A hire agreement worth the paper it's signed on.

1. The agreement

This agreement is between the firm and the hirer named above for the hire of the vehicle described above. The particulars set out above form part of this agreement.

2. Hire period and return

The hire runs for the period stated above. The vehicle must be returned by the end time, in the condition recorded at handover, fair wear and tear excepted. Late return without the firm's agreement may be charged at the daily rate and may be reported as unauthorised use.

3. Deposit

The hirer provides the refundable deposit stated above. The firm may deduct from it the reasonable cost of new damage, missing fuel, excess mileage, cleaning beyond normal use, and fines or charges arising from the hire. The balance is returned promptly after the return inspection.

4. Condition record

The vehicle's condition is recorded in photographs at handover and again at return, and both sets form the agreed record of condition. Damage present at return and not at handover is the hirer's responsibility unless caused by a fault of the vehicle itself.

5. The hirer agrees

To hold a valid licence for the vehicle and drive it personally, not letting any other person drive without the firm's written agreement. To use the vehicle lawfully within the United Kingdom, not for hire and reward, racing, or towing unless agreed. To secure the vehicle when unattended and return it with all keys and accessories. To report any accident, damage or theft to the firm at once, and not to admit fault or settle any claim on the firm's behalf.

6. Insurance and excess

The excess stated above is payable by the hirer in the event of a claim. Insurance cover is void where the hirer breaches this agreement, including unlicensed or unauthorised driving, in which case the hirer is liable for the full loss.

7. Fuel, mileage, fines and charges

Fuel and mileage are as stated above; excess mileage may be charged at the firm's stated rate. Fines, penalty charges, tolls, and congestion or clean-air charges incurred during the hire are the hirer's responsibility, including those arriving after the hire ends, plus the firm's reasonable administration cost in handling them.

8. General

This agreement is governed by the law of England and Wales. The firm processes the hirer's personal data to run the hire and handle any incident, as data controller under UK GDPR.