Definitions
In this agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set out below unless the context indicates otherwise:
- CLM: Refers to Chauffeur Link Melbourne or Chauffeur Link.
- Balance: The remaining amount payable under this agreement after deducting any deposits paid.
- Booking: The period for which the Hirer has committed to hire a vehicle and has paid the full hire amount.
- Chauffeur: The driver of the vehicle provided by CLM.
- Deposit: The amount required under this agreement to secure a reservation.
- Employee: Any individual employed by CLM, including drivers, chauffeurs, or contractors engaged through an agency contracted to CLM.
- Hire Charge: The amount payable at any given time under this agreement.
- Hire: The period during which the vehicle is hired or reserved.
- Hirer: The person who has signed the hire agreement and/or is responsible for the payment of the hire.
- Party: Any person or group of persons accompanying the Hirer as their guest(s) or invitee(s).
- Reservation: A hire for which a deposit has been paid to secure the date, but the full amount has not yet been paid.
- Vehicle: Any car or limousine provided by CLM to the Hirer.
Terms and Conditions
- Deposits: All deposits are strictly non-refundable.
- Mechanical Breakdown:
- CLM is not liable for any mechanical breakdowns before or during the charter.
- In the event of an accident, mechanical failure, or the vehicle becoming unsafe to drive, CLM will make reasonable efforts to arrange alternative transportation to the destination.
- CLM reserves the right to decide the method of onward travel. Alternatively, the Hirer may arrange their own transportation at their expense, with no claims against CLM.
- The Hirer acknowledges that the hire is provided on a best-efforts basis, with no guarantees regarding time, vehicle reliability, or circumstances beyond CLM’s control.
- Hirer Liability:
- The Hirer assumes full financial responsibility for any damage to the vehicle caused by them or their party during the hire period.
- Specific fees include:
- Carpet or seat burn: $300 per instance.
- Sanitation fee: $250.
- Drug use: Strictly prohibited by law.
- Smoking: Not permitted in any CLM vehicle.
- Driver’s Authority: The driver may terminate the hire without refund if the Hirer or their party engages in inappropriate or unlawful behaviour.
- Waiting Charges:
- For non-airport pickups:
- Free waiting period: 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes: $1 per minute applies for the total waiting time.
- For airport pickups:
- There is no waiting-time charge for normal airport arrival delays while you complete immigration, customs and baggage collection.
- If you choose to delay your departure after you would otherwise be ready to meet your chauffeur – for example, to attend a meeting, eat, shop or wait for another person – additional waiting may be charged.
- Please let CLM know as early as possible so we can confirm the arrangement and any applicable charge. Please remain contactable after landing.
- For non-airport pickups:
- Overtime Charges:
- Overtime applies after the scheduled booking time in 30-minute increments.
- CLM may, at its discretion, waive overtime charges.
- Weather Conditions:
- CLM is not liable for delays or termination of the hire due to unsafe road conditions during winter or rainy weather.
- Lost Items: CLM is not responsible for any items left in its vehicles.
- Seating Capacity:
- Vehicles must not exceed their seating capacity.
- Acceptance of Terms:
- Making a booking constitutes automatic acceptance of these terms and conditions as outlined on CLM’s website.
- Cancellation Policy:
- Sedan Transfers: Cancellations within 72 hours of the booked time will incur full charges.
- Van and Minibus Transfers: Cancellations within 72 hours of the booked time will incur full charges.
- Cancellations over 72 hours in advance: Refundable at 100% minus a processing fee.
- Special Vehicles/Events: Cancellation fees may vary; details are available during booking.
- Hirer Responsibility:
- The Hirer is responsible for the behaviour of all passengers and any damages caused to the vehicle, whether directly or indirectly, including by third parties.
- The Hirer agrees to indemnify CLM against any personal or material damages resulting from the conduct of the Hirer or their party.
General Conduct
- Responsibility for Conduct:
- The Hirer is responsible for the general conduct and behaviour of their party during the hire.
- Consumption of Food and Alcohol:
- The consumption of food and alcohol is not allowed in any vehicle unless explicitly agreed upon at the time of booking and confirmed in writing.
- Underage drinking is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated, as it is against the law.
- Loss or Damage to CLM Property:
- The Hirer assumes responsibility for any loss or damage to CLM property provided in the vehicle for the enjoyment of passengers.
- No Show Policy:
- If the Hirer fails to show up for a booking, it will be considered a “No Show.”
- All No Shows will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
Safety
- No Smoking Policy:
- Smoking is strictly prohibited in all CLM vehicles.
- Failure to comply will result in the immediate termination of the hire agreement without any refund.
- Seatbelt Requirements:
- All passengers must wear seatbelts where fitted, as required by law.
