Terms and Conditions

Article 1: Definition of Terms

In these General Terms and Conditions, the following terms are understood to mean:

  1. Vehicle: the vehicle that is the subject of the rental agreement. The lessor must offer the vehicle in roadworthy condition in accordance with the requirements that can reasonably be set. The lessee must return the vehicle and optional extras in the same condition as offered, with the exception of normal wear and tear. Check the vehicle thoroughly before driving away.
  2. Lessee: the natural or legal person who concludes the rental agreement as a lessee.
  3. Lessor: Hippiebus BV.
  4. Driver: the actual driver of the vehicle.
  5. Damage: the damage that the lessor directly or indirectly suffers as a result of damage or destruction or theft of the vehicle or of accessories or parts thereof. This damage includes, among other things, the cost of repair or replacement of the vehicle and the resulting loss of rental income.
  6. Amounts: all amounts mentioned are exclusive of 21% VAT
  7. Rental agreement: the agreement between the lessee and the lessor regarding the rental of the vehicle/vehicles (in case of rental of multiple vehicles).
  8. Pick-up location: place from which the vehicle is rented and (unless otherwise agreed) also returned.
  9. Rental period: the lessee is responsible for the vehicle and any optional extras during the period in which the vehicle is in their possession. The rental period starts when the lessee picks up the vehicle and ends when the lessor indicates that they have received the vehicle and keys.
  10. Accident: a suddenly occurring event with mechanical force that affects the exterior of the vehicle.

Article 2: Reservation and Cancellation

  1. A reservation can be made by telephone, email, post or verbally. After a reservation, the lessor sends the lessee a confirmation of what has been reserved, preferably by email.
  2. A reservation is only definitive if the lessee has confirmed the reservation and paid the deposit. This then constitutes a booking.
  3. By confirming the reservation and paying the deposit, the lessee agrees to the price, current general terms and conditions and any other agreements made.
  4. If not specifically stated in the reservation, the lessee and lessor agree in advance where and when the vehicle will be picked up.
  5. A booking means that:
    • The lessor keeps the vehicle(s) available during the rental period.
    • The lessor keeps staff available to assist the lessee as well as possible before, during and after the rental period.
  6. The lessee has the option to terminate the concluded rental agreement subject to payment of the following amounts to the lessor:
    • Up to 14 days before the start of the agreed rental: 50% of the (cancelled) rental amount will be charged.
    • From 14 days before the start of the agreed rental: 100% of the (cancelled) rental amount will be charged.
  7. The lessee is advised to take out cancellation insurance.
  8. In case of cancellations due to illness or death, the lessor may give the cancellation costs as a discount to the lessee for a subsequent reservation.
  9. The lessor has the right to terminate the rental agreement in case weather conditions could cause damage to the vehicle. In that case, the lessee is entitled to a refund of any amounts already paid, excluding any other possible compensation.
  10. Before departure with the vehicle, the lessor makes a copy of the driver's license and identity card of the lessee(s). In case the lessee(s) do not have a valid driver's license, the lessor will have the right to refuse to hand over the rented vehicle to the lessee(s) and to terminate the rental agreement with immediate effect in accordance with the conditions set out in article 2.6 of these general terms and conditions.

Article 3: Payment

50% of the rental price to be paid and agreed costs must be paid within 7 days after reservation and are payable at the lessor's premises. The remainder must be paid at the latest two weeks before departure at the lessor's premises, unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing. If the lessee does not pay the rent or other costs or does not pay on time, the lessor has the right to terminate the rental agreement (and any other rental agreements) with the lessee without prior written notice and without any obligation to pay any compensation to the lessee. In that case, the lessor may charge the lessee for the damage suffered.

Article 4: Costs Associated with Use of the Vehicle

The lessee must pay the amounts stated in the rental contract for the vehicle and any optional extras for the rental period. The lessee must pay for all extensions of the rental period to which the lessee has agreed, including optional extras. The lessee must pay for theft and damage costs, specialized cleaning costs, towing costs, toll costs, parking, traffic or other fines and costs, and related administration and processing costs, if in accordance with these general terms and conditions. At the end of the rental period, the vehicle must be returned with a full tank of petrol. If the vehicle is not returned with a full tank, the lessor will charge the costs of refueling the vehicle, including a service fee of ten euros (€10.00) and fuel in accordance with the rates applicable at the time of rental. The lessee must return the vehicle cleaned after the rental period, both inside and outside. Cleaning by the lessor is possible for a fee. Under no circumstances may the vehicle go through an automatic car wash.

