1. General Terms and Conditions.
A rental agreement is entered into between Rota Zero Unipessoal Lda, as the lessor, and the lessee, duly identified in the Special Terms and Conditions, which is governed by these General Terms and Conditions, the Special Terms and Conditions, and, in all matters not covered herein, by applicable Portuguese law.
2. Minimum age and driver's license requirements.
2.1. The renter, and each additional driver, must be at least 25 years old and have held a Class B driver’s license for more than 3 years;
2.2. If the driver is not a resident of the EU, he or she must hold a valid international driver’s license;
2.3. Failure to present a valid driver’s license at the time of vehicle pickup, as specified above, will result in the cancellation of the reservation without a refund of any amount already paid;
2.4. Only the renter and the drivers listed in the special terms and conditions may drive the vehicle.
3. Rental rates.
3.1. The daily rental rates are listed in the rental company’s rate table, which is available for each vehicle and will be updated on the rental company’s website at https://rotazero.com;
3.2. The daily rental rate includes a daily mileage limit of 100 km;
3.3. The rental price includes VAT at the applicable statutory rate;
3.4. Prices and minimum stay requirements vary depending on the time of year and are listed in the table referred to in 3.1;
3.5. The total amount of the rental agreement is calculated by multiplying the daily rate for the applicable season by the number of rental days;
3.6. The rental price for optional equipment is listed in the rental company’s price list;
3.7. The rental period runs from the date the vehicle is delivered to the renter until it is returned to the rental company.
3.8. The price lists are based on three distinct seasons throughout the year. The high season runs from July 16 to August 31, the low season from October 1 to April 30 (except for Christmas, New Year’s, Carnival, and Easter), and the mid-season—or the rest of the year—covers the periods from May 1 to July 15 and from September 1 to September 30.
4. Pre-booking and booking.
4.1. Once the renter has selected the rental dates and specified the number of passengers to be transported in the vehicle, the rental company has 48 hours to confirm the availability of the requested vehicle;
4.2. Once the vehicle’s availability has been confirmed, the renter will have 24 hours to complete the reservation; otherwise, the pre-reservation will expire;
4.3. The reservation is only binding after confirmation of payment of 50% of the total amount of the rental agreement;
4.4. Once payment is received, the reservation is binding;
4.5. If the renter cancels a reservation that is already in effect, they must pay the following cancellation fees:
4.5.1. Up to 60 days before the start of the rental: 50% of the total rental amount;
4.5.2. Up to 30 days before the start of the rental: 100% of the total rental amount.
5. Payment and security deposit.
5.1. The tenant shall pay the following amounts for the lease:
5.1.1. 50% of the rental contract price at the time of booking;
5.1.2. The balance of the rental contract price at the time of vehicle delivery, except during the high season (July 15 to August 31), when full payment for the rental must be made at least 30 days prior to vehicle pickup;
5.2. The tenant shall also pay, as a security deposit and as a guarantee of faithful performance of the obligations under the lease agreement, the amount specified in the table referred to in section 3.1, either in cash or by bank transfer;
5.3. The aforementioned amount will be refunded within 10 business days after checkout and following an inspection of the vehicle to verify that it is in the same condition as when it was delivered to the renter, as well as to calculate any tolls and/or SCUTs due;
5.4. If the vehicle sustains damage due to misuse, the amount the renter is required to pay will be determined. This amount will be deducted from the security deposit, and the renter agrees to pay the difference if the cost of the damage exceeds the amount of the security deposit;
5.5. If it is not possible to immediately assess the damage, the rental company has 30 business days to conduct this assessment and either return the security deposit or claim the difference between the deposit and the cost of the damage;
5.6. The lessee further agrees to pay the lessor, upon return of the vehicle or at a later date, provided that such date is the date on which the lessor issues a demand for payment:
5.6.1. Additional kilometers will be charged at a rate of €0.36 per kilometer;
5.6.2. Tolls/fees for SCUTS and Via Verde parking incurred by the vehicle during the rental period;
5.6.3. Any additional charges incurred because the vehicle was left at a location other than the one agreed upon for its return;
5.6.4. The total amount of all fines, court costs, and out-of-court fees resulting from any traffic violation issued against the vehicle during the term of the rental agreement, unless such costs were caused by the rental company;
5.6.5. If, due to the renter’s fault, the vehicle is detained and/or immobilized for any reason, the renter shall be liable for all expenses and losses incurred by the rental company, including lost profits (loss of revenue from subsequent rentals), for the duration of the vehicle’s immobilization.
6. Insurance.
6.1. The vehicle is covered by mandatory third-party liability insurance, which includes glass breakage coverage and roadside assistance.
6.2. The renter is liable for all damage to the vehicle resulting from misuse or from accidents for which the renter is at fault.
7. Vehicle drop-off (check-in).
7.1. The renter is required to follow the instructions provided by the rental company upon delivery of the vehicle;
7.2. Upon delivery of the vehicle, a delivery report shall be prepared to certify the condition in which it is delivered to the lessee, and shall be signed by both parties (the lessor and the lessee);
7.3. If, for any reason beyond the rental company’s control—including, but not limited to, a delay in the return of the vehicle by the previous renter, an accident, theft, breakdown, or any other situation that renders the reserved vehicle unavailable—and, consequently, it is not possible to deliver the vehicle to the renter on the scheduled date, the rental company agrees to refund the full amount paid for the rental reservation. In such situations , the renter shall not be entitled to any compensation .
