These Terms & Conditions apply to the hire of any vehicle where it is driven by the Customer (this is the named person on the hire contract). By Hiring a vehicle or trailer from Horse Mover Ltd the Customer agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions WHETHER THEY HAVE BEEN SIGNED OR NOT.

1. Definitions:

1.1 The Company is Horse Movers Ltd, and shall include servants or agents and sub-contractors whom the Company has authorised and permitted to use under these conditions and whom meet all the requirements of the laws of England.

1.2 The Company is NOT a Common Carrier and only accepts goods for carriage under these conditions.

1.3 The “Customer” shall mean any person or business or other party who contracts the Company for any service including Self Drive Hire or Rental.

1.4 The “Contract” is the agreement between the Company and the Customer and includes these Terms and Conditions as set out and describe below whether they have been signed or not.

1.5 These Terms and Conditions do not affect your statuary rights under English Law.   

1.6 The terms Hire and Rental have the same meaning in these Terms and Conditions.

2. Payments and Charges for Services

2.1 Booking Charges

2.1.1 A deposit of £100 is required at the time of booking, if the booking is within 14 days of the rental date or the booking is for one day then the full amount must be paid at the time of booking. Bookings are not confirmed or guaranteed until the booking deposit or full charge has been paid

2.1.2 Bookings are not confirmed or guaranteed until the booking deposit or full amount of the rental cost if booking within 14 days of the rental has been paid.

2.2 Minimum Charges & Rental Periods

2.2.1 The Company has a minimum rental period of one day.

2.2.2 All charges for hiring of a horsebox for self drive are based on full 24 hour periods. If the horsebox is returned early or before the expiry of the rental agreed the Customer will be charged for the full contracted period. 

2.2.3 Daily rental periods start at 09.00 am when the vehicle is collected from the Company’s depot and ends when the vehicle is returned at 09.00 am the following day or when the vehicles is collected at 06:00 pm the day prior to the day of hire and returned at 06:00 pm on the day of hire. 

2.2.3.1 The Company allow 30 minutes for late return, thereafter a charge of £20 per hour or part thereof is charged after the 30 minutes has expired for the late return irrelevant of the reason for the late return.

If the late return of the vehicle impacts onor forces a cancellation of a contract with the next customer then the customer returning the vehicle late will be liable for the monies which have to be refunded and the loss of income of the company. 

2.2.4 If the Customer wants the Company to deliver the vehicle to a location other than the Company’s base then a charge of £1.00 per mile will be charged for the journey starting from our depot and returning to our depot plus any public transport costs incured. A minimum charge of £55 plus VAT will be charged.

2.2.5 Any extension of the hire period must be agreed in advance with the Company and may incur additional administration charges over and above the additional rental charges.

2.3 Payments

2.3.1 In the event that the start date of the contract is less than 14 days from the time of making the booking then the full hire cost and any deposits must be paid at the time of booking.

2.3.2 Failure to pay the deposit or any balances due will result in the booking fee being forfeited and the hire contract being cancelled.  

2.3.3 For up-to-date scale of charges and price lists please visit the Company’s website www.horsemovers.co.uk or telephone 01489 505625.

2.3.4 At no time does the ownership of the rental vehicle pass to the Customer.

2.3.5 The client gives the Company permission to make any charges for outstanding costs against the credit card used to secure the Damage and Loss Deposit.

2.3.6 VAT is not included in any of our prices (unless expressly describe as including VAT) and will be added at the prevailing rate of 15%

2.4 Damage & Loss Deposit

2.4.1 Any damage, however caused, and to include kicking, bucking, chewing, biting or pushing, to the vehicle or equipment, other than fare wear and tear will be charged at a rate that will allow the damaged area or equipment to be returned to the condition prior to the contract.

2.4.2 A £500 Damage & Loss Deposit is required at the time of collection if the booking is made in advance or if the booking is made within 14 days of the contract then the Damage & Loss deposit will be required at the time of booking.

2.4.2.1 The Damage and Loss Deposit will increase to £1000 if the horse/s that are to be transported are not insured.

2.4.3 The Customer will indemnify the Company against all and any damage however so caused to any of the items listed in point 2.4.3.1 during the contract period which for this purpose is from when the horsebox is collected to when it is returned.

2.4.3.1 All equipment, fixtures and fitting including partitions, kick panels, doors, ramps, electrical equipment, mechanical equipment, soft furnishings, any accessories, utensils or any other equipment.