Article 5: Use of the Vehicle from Hippiebus.be

The lessee must handle the vehicle with care and ensure that the vehicle is used in accordance with its purpose. The lessor provides a proper verbal instruction before departure, unless the lessee explicitly indicates that they do not want this. The lessee must comply with the applicable traffic rules and use the vehicle in a legal manner and for legal purposes. The lessee must ensure that all drivers have the competence and the physical and mental condition required to drive the vehicle. A list of drivers is provided to the lessor before departure. The lessee is not permitted to allow persons other than an authorized driver(s) to drive the vehicle. Drivers must be at least 25 years old and have been in possession of a valid driver's license for at least three years, unless otherwise agreed. In case of children traveling with them, the lessee must provide a proper child seat. A child in any case occupies one of the four available seats in the vehicle. The lessor is in no way liable for loss or theft of the lessee's belongings from the vehicle. The lessor is never liable for (the consequences of) damage to items transported with the vehicle. The lessee is not permitted to sublet the vehicle to third parties. It is strictly forbidden for the lessee to smoke in the vehicle or to stand on the benches or seats. The lessee is not permitted to use the vehicle for any time or speed-related competitions, games or other activities in any form. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the lessee is not permitted to use the vehicle for any commercial purposes. The lessee is prohibited from transporting flammable, toxic or otherwise dangerous substances. The lessee is not permitted to transport pets in the vehicle, unless otherwise agreed in writing. In the latter case, logical precautions must be taken to prevent any damage to the vehicle. The lessee must maintain all fluids and tire pressure at the required level. The lessee must refuel with suitable fuel for the vehicle. The lessee must lock the vehicle when not in use and check that all windows and the hood are properly closed. The lessee is obliged to ensure that the obligations and prohibitions of these general terms and conditions are observed by the driver, passengers and other users of the vehicle. The lessee is liable for all consequences of the conduct of users of the vehicle, even if they did not have the lessee's consent. The lessee is responsible for all costs and charges that the lessor passes on because an additional driver or passenger does not comply with these general terms and conditions.

Article 6: Deductible - Deposit

Third-party liability insurance is automatically included in the rental services, in accordance with the law of November 12, 1989 regarding compulsory liability insurance for motor vehicles. This insurance covers the civil liability of the driver of a vehicle towards third parties for damage caused to their property, physical injury or death resulting from an accident that occurred during use of the vehicle. The amount of coverage is in accordance with the regulations in this regard. Use of vehicles contrary to the rental agreement, such as use for the transport of dangerous substances, the transport of substances for which a permit is required according to the applicable regulations, use outside the areas permitted in the rental agreement or use other than for which the vehicle is intended, is excluded from the insurance. The lessee/driver is not entitled to fully/partially acknowledge or accept liability for a third party without prior consent from the lessor or the civil liability insurer in the event of a liability claim. The lessee agrees to the applicable deductible. The deductible means that damage to the vehicle that occurred during the rental period can be recovered from the lessee. If the vehicle is lost, stolen or damaged, the lessee must, to the extent permitted by law, pay the deductible as stated in the rental agreement for each clearly separate incident or damage case, applicable taxes and the lessor's damage and theft processing costs. The lessor reserves the right to request a deposit of 500 euros. This deposit is transferred to the lessor's account or paid in cash at the lessor's premises, at the latest before departure. When the lessor makes use of the deposit, the lessor will inform the lessee of this in writing in advance.

Article 7: In Case of Damage

The lessee is obliged to return the vehicle at the pick-up location in the same condition as received, no later than the day and time agreed in the rental agreement.

The lessee is liable in accordance with the general liability rules for damage to the vehicle, loss of the vehicle or non-compliance with any provision of the rental agreement. The lessee is liable for all damage suffered by the lessor as a result of any event during the rental period as well as all damage in any way connected with the rental of the vehicle (this also applies if the vehicle is not being driven or managed by the lessee at the time of any event), taking into account the following. If the lessee suspects that something is wrong with the vehicle that was not included in the rental agreement at the start of the rental, the lessee must immediately contact the lessor by telephone. If an insurance contract taken out by the lessor against the risk of hull damage or against the risk of legal liability provides a payment to the lessor or to a third party, this does not affect the lessee's liability. The lessor cannot be held liable for physical injury or death of the occupants of the rented vehicle unless the lessor would be at fault in this regard. The lessee must use the vehicle as a good householder and take care of it. The lessee is not permitted to use the vehicle in case of damage or a defect to the vehicle if this can lead to aggravation thereof or to a reduction in road safety. In case of damage or any event from which damage may result, the lessee is obliged to: Immediately inform the lessor by telephone. Immediately notify the police when the vehicle has been involved in an accident or has suffered damage, even if no third party was involved. Follow the instructions of the lessor. Provide the lessor or their insurer with all requested and unsolicited information and all documents relating to the event. Submit a fully completed and signed damage report form to the lessor within 48 hours. Refrain from acknowledging guilt in any form whatsoever. Not leave the vehicle without properly protecting it against the risk of damage or theft. Provide the lessor and persons designated by the lessor with all requested cooperation in obtaining compensation from third parties or as a defense against claims from third parties.

Article 8: Liability of the Lessor

Except in case of intent, fraud or gross negligence of the lessor or in case of physical injury or death due to a shortcoming of the lessor, the liability of the lessor, insofar as it does not fall under the possible insurance coverage of the lessor, will be limited to the amount of the rental of the rented vehicle.

