Terms of Service

Welcome to Freedom Wheels Car Rentals. These Terms of Service (“TOS”) govern your use of our services and the rental of vehicles from Freedom Wheels Car Rentals (“the Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By booking or using our services, you agree to comply with these Terms.

1. Eligibility and Driver Requirements

• Renters must be at least 25 years old.

• A valid driver’s license must be presented at the time of rental. The renter must have held a valid driver’s license for at least 3 years.

• Minimum rental period may apply.

• The vehicle must be driven only by authorized drivers listed on the rental agreement.

• Drivers 65 years and older are required to provide a doctor's certificate.

2. Vehicle Use and Restrictions

• Vehicles must not be used off-road, for racing, towing, or any illegal activity.

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited.

• Reckless driving will automatically be a breach of the rental agreement on the renter's part.
• Vehicles must not be used for commercial purposes unless authorized in writing by the Company.

• Any violation may result in immediate termination of the rental and full financial responsibility for any resulting damage, loss, theft, or other associated costs, up to the full value of the vehicle.

3. Payments and Rates

• Base rental rates are per day and subject to availability.

• Rental charges may be paid using a valid credit card or cash. Where payment is made by credit card, the cardholder must be the primary renter. Security deposits must be provided separately in accordance with Section 4.

• All taxes, fees, and optional extras apply as stated.

• Any additional charges incurred (example tolls, fines, damage to the vehicle or damage fees) will be applied to the credit card on file or deducted from the cash security deposit.

• Renter remains liable for all damage up to the full value of the vehicle if no protection waiver is added to the rental. If the optional Collision Damage Waiver is purchased and not voided, renter's liability for covered damage is reduced to a maximum of US $2,500.

4. Security Deposit and Payment Authorization

A refundable security deposit is required at the start of every rental and is processed at vehicle pickup. Credit card deposits are handled as a pre-authorisation (hold), while cash deposits are collected at the same time. The deposit must be provided using a valid major credit card in the renter’s name or approved cash deposit.

Deposit amounts vary depending on the vehicle type and payment method:

• Credit Card: $2500–$3700 USD
• Cash: $2800 USD

The deposit will be held for the duration of the rental and refunded after the vehicle is returned and inspected, provided no additional charges apply.  Debit cards are not accepted for security deposits.

For credit card deposits, the renter authorizes the Company to place a hold and charge the card for any damages, fines, or unpaid amounts in accordance with this agreement.

For cash deposits, any applicable charges (tolls, fines or damage to the vehicle) will be deducted from the deposit, and the remaining balance will be refunded after inspection.

Where applicable charges exceed the security deposit amount, the renter remains responsible for the outstanding balance. Freedom Wheels Car Rentals reserves the right to invoice the renter for any unpaid balance and may pursue recovery through legal action, debt collection, or other lawful means where necessary.

5. Credit Card Insurance Coverage

Some credit cards may offer rental vehicle insurance (Collision Damage Waiver or Loss Damage Waiver). 

Customers who choose to rely on their credit card coverage must ensure that:

• The coverage is valid in Saint Lucia
• The rental is paid in full using the eligible credit card
• The renter meets all requirements set by the card provider

Please note: Credit card coverage typically applies only to damage or theft of the rental vehicle - It does not cover third-party liability, personal injury, or additional fees.

Coverage varies by provider and may not be guaranteed. Customers who decline our protection options and rely on credit card coverage remain fully responsible for any damages or charges (up to the full value of the vehicle) during the rental period.

We recommend confirming coverage details directly with your credit card provider before your rental.  For greater protection and reduced financial responsibility, we recommend selecting our protection option.

6. Insurance, Protection, and Waivers

1. Optional protection options are available:

   Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) + Fire & Theft: reduces the renter’s financial responsibility for covered collision, fire, or theft-related damage to a maximum of $2500 USD.
   
   

   Tyre, Windscreen & Interior Protection: reduces the renter’s financial responsibility for covered tyre, windscreen, and eligible interior damage to a maximum of $100 USD per incident.

2. Full details of applicable liability limits are outlined and confirmed in the Rental Agreement.

7. Damage Administration Fee

• In addition to repair costs or applicable insurance deductibles, a $75 USD Damage Administration Fee may be charged for processing, documenting, and handling damages.

• The Damage Administration Fee is separate from any applicable renter liability limits or protection waiver amounts.

   

8. Vehicle Condition, Inspection, and Evidence

• Vehicles are inspected before and after each rental.

• Photos and/or video recordings are used to verify vehicle condition.

• Renter agrees that these records are valid evidence of vehicle condition for assessing liability and damage charges.

• Any new damage not covered by purchased protection will be charged accordingly.

9. Optional Extras and Additional Services

Optional services may be added and charged separately:

• All extras are included in the Rental Agreement and authorized by the renter’s signature or online acceptance.

10. Traffic Violations, Fines, and Toll Charges

• Renters are responsible for all traffic violations, parking fines, and tolls incurred during the rental period.

• The Company will charge any unpaid fines plus an administrative processing fee to the credit card on file.

11. Liability

• The Company is not liable for personal injury or loss of personal items in the vehicle.

• Renters remain responsible for damage to the rental vehicle and any uninsured losses, subject to any applicable protection option selected. Third-party liability coverage is provided separately as required by law.

• Protection coverage becomes void in cases involving reckless or dangerous driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, unauthorized drivers, off-road use, illegal activity, failure to report an accident, failure to obtain a required police report, or any breach of the Rental Agreement or Terms of Service. Where protection coverage is voided, the renter will remain responsible for the full cost of damage or loss, up to the full value of the vehicle. Protection coverage may also become void where the renter fails to reasonably cooperate with accident reporting, investigation, insurance processing, or damage assessment procedures.

• The renter may also be responsible for additional reasonable costs arising from vehicle damage or loss, including but not limited to towing charges, vehicle recovery, appraisal or assessment costs, storage fees, and loss of rental income while the vehicle is unavailable for use or repair.

12. Cancellation and Refund Policy

• Cancellations and refunds are governed by the Company’s Rental Policies: https://freedomwheelsstlucia.com/rental-policies.html, which outline applicable timeframes and conditions.

13. Reference to Separate Rental Agreement

• A separate Rental Agreement will be executed at the time of vehicle pickup or online checkout.

• The Rental Agreement includes:

  • Vehicle-specific details

  • Protection option (if selected)

  • Refundable Security deposit amount

  • Optional extras

  • Authorization for damage, fines, and other applicable charges

• By signing the Rental Agreement, the renter confirms acceptance of this Terms of Service. 

14. Governing Law

• These Terms of Service and Rental Agreements are governed by the laws of Saint Lucia.

• Any disputes will be resolved under the jurisdiction of courts in Saint Lucia.

15. Agreement

• By booking, renting, or using our services, the renter acknowledges they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Service and the applicable Rental Agreement.