2.4.4 Any damage caused by the Customer, Customer’s horse/s, Customers representatives, family, friends or employees will be deducted in full from the damage and loss deposit. Should the damage or repair or cleaning cost be greater than the damage and loss deposit the Customer will be charged the full amount which will be charged to the Customer’s credit card.

2.4.5 Damage to the glass, windscreen, tyres and upholstery are not covered by the insurance and therefore the Customer is liable for the cost of repair or replacement of any of these items.

2.4.6 The Company reserves the right to take any monies owed by the Customer from the Customer’s credit card without further notice or authority being needed once the contract has been entered into which for the purpose of these terms and conditions is when the booking deposit has been paid.

2.4.7 The Company shall have the right of general lien against the Customer if any moneys or liabilities are not forthcoming at any time from the time the contract is entered in signed, which for the purpose of these terms and conditions is when the booking deposit has been paid, until all monies owed are paid.

2.4.8 Below are some items that will be charged against the damage deposit and there costs: This is not an exhaustive list and there may be other items that are chargeable.

§         Repairs & Replacements                             Full cost

§         Loss of Keys                                                      £160 + all accossiated costs

§         Satellite Navigation (If supplied)            £350

§        CCTV                                                                    £335

§         Vehicle Interior cleaning                           £75

§         Replacement Fuel                                          £1.50 per litre

2.4.9 Any loss or damage must be notified to the Company immediately.

2.5 Deposit Refunds

2.5.1 Any deposits taken at the time of booking will be returned to the Customer within 5 days of the completion of the contract subject to no misuse, damage or any other reason that would require the Company to deduct monies from the deposit. Any deposit remaining after deductions will be returned to the Customer within 5 days of the completion of the necessary work.

3. Safety & Abuse

          3.1 Safety

3.1.1 At all times safety of the Customer, the Customer’s representatives or family or staff working for the Customer and the employees of the Company and that of the horse/s is paramount. It is requested that any person involved in the loading, unloading or transporting of the horse/s should at all times wear the correct footwear, gloves and most importantly head protection.

          3.2 Abuse

3.2.1 Horses Movers Ltd nor any of its agents, employees or any one else associated with the Company condones the use of violence to force a horse/s to load. If any such actions are proven the contract will be terminated and the offender will be reported to the relevant authorise.

4. Conditions of Rental

          4.2 The Customer

4.2.1 The Customer must have a valid credit card which will be used to charge the Damage and Loss deposit against.

4.2.2 The Customer must be a UK resident

4.2.3 The Customer must hold a clean valid UK driving licence. The driving licence must have the C1 categories.

4.2.3.1 The Customer must produce both the photo card and the paper counterpart of the licence at the time of collection. These will be photocopied at the time of collection.

4.2.4 The Customer must be over 25 years of age and under 70 years of age. Exceptions may be made to age restrictions subject to prior agreement.

4.2.5 The Customer must produce 2 independent forms of identity which shows their current address. Acceptable documents must be dated within the previous 3 months and may include utility bills, bank or credit card statements.

4.2.6 The Customer must produce valid insurance documents for the horse/s that will be transported in the rental vehicle. If the horse/s are not insured then the Damage and Loss deposit may be increased to £1000.

4.2.7 The Customer must not have any previous convictions for alcohol or drug related traffic offences.

 4.2.8 At no time shall the Customer use the vehicle for anything other than carrying horses.

4.2.9 The Customer will not use the vehicle for hire or reward or let any other person drive the vehicle unless they are a named driver on the rental contract.

4.2.10 The Customer will return the vehicle with a full tank of Diesel.

4.2.11 The Customer will be responsible for any fines for road traffic offences including parking and speeding fines.

4.2.12 Under no circumstance can any vehicles hired from Horse Movers Ltd be taken out of the UK. The vehicles are not insured for travel abroad.

          4.3 The Company

                   4.3.1 will request the Customer sign;

                             4.3.1.1 a copy of these Terms and Conditions which will constitute a legal rental agreement.

                   4.3.2 a vehicle with a full tank of DIESEL.

                   4.3.3 Instruction manual & demo of the vehicles controls.

     4.3.4 Comprehensive vehicle insurance with an excess of £500 payable by the Customer should any damage occure.

        4.4 If circumstances or events beyond the Company’s control cause delays or stop the Company supplying the vehicle the Company cannot be held liable for any financial loss incurred by the Customer or any other person how so ever caused.

