Home Privacy policy

Terms & Conditions

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern services provided by Hythe. By making a booking, the Hirer agrees to these Terms.

Definitions

  • Balance: Remaining amount payable after deducting any deposits.
  • Booking: The period reserved and fully paid by the Hirer.
  • Chauffeur: The driver provided by Hythe.
  • Deposit: Amount required to secure a reservation.
  • Employee: Any person engaged by Hythe, including contractors.
  • Hire Charge: Amount payable at any given time under this agreement.
  • Hire: The period during which a vehicle is hired or reserved.
  • Hirer: The person responsible for payment and/or who signed the agreement.
  • Party: Any guests or invitees accompanying the Hirer.
  • Reservation: A hire with deposit paid but not fully paid.
  • Vehicle: Any car or limousine provided by Hythe.

Deposits

  • All deposits are strictly non-refundable.

Mechanical Breakdown

  • Hythe is not liable for mechanical breakdowns before or during the charter.
  • If a vehicle becomes unsafe (accident/failure), Hythe will make reasonable efforts to arrange alternative transport and may decide the method of onward travel.
  • The Hirer may arrange their own transport at their expense; no claims against Hythe.
  • Hire is on a best-efforts basis; no guarantees on time, reliability, or events beyond Hythe’s control.

Hirer Liability

  • The Hirer is financially responsible for damage caused by them or their party.
  • Specific fees:
    • Carpet/seat burn: $300 per instance.
    • Sanitation fee: $250.
  • Drug use is prohibited. Smoking is not permitted in any Hythe vehicle.

Driver’s Authority

  • The driver may terminate the hire without refund if inappropriate or unlawful behaviour occurs.

Waiting Charges

  • Non-airport: 10 minutes free, then $1 per minute (total waiting time).
  • Airport:
    • Domestic: 30 minutes free after flight arrival.
    • International: 60 minutes free after flight arrival.
    • Additional waiting: $30 per hour (charged in 60-minute increments).

Overtime Charges

  • Applies after the scheduled booking time in 30-minute increments.
  • Hythe may waive overtime at its discretion.

Weather Conditions

  • Hythe is not liable for delays/termination due to unsafe road conditions (e.g., winter/rain).

Lost Items

  • Hythe is not responsible for items left in vehicles.

Seating Capacity

  • Vehicles must not exceed legal seating capacity.

Acceptance of Terms

  • Making a booking constitutes acceptance of these Terms as outlined on Hythe’s website.

Cancellation Policy

  • Sedan transfers: Cancellation within 72 hours incurs full charges.
  • Van/Minibus transfers: Cancellation within 72 hours incurs full charges.
  • Over 72 hours: 100% refundable minus processing fee.
  • Special vehicles/events: Fees may vary; details provided during booking.

Hirer Responsibility

  • The Hirer is responsible for passenger behaviour and any damages (direct or indirect).
  • The Hirer indemnifies Hythe against personal/material damages resulting from their conduct or that of their party.

General Conduct

  • The Hirer is responsible for their party’s conduct.
  • Food & Alcohol: Not allowed unless agreed in writing at booking. Underage drinking prohibited.
  • The Hirer is responsible for loss/damage to Hythe property provided for passenger use.
  • No Show: Failure to show is charged 100% (cancellation fee).

Safety

  • No Smoking: Prohibited; breach may terminate hire without refund.
  • Seatbelts: Must be worn where fitted. The Hirer indemnifies Hythe/Chauffeur for fines due to non-compliance.
  • Illegal Activities: Drugs/illegal conduct prohibited; breach terminates hire without compensation.
  • Door Safety: Only the Chauffeur may open/close doors (except emergencies). The Hirer is responsible for damage caused by non-compliance.
  • Child Seats: If provided, the Hirer must ensure correct fitting; do not travel if unsatisfactory.
  • Irresponsible Behaviour: (e.g., hanging out of windows, exterior sitting, abuse, rudeness, misuse, wilful damage) may terminate hire without compensation. The Hirer is liable for resulting loss/damage.

Limitations of Liability

  • Time Deadlines: The Hirer bears responsibility for adequate travel time. Advice from Hythe is non-contractual. No liability for missed deadlines or delays.
  • In-Vehicle Entertainment: Provided as a courtesy only; no liability for malfunction/unavailability.
  • Arrival Times: No guarantees for arrival times. Book sufficient duration to cover contingencies. Extra time may be charged.
  • Vehicle Specification Changes: Hythe may substitute vehicles; if lesser value, an appropriate adjustment will be made.
  • Subcontracting: Hythe may subcontract hires without prior notice; Hythe remains responsible for standard hire charges to the third party.

Additional Charges

  • Extra Passengers/Stops: Possible if time allows and capacity is not exceeded; extra mileage/time charged.
  • Extended Booking: If hire extends beyond booked period for any reason, extra time/mileage will be charged.
  • Cleaning Fees: Minimum $195 if vehicle left in unreasonable condition (e.g., spills, illness); may increase based on damage.
  • Card/Admin Fees: 2.5% surcharge on credit card payments if no account with Hythe.

Contact

For questions or more information, please contact us.