7.4. The vehicle is delivered with a full fuel tank, a full fresh water tank, and an empty wastewater tank and cassette.
8. Vehicle return (check-out).
8.1. The vehicle must be returned to the rental company at the drop-off location specified in the rental agreement, along with the keys, accessories, and documents, on the date and at the time specified in the agreement as the end of the rental period.
8.2. Upon return of the vehicle, a vehicle receipt will be prepared to certify the condition in which it is returned to the rental company, and it will be signed by both parties (the rental company and the renter).
8.3. Any damage to the vehicle not listed in the document referred to in 7.2. shall be the responsibility of the renter.
8.4. The vehicle must be returned during the hours specified by the rental company.
8.5. A delay in returning the vehicle shall result in the obligation to pay the rental company, for each full or partial day, an amount equal to twice the daily rate in effect during the time of year when the vehicle was returned.
8.6. If the renter wishes to extend the rental period, they must notify us of this intention at least 3 days before the end of the initial contract term; the validity of such an extension is subject to there being no other reservations for those days. (These must be reservations.)
8.7. If the renter, of their own volition, is not present at the vehicle inspection referred to in 8.2, they expressly agree to accept the assessment made by the rental company.
8.8. The vehicle must be returned with a full tank of fuel. Otherwise, a fee of €120.00 (one hundred twenty euros) will be charged.
8.9. Returning the vehicle to a location other than the pickup location will incur costs to be agreed upon in advance.
8.10. The vehicle must be returned with a clean interior, a full fresh water tank, and empty wastewater and toilet (cassette) tanks. Otherwise, the following surcharges will apply:
8.10.1. Uncleaned interior, including the stove, toilet, and shower, and the presence of trash and/or other waste: €45.00 (forty-five euros);
8.10.2. Empty fresh water tank: €25.00 (twenty-five euros);
8.10.3. Full wastewater tank: €25.00 (twenty-five euros);
8.10.4. Toilet tank to be emptied and/or cleaned: €45.00 (forty-five euros).
8.11. If it is found that the drinking water tank has been filled with diesel or another fuel or substance, or that the fuel tank has been filled with water, another fuel, or a substance, the renter shall pay a penalty of €750.00 (seven hundred and fifty euros).
8.12. If fuel other than that used by the vehicle—which, as a reminder, is additive-enhanced diesel—is added, the renter is responsible for the costs associated with completely replacing the fuel, draining and cleaning the fuel tank, engine tuning, and any other damage caused to the vehicle, as well as for any other costs incurred in this regard.
9. Maintenance and prohibitions.
9.1. The renter acknowledges that the vehicle is being provided in perfect mechanical condition, complete with all necessary documentation and equipped with the appropriate tools, tires, and accessories, and agrees to maintain them in good condition.
9.2. During the term of the contract, the lessee is responsible for the vehicle, as well as for any damage it may sustain or cause, whether to persons or property, whether to the lessee or to third parties.
9.3. The lessee agrees to use the vehicle with due care.
9.4. The renter agrees that the vehicle may not be used:
9.4.1. To transport goods in violation of customs regulations or through any other illegal means;
9.4.2. For the transportation of passengers or goods in exchange for any compensation or remuneration;
9.4.3. To push or tow a vehicle or trailer;
9.4.4. In sports competitions;
9.4.5. By any person under the influence of alcohol or psychotropic substances;
9.4.6. For the transport of passengers or goods in violation of the relevant provisions set forth in the vehicle’s single document and other applicable legal regulations;
9.5. The lessee agrees not to drive in countries outside the EU without the prior written authorization of the lessor. In the event of a breach of this clause, the lessee shall be liable to pay a penalty of €500.00 (five hundred euros);
9.6. Smoking inside the vehicle is strictly prohibited, and failure to comply with this provision will result in a fine of €500.00 (five hundred euros).
9.7. The vehicle runs on diesel with additives; therefore, it is strictly prohibited to use diesel without additives. The renter will be fully liable for any engine damage caused by this, so we recommend that you keep your fuel receipts as proof of the fuel purchased.
9.8. The renter releases the rental company from any liability for the loss of any items left, stored, or transported by the renter or any other person inside or on the vehicle during the rental period or after the vehicle is returned to the rental company.
10. What to do in the event of an accident.
10.1. The lessee agrees to protect the lessor’s interests in the event of an accident during the term of this lease, as follows:
10.1.1. Notify the rental company within 24 (twenty-four) hours of any accident, theft, robbery, or fire, even in the case of minor damage, and provide it with a detailed report, including sketches of the accident;
10.1.2. Immediately contact law enforcement authorities whenever a third party interferes or the vehicle is prevented from moving;
10.1.3. In the report, describe the circumstances under which the accident occurred, including the date, time, and location, and provide the names and addresses of the parties involved and any witnesses, as well as the license plate number, make, insurance company, and policy number of the other vehicle;
10.1.4. Under no circumstances admit fault or liability;
10.1.5. Do not leave the vehicle without taking appropriate measures to secure it.
10.2. In the event of a breach of any of the obligations set forth in this agreement, the lessee shall be liable for all expenses and damages resulting from accidents.
10.3. In the event of theft or robbery, it is essential to provide documentary evidence of the report filed with the police, bearing the police department’s official stamp.
11. Applicable law.
In the event of a dispute, Portuguese law shall apply. All disputes arising out of or in connection with this contract shall be finally settled by arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration Rules of the National Center for Information on Arbitration of Consumer Disputes, by one or more arbitrators appointed in accordance with those rules.