4.4.1 Any deposits or rental charges will be refunded in full if the Company is unable to supply a vehicle due to circumstances or events beyond their control.

4.5 The Company reserves the right to change the Terms and Conditions of hire and its pricing structure at any time without written notice. The Company further reserves the right to decline hiring vehicles to individuals or Company’s at its own discretion.

5. Horse’s

5.1 Unless the horse/s to be transported is registered with a breed society or other recognised equine authority which excludes the need for a passport the Customer is required by law to transport the horse/s with their passport.

5.2 The Customer is responsible for the safety, health and welfare of the horse/s being transported and any passengers being carried.

5.3 All horse/s being transported must have insurance which covers them whilst being transported.

5.4 The Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance does NOT cover any horse/s or personal effects.

6. Vehicle and Possessions Theft

6.1 In the event of the vehicle being stolen or theft of possessions the Customer MUST immediately notify the Police.

          6.1.1 The Customer must obtain a Police Crime Reference Number

6.2 In the event of the vehicle being stolen the Customer must contact the Company and notify them of the circumstances and give the Company the Crime Reference Number.     

6.3 If horse/s where onboard at the time of the theft the Customer should notify the owners of the horse, if they are not the owner, and notify their insurance Company.

6.4 If the Customer left the vehicle unattended with the engine running or with the keys in the vehicle or left the vehicle unlocked then they will be responsible for the full replacement cost of the vehicle and the value of any business lost by the Company.

6.5 It is recommended that the Customer has their own insurance to cover for the loss or theft of their own equipment, personal possessions, horses and any liabilities they may incur during the hire contract. The Company does NOT offer any insurance or accept any liability for any personal possession or horse/s being transported.

7. Insurance

7.1 All Vehicles are comprehensively insured, however an excess of £500 is payable for any claim made against the insurance. This excess is the responsibility of the Customer and will be paid by the Customer to the Company immediately a claim is made if:

7.1.1 the damage if caused by the Customer, customers driver, family, friends, agent or employess, the Customer’s horse/s or other horses being transported or by negligence of the Customer, Customers representatives, employees or any thirdparty however so caused.

7.2 Any items that are not included in the insurance which are damaged however caused by the Customer, the Customer’s representatives, the Customers family or friends, Customers employees or Customers horse/s or other pets will be paid for in full by the Customer.

7.3 Any personal possessions or equipment carried on or within the vehicle is the sole responsibility of the Customer. No claim for damage or loss however caused will be made against the Company, agents or representatives of the Company or any employees of the Company.

7.4 Customers are advised to arrange their own personal and horse insurance in case of injury or loss of their horse/s or personal effects.

7.5 The Company’s vehicle insurance does not cover the Customer for any loss or damage to personal possessions or loss, injury or death to the horse/s being transported. The Company, its agents or employees do not accept any responsibility or liability for the loss, damage, injury or death how ever this may be caused for the Customer’s personal possessions or horse/s.

7.6 Should the Customer make any false declaration/s relating to the hiring of the vehicle or breach these Terms and Conditions during the hire period or knowingly sign the contract when not legally entitled to drive the vehicle which results in the insurance cover being cancelled then any damage or loss however caused will be the sole responsibility of the Customer, along with any costs or loss of business incurred by the Company caused by the uninsured damage or loss.

7.8 Damage to the glass, windscreen, tyres and upholstery are not covered by the insurance and therefore the Customer is liable for the cost of repair or replacement of any of these items.

7.9 The client shall fully indemnify the Company, its agents, directors, associates, or employees for any loss, damage, death or injury to personal goods, possessions, third party claims, horses, other animals and claims made outside or not covered by the Company insurance policy for the vehicle whilst on hire.

8. Cancellation

8.1    Booking Deposit

8.1.1 Should the Customer decide to cancel the booking the following cancellations charges will apply:

• 14 days of hire date 100% of deposit returned less £35 admin fee
• Between 14 days and 7 days of hire date 50% deposit returned
• Between 7 days and 48 hours from hire date – Loss of deposit.
• Less than 48 hours notice of cancellation loss of deposit and full hire charges

8.2 Customers are advised to obtain their own insurance to safeguard against loss of deposit or cancellation.

9. Breakdown, Accident & Delays

9.1 Whilst every effort is taken to minimise the chance of breakdown or accident during the contract period, all the Company’s vehicles and trailers are covered by full rescue and recovery services, details can be found in the vehicle information pack.