Article 9: Costs of Technical Assistance, Repairs and Damage

In case of a defect to the vehicle, the lessee is obliged to immediately inform the lessor by telephone. The costs of repair work that becomes necessary during the rental period to be able to continue driving safely are for the account of the lessor. The lessor must always give permission before a repair takes place. The costs of repair work paid by the lessee will be reimbursed by the lessor upon submission of an itemized invoice. The lessor provides direct (personal) free technical assistance within a radius of 100 km from the pick-up location if necessary. Outside the assistance area, the lessee depends on insurance, VAB or similar. In any case, the lessor is obliged to cooperate to help the lessee as quickly as possible in case of a defect to the vehicle. If further driving with the vehicle is impossible as a result of a defect to the vehicle that was already present at the start of the rental, the lessee is entitled to replacement transport. If further driving is impossible as a result of any other cause, the lessee is not entitled to replacement transport. The costs of repatriation in case of damage or any defect are outside the agreed assistance area as in article 9.4 at the expense of the lessee. The lessor is not liable for other consequences of the inability to continue driving as a result of a defect. Any loss of rental enjoyment will also not be compensated. (Technical) defects to the vehicle caused by improper use of the vehicle will be treated by the lessor as damage. If the lessee is responsible for the costs of damaged parts of the vehicle, the new price of the parts to be replaced will be charged according to the most current price list of an authorized supplier. In addition, the time required to replace the damaged parts concerned will be inventoried and added to the material damage for the applicable hourly rate of the executing company. The damage resulting from the inability to rent out the vehicle is determined by the number of days multiplied by the rental price per day.

Article 10: Government-Imposed Sanctions and Measures

Lessees and/or the contractually designated drivers are always jointly and severally liable for violations committed with the vehicle, regardless of who was driving the vehicle at that time. All sanctions imposed by the government are at the expense of the lessee/driver during the use of the vehicle, unless they are related to a defect that was already present at the start of the rental. The lessee/driver is unlimitedly liable for all traffic offenses and administrative violations, all violations of legal provisions committed during the rental of the vehicle. Sanctions charged to the lessor by the authorities will be charged to the lessee. The lessor is entitled to charge €25 in administration costs, without prejudice to the lessor's right to claim higher compensation or loss.

Article 11: Termination of the Rental

The lessor is entitled to terminate the rental agreement without notice of default or judicial intervention and to repossess the vehicle if it appears that: One or more of the obligations of the rental agreement are not, not timely or not fully met. The lessee is placed under guardianship, they apply for suspension of payment, they are declared bankrupt. During the rental period, circumstances become apparent which, if the lessor had been aware of them, would not have entered into the rental agreement. The lessee uses the vehicle improperly or unlawfully. If the lessor terminates the rental agreement, the lessee is obliged to immediately return the vehicle including the vehicle documents, all accessories and all car keys to the lessor. Any cancellation, termination or dissolution of the rental agreement by the lessor leaves their other rights, including the right to claim full compensation, unaffected.

Article 12: (Foreign) Trips

The lessee is only permitted to drive the vehicle in the countries permitted by the lessor. Permitted travel destinations: Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg and Northern France. Other destinations only on request and with express written consent of the lessor. Hippiebus.be is NOT a member of ABTO, VVR, GFR or other funds and/or organizations. Hippiebus.be is in principle not a tour operator (16-2-1994 - Law regulating the travel organization and travel intermediary contract) nor a travel organizer, but a vehicle rental company. If a foreign trip is made with the vehicle, the lessee is responsible for having the necessary travel documents. The duration of the trip is stated in whole days. The days of departure and arrival are included regardless of the time thereof. We advise you to take out good travel insurance. The lessor takes no responsibility for the availability of supplies necessary for a pleasant stay for children. The lessor can provide route maps, route books and other (route) descriptions. These were made with the greatest possible care, but are never 100% complete and/or error-free. The lessor is not liable for any disadvantage that the lessee experiences due to errors or incompleteness in these.

Article 13: Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism is nothing more than traveling and taking into account the environment, people, nature and culture so that traveling in the future is still possible. The lessor feels involved in this and holds the environment in high regard. Take this into account! Respect your surroundings, nature and the environment.

Article 14: Copyright

Documents provided to the lessee such as route maps, route books and other (route) descriptions are the property of Hippiebus.be and may not be provided to third parties or copied. Photos or travel reports provided to the lessor taken during the rental of the vehicle become the property of the lessor and may be used for publication, unless otherwise agreed. The vehicle is equipped with a device that tracks the location. By entering into the agreement, the lessee agrees to the fact that the vehicle is equipped with such a device.

Article 15: Nullity - Applicable Law

In case of any nullity of one of the provisions of this agreement, this will not affect the effect of the other provisions. In that case, the void/invalid provision will automatically be replaced by a legally valid provision that corresponds as closely as possible to the intention of the parties. In case of dispute, the court will make a binding judgment on this. This contract is exclusively subject to Belgian law. In case of dispute, only the civil courts of the judicial district of Ghent are competent, insofar as permitted. Article 16: Finally, have a great time with our Hippiebus!

We hope you have a pleasant time with our Hippiebus.

version March 2023