreement and applicable law, to cover amounts reasonably due from the Renter, including:

• Vehicle damage
• Loss of equipment
• Missing keys
• Excess cleaning
• Fuel shortages
• Traffic or parking penalties
• Recovery costs resulting from renter negligence
• Late-return charges
• Other agreed charges arising from the rental

The balance of the security deposit will be returned after the vehicle has been inspected and outstanding charges have been determined.

Where additional charges exceed the security deposit, the Renter remains responsible for the balance to the extent permitted by this Agreement and applicable law.

The Renter agrees to pay the rental rate and any other charges stated in the quotation or invoice.

Additional charges may apply for:

• Extra rental days
• Additional mileage, where applicable
• Additional drivers
• Camping equipment
• Delivery or collection outside the agreed location
• Cross-border travel
• Vehicle recovery
• Damage
• Lost equipment
• Excess cleaning
• Fuel
• Traffic fines or penalties
• Other customer-requested services

The vehicle is provided with the insurance coverage specified by GTE for the relevant rental.

The Renter acknowledges that insurance does not necessarily cover every type of loss or damage.

The Renter may remain financially responsible for damage, loss, or expenses arising from circumstances excluded from the applicable insurance policy or rental protection.

The applicable insurance excess/deductible for this rental is:

The Renter is responsible for understanding the applicable insurance conditions before taking possession of the vehicle.

GTE may provide the relevant insurance information upon request.

The Renter must take reasonable care of the vehicle and use it responsibly.

The Renter may be responsible for damage or loss resulting from, among other things:

• Reckless or negligent driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Unauthorized driving
• Intentional damage
• Driving on prohibited routes or terrain
• Misuse of the vehicle
• Incorrect operation
• Failure to follow GTE's instructions
• Failure to report a problem promptly
• Water or flood damage caused by improper driving
• Undercarriage damage caused by inappropriate driving
• Damage to tyres, wheels, suspension, or mechanical components resulting from misuse
• Loss of keys or equipment
• Damage caused by unauthorized modifications

Where responsibility is disputed, the parties should cooperate to establish the circumstances and applicable costs.

The vehicle may be suitable for travel on designated roads and approved tracks, including certain national parks and remote areas.

However, not every 4x4 vehicle or route is suitable for every terrain.

The Renter must follow:

• GTE's route guidance
• National park regulations
• Ranger instructions
• Local authority requirements
• Road signs and restrictions
• Any specific restrictions communicated before or during the rental

The Renter must not deliberately drive through unsafe terrain, restricted areas, rivers, deep water, or other hazardous areas unless expressly authorized and appropriate for the vehicle.

Cross-border travel is permitted only where expressly approved by GTE in advance.

The Renter must obtain all required documentation, permits, insurance, immigration clearance, and other authorizations.

Additional fees may apply for cross-border travel.

The vehicle must not be taken outside the approved countries or travel area without written authorization from GTE.

The vehicle will normally be supplied with the fuel level recorded on the Vehicle Inspection Report.

The Renter is responsible for refuelling the vehicle during the rental period.

Unless otherwise agreed, the vehicle should be returned with the same fuel level as at collection.

Fuel shortages may be charged to the Renter.

The rental includes:

Where additional mileage charges apply, they will be calculated according to the rate stated in the quotation or invoice.

GTE maintains its vehicles with the intention of providing safe and reliable transportation.

However, mechanical problems can occur, particularly during long-distance travel and in remote areas.

If the vehicle experiences a mechanical problem, the Renter must:

1. Stop in a safe location where possible.
2. Contact GTE immediately.
3. Follow GTE's instructions.
4. Avoid unauthorized repairs where doing so could worsen the problem.
5. Provide photographs, videos, location information, or other relevant information when requested.

GTE will make reasonable efforts to provide assistance, repair, replacement, or recovery depending on the circumstances.

In the event of an accident, the Renter must:

• Prioritize personal safety.
• Contact GTE as soon as reasonably possible.
• Notify the relevant authorities where required.
• Obtain a police report where appropriate.
• Exchange required information with other parties.
• Take reasonable photographs of the scene and vehicle damage.
• Not admit liability or make unauthorized settlements on behalf of GTE.
• Cooperate fully with GTE, insurers, authorities, and other relevant parties.