- CLM vehicles are equipped with seatbelts for the maximum number of passengers allowed by law.
- The Hirer indemnifies CLM and the Chauffeur against any fines incurred due to passengers failing to wear seatbelts.
- Prohibition of Illegal Activities:
- The use of illegal drugs or participation in any illegal activities is strictly forbidden in CLM vehicles.
- Violation of this condition will result in the immediate termination of the hire without compensation.
- Door Safety:
- Only the Chauffeur is permitted to open and close vehicle doors, except in an emergency.
- This precaution is in place to minimize the risk of accidents and vehicle damage.
- CLM is not liable for accidents caused by the Hirer or their party failing to adhere to this rule.
- The Hirer is responsible for any damage to the vehicle or third parties resulting from non-compliance.
- Child Safety Seats:
- If a child safety seat is provided, it is the Hirer’s responsibility to ensure the seat is correctly fitted before use.
- If the Hirer finds the seat unsatisfactory or improperly installed, the infant should not travel.
- Irresponsible Behaviour:
- Irresponsible behaviour that may endanger passengers, damage the vehicle, or compromise safety will not be tolerated. This includes but is not limited to:
- Hanging out of windows.
- Sitting on the exterior of the vehicle.
- Shouting abuse at other road users or pedestrians.
- Rudeness or intolerance toward the Chauffeur.
- Misuse of equipment, fixtures, or consumables within the vehicle.
- Wilful damage to the vehicle’s interior.
- Such behaviour may, at the sole discretion of the Chauffeur or CLM, result in the immediate termination of the hire without compensation.
- Irresponsible behaviour that may endanger passengers, damage the vehicle, or compromise safety will not be tolerated. This includes but is not limited to:
- Liability for Loss or Damage:
- The Hirer will be held fully responsible for any loss or damage caused by the irresponsible behaviour of themselves or their party.
Limitations of Liability
- Time Deadlines:
- The Hirer acknowledges and indemnifies CLM and its employees against any losses, whether direct, consequential, or otherwise, arising from a failure to meet time deadlines.
- It is solely the Hirer’s responsibility to ensure adequate time is allocated for travel to and from destinations.
- While CLM and its employees may provide advice regarding travel times, this does not form part of any contractual agreement.
- The Hirer indemnifies CLM against any claims, direct or consequential, resulting from failure to arrive at a destination on time or at all.
- In-Vehicle Entertainment:
- Any entertainment equipment (e.g., television screens, video, or DVD players) provided in the vehicle is offered as a courtesy and does not form part of the hire agreement.
- CLM accepts no liability for the malfunction or unavailability of such equipment and will not provide compensation or refunds in such cases.
- Arrival Times:
- CLM assumes no responsibility or guarantees for ensuring the Hirer arrives at their destination on time.
- The Hirer is responsible for booking the vehicle for a duration sufficient to account for potential delays, including but not limited to traffic accidents, roadworks, or peak traffic periods.
- The Hirer must commence their journey at a time that allows for such contingencies.
- No refunds will be provided for delays caused by these factors, and additional time beyond the scheduled booking may incur extra charges at the applicable rates.
- Vehicle Specification Changes:
- CLM reserves the right to change the vehicle specification at any time.
- If a replacement vehicle of a lesser value or specification is provided, an appropriate adjustment will be made in favour of the Hirer.
- CLM endeavours to provide the booked vehicle but reserves the right to substitute it if necessary.
- Subcontracting:
- CLM reserves the right to subcontract any hire to a third party without prior notification to the Hirer.
- In such cases, CLM remains responsible for paying the third party for the standard hire charges.
Additional Charges
- Additional Passengers and Stops:
- If time allows, the Chauffeur may agree to pick up additional passengers at alternative locations, provided the maximum seating capacity of the vehicle is not exceeded.
- Any additional mileage or time incurred will be charged to the Hirer.
- While CLM will endeavour to accommodate last-minute changes, the final decision rests with the Chauffeur, and the Hirer expressly accepts this arrangement.
- Extended Booking Periods:
- If the hire extends beyond the booked period for any reason (e.g., traffic jams, accidents, or diversions), the Hirer accepts that additional time and mileage will be charged to their account.
- Cleaning Fees:
- If the vehicle is left in an unreasonable condition by the Hirer or their party, CLM reserves the right to charge for cleaning costs.
- Circumstances warranting this charge include, but are not limited to, food or drink spills and illness.
- The minimum cleaning fee is $195 but may increase based on the extent of the damage.
- The Hirer is fully responsible for reimbursing these costs.
- Credit-card payments:
- No credit-card fees apply.
For any questions or further information, please contact us.