9.1.2 The Company cannot be held liable for any delays, curtailment of journey, or any costs or losses incurred by the Customer due to breakdown, accident or delays however they may be caused.

9.2 The Company cannot be held responsible for stabling costs or accommodation costs or for any other costs incurred by the Customer or any other person due to a breakdown, accident or delay.

9.3 If an accident occurs during the hire period the Customer must notify the police and the Company immediately.

9.4 The Customer must get names and a addresses of any whitnesses and then complete an accident notification form (found in the vehicle information pack) and where possible take any photographic/video evidence and return along with the accident notification form as soon as possible after the accident.

9.5 Any essential equipment that is found to be faulty during the hire period such as lights, indicators or locks, can be repaired by a garage on route. The Customer should get a VAT receipt to be able to reclaim the cost of the repair. If the value of the repair is over £50 then the Customer must again authorisation from the Company before the repair.

9.6 Any non essential faults should be notified to the Company when returning the vehicle.

9.7 If the Customer allows the vehicle to run out of Diesel then any costs incurred in recovering or refuelling will be the responsibility of the Customer. Any damage caused to the mechanical working of the vehicle due to running out of fuel will also be the responsibility of the Customer.

9.8 If the Customer fills the tank with anything other than diesel the FULL cost of recovery and repair will be the responsible of the Customer, any resluting loss of business will also be paid for by the Customer.

10.   Care & Custody of the vehicle

10.1 The vehicle must be kept locked and secured when unattended, The Customer is completely responsible for the safety and security of the vehicle and all its contents at all time.

10.2 If the Customer uses the small living area at the rear of the box then they must  clean and tidy it before returning the vehicle.

10.3 Skip out the horse area prior to the return journey for the safety of the horse. Clean out the stalled area prior to returning the vehicle.

10.4 The vehicle is equipped with 1 fire extinguisher and a first aid kit, misuse of this equipment will result in the loss of deposit.

10.4.1 The Company is unable to hire the vehicle with first aid kits that have been unsealed and used therefore if the Customers needs to use any items from the first aid kit they will then be able to take the complete first aid kit at the end of the hire period and a charge of £15 (this is the actual price of the replacement kit) will be made against the deposit.

10.5 In respect of vehicle maintenance, the Customer is solely responsible for checking and maintaining:

          10.5.1 the fluid levels, including oil, water and screen wash.

          10.5.2 upholstery is kept clean and free from stains.

          10.5.3 all lights and indicators.

          10.5.4 the vehicle must not become defective or altered in anyway.

10.5.5 any warning lights that come on must be notified to the Company immediately. If warning lights are ignored any damage caused to the vehicle will be solely the responsibility of the Customer and any costs associated with the repairing the damage, any loss of business due to loss of vehicle and recovery of the vehicle will be made against the Customer.

10.6 The vehicle can carry a maximum of 2 horse/s, it is the Customers sole responsibility to ensure that the cargo, including the horse/s. tack, luggage, supplies, food stuff and passengers does not exceed the maximum laden weight as indicated in the vehicle information pack.

11.   Pets

11.1 Pets are not allowed to travel in our vehicles unless by prior arrangement.

11.2 No animals other than horse may be carried in our horseboxes

12. Smoking

12.1 The Company operates a STRICT NO SMOKING policy inside ALL our vehicles and trailers. ANY OFFENDER WILL FORFEIT THEIR DEPOSIT IN FULL plus pay the cost of fumigation!

12.2 All vehicles are clearly signed NO SMOKING this is for the safety of the horses and passengers as the horsebox often carry highly inflammable materials such as hay, straw, bedding etc.

13. Parking

13.1 The Customer may park their car at the Company’s depot during the rental period but the Company has no liability, responsibility or risk relating to the vehicle. The Customer accepts all responsibility for their own vehicle.

14. Data Protection Act (S) 1998

14.1 The Company, its agents, directors or employees may hold and process by computer or any other means the information supplied by the Customer in relationship with the rental of the vehicle.

14.2 Any information given by the Customer to the Company will only be used by the Company and will not be shared with any third party, other than the credit card Company for purpose of transacting payments.

14.3 The Company may use the Customer’s information to inform the Customer about offers, new services and other relevant details.

I have read and agree to abide by all the Terms and Conditions as stated above.

Customers Full Name (Printed)       

_________________________________________________

Customers Full Name (Signed)       

_________________________________________________

Date:_______________________