Failure to report an accident promptly may affect insurance protection and may increase the Renter's financial responsibility where permitted by the applicable insurance terms.

If the vehicle is stolen or unlawfully taken, the Renter must immediately:

1. Notify GTE.
2. Report the incident to the appropriate police authorities.
3. Obtain a police reference/report where possible.
4. Cooperate fully with the investigation and insurance process.

The Renter must take reasonable precautions to prevent theft, including securing the vehicle and keys.

The Renter is responsible for the vehicle keys during the rental period.

Lost, stolen, or damaged keys may result in charges for replacement, programming, recovery, or other related expenses.

Where camping equipment is included in or rented with the vehicle, the equipment remains the property of GTE.

The Renter agrees to:

• Use the equipment responsibly.
• Protect it from unnecessary damage.
• Keep it reasonably clean.
• Return all equipment at the end of the rental.
• Report lost or damaged items promptly.

Lost or damaged equipment may be charged at the applicable replacement or repair cost.

The vehicle must not be used for:

• Racing or speed competitions
• Illegal activities
• Transporting illegal goods
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Carrying dangerous or prohibited materials
• Towing unless authorized by GTE
• Commercial passenger transportation unless expressly authorized
• Unauthorized sub-rental
• Any activity that violates applicable law
• Any use specifically prohibited by the vehicle's insurance policy

Animals may only be transported with GTE's prior approval.

The Renter may be responsible for any additional cleaning, damage, or loss resulting from transporting an unauthorized animal.

Smoking inside the vehicle is prohibited unless expressly permitted by GTE.

The Renter must return the vehicle in a reasonably clean condition.

Additional cleaning charges may apply where the vehicle requires cleaning beyond normal use.

The Renter is responsible for traffic fines, parking penalties, tolls, and other charges incurred during the rental period as a result of their use of the vehicle.

Where GTE receives a penalty notice relating to the Renter's rental period, GTE may recover the applicable amount from the Renter.

The Renter must return the vehicle:

• At the agreed location;
• On the agreed date;
• At the agreed time;
• With the agreed equipment;
• With the agreed fuel level; and
• In substantially the same condition as received, subject to reasonable wear and tear.

Late returns may result in additional rental or recovery charges.

If the vehicle cannot be returned as agreed, the Renter must contact GTE immediately.

If the Renter returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed rental period, unused rental days are not automatically refundable.

Any refund or credit will be considered according to the booking's cancellation terms and the circumstances of the early return.

A rental extension must be approved by GTE before the original return date.

The Renter must not assume that the rental is automatically extended.

Additional rental charges and any applicable changes to insurance or other terms may apply.

The Renter acknowledges that self-drive expeditions may involve:

• Long distances
• Rough roads
• Remote locations
• Limited mobile connectivity
• Variable weather
• Wildlife
• Limited access to fuel or medical facilities
• Delays caused by road conditions

The Renter accepts responsibility for exercising reasonable caution and following appropriate safety guidance.

The Renter is responsible for personal belongings left in or carried in the vehicle.

GTE is not responsible for loss or theft of personal property except where liability cannot legally be excluded.

GTE may take reasonable steps to recover the vehicle where:

• The rental period has expired and no extension has been approved.
• The vehicle has been abandoned.
• The vehicle is being used unlawfully.
• The vehicle is being used in a manner that creates a serious safety risk.
• The Renter has materially breached this Agreement.

Recovery costs may be charged to the Renter where permitted under this Agreement and applicable law.

GTE may terminate the rental agreement where the Renter materially breaches the Agreement, including serious misuse of the vehicle, unlawful use, unauthorized driving, non-payment, or conduct creating a significant safety risk.

Where termination results from the Renter's breach, the Renter may remain responsible for applicable costs and losses to the extent permitted by law.

By signing below, the Renter confirms that:

• The information provided to GTE is accurate.
• They hold a valid driving licence.
• They are authorized to drive the rented vehicle.
• They have inspected the vehicle or had the opportunity to do so.
• They understand the applicable insurance and excess conditions.
• They understand their responsibilities regarding vehicle care.
• They have received or been given access to the relevant rental instructions.
• They agree to comply with applicable laws and national park regulations.
• They have read and accepted this Agreement and GTE's applicable Terms & Conditions.