1. About These Terms

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the rental of vehicles from Sunshine Car Rental (“we”, “us”, “our”), a car rental business registered and operating in Oranjestad, Aruba.

By making a reservation, completing a rental agreement, or taking possession of a vehicle, you (“the renter”, “you”) agree to be bound by these Terms in full. Please read them carefully before booking.

These Terms apply to all rentals, whether booked online, by phone, by email, or in person at our office.

2. Reservations and Booking

2.1 A reservation is a request to hold a vehicle for a specified period. It does not constitute a binding contract until a rental agreement has been signed at pickup.

2.2 We will make every reasonable effort to provide the specific vehicle reserved. If that exact vehicle is unavailable at the time of pickup, we will offer a comparable or upgraded alternative. If no suitable alternative is available, we will issue a full refund of any prepaid amount.

2.3 Reservations must include accurate pickup and return dates, times, and location. Any changes must be communicated to us as early as possible by phone or email.

2.4 We reserve the right to decline a reservation at our discretion, including where the renter does not meet the eligibility requirements set out in Section 3.

3. Driver Eligibility

3.1 Age. The primary driver must be at least 21 years of age. Drivers between 21 and 24 years of age may be subject to a young driver surcharge. Drivers must be no older than 75 years of age unless written approval has been obtained in advance.

3.2 License. The primary driver must hold a valid driver’s license that has been held for a minimum of one year. International visitors holding a license issued in English do not require a separate international driving permit. Licenses in other languages must be accompanied by a certified translation or an International Driving Permit.

3.3 Identity. A valid passport or government-issued photo ID is required at pickup.

3.4 Payment card. A credit card in the primary driver’s name is required at pickup to process the security deposit. Debit cards and prepaid cards may not be accepted.

3.5 Additional drivers. Any person who will drive the vehicle must be registered as an additional driver at the time of pickup, present valid documentation, and meet all eligibility requirements. An additional driver fee may apply. Unregistered drivers are not permitted to operate the vehicle under any circumstances.

4. Rental Agreement

4.1 A rental agreement will be prepared and signed at pickup. The agreement sets out the specific vehicle, rental period, agreed mileage (if applicable), fuel level, vehicle condition, applicable fees, and the deposit amount.

4.2 Please inspect the vehicle carefully before driving away and ensure that any pre-existing damage is documented on the rental agreement. Report any discrepancies to our staff immediately. Once you leave our premises with the vehicle, you accept its condition as documented.

4.3 The rental agreement is a binding contract between you and Sunshine Car Rental. These Terms form part of that agreement.

5. Rates, Fees and Payment

5.1 Rental rates are quoted in US Dollars (USD) unless otherwise stated. Rates are per calendar day or per 24-hour period, depending on the rental type agreed at booking.

5.2 The following may be added to the base rental rate:

• Young driver surcharge (drivers aged 21 to 24)
• Additional driver fee
• One-way rental fee (where applicable)
• Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or other optional coverage products
• Late return fee (see Section 7)
• Refuelling charge (see Section 8)
• Traffic violation or toll processing fee (see Section 11)
• Any applicable government taxes or levies

5.3 Full payment is due at the time of pickup unless a different arrangement has been confirmed in writing by us in advance.

5.4 We accept major credit cards. We reserve the right to decline payment methods that we cannot process.

6. Security Deposit

6.1 A security deposit will be held on the primary driver’s credit card at the time of pickup. The deposit amount depends on the vehicle category and will be confirmed at the time of booking or at pickup.

6.2 The deposit is a pre-authorisation, not a charge. It will be released within 5 to 14 business days after the vehicle is returned, provided no deductions are applicable.

6.3 Deductions from the deposit may be made for damage, fuel shortfall, late return fees, outstanding traffic fines, cleaning charges, or any other amounts owed under the rental agreement.

6.4 If the costs of damage or other charges exceed the deposit amount, you are liable for the difference.

7. Rental Period, Extensions and Late Returns

7.1 The rental period is as stated in the rental agreement. You must return the vehicle to the agreed location at or before the agreed return time.

7.2 If you wish to extend your rental, you must contact us as early as possible. Extensions are subject to vehicle availability and must be confirmed by us in writing or by phone. We cannot guarantee an extension if the vehicle has been booked by another customer.

7.3 Vehicles returned more than 60 minutes after the agreed return time without prior approval will be subject to an additional day charge at the prevailing daily rate. We reserve the right to treat an unreturned vehicle as stolen if we are unable to reach you.

8. Fuel Policy

8.1 All vehicles are provided with a full tank of fuel. You must return the vehicle with a full tank.

8.2 If the vehicle is returned with less than a full tank, we will charge for the missing fuel at current local pump prices plus an administration fee.

8.3 For electric vehicles, the battery will be charged to 100% at the time of pickup. We will provide information on the nearest public charging points. You are responsible for ensuring the vehicle has sufficient charge for your intended use.

9. Permitted Use

9.1 The vehicle may only be driven within the territory of Aruba unless prior written consent has been obtained from us. Taking the vehicle off the island or onto ferries is strictly prohibited.

9.2 The vehicle must only be operated on paved public roads unless it is a vehicle specifically designated and agreed for off-road use. Unpaved or off-road driving in a non-designated vehicle voids any coverage.

9.3 The vehicle must not be used:

• To carry more passengers than the vehicle is legally rated for
• To transport any illegal substances or contraband
• For hire, reward, or commercial transportation of passengers
• For racing, rallying, speed testing, or any competition
• To tow or push any other vehicle or trailer without our prior written consent
• By any person who is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs driving ability
• By any person not listed on the rental agreement as an authorised driver
• In a manner that violates any Aruban law or traffic regulation

9.4 Smoking in our vehicles is not permitted. A cleaning surcharge will be applied if evidence of smoking is found on return.

10. Insurance and Coverage

10.1 Basic third-party liability insurance is included with every rental as required by Aruban law.

10.2 A Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) may be offered as an optional add-on. If purchased, LDW reduces your financial liability for accidental damage to the rental vehicle, subject to the exclusions listed in clause 10.3.

10.3 LDW does not cover, and you remain fully liable for:

• Damage caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Damage caused by an unauthorised driver
• Damage to tyres, wheels, undercarriage, or roof unless caused by a collision covered by the agreement
• Damage caused by off-road driving in a vehicle not designated for that use
• Damage caused by violation of any term of this agreement
• Theft of the vehicle where the keys were left in the vehicle or not returned
• Interior damage, including burns, tears, and stains

10.4 You are encouraged to check whether your personal travel insurance or credit card provides any rental vehicle coverage before deciding on optional cover.

11. Traffic Violations and Tolls

11.1 You are responsible for all traffic fines, parking penalties, and any other violations incurred during your rental period.

11.2 If we receive a fine or liability notice that relates to your rental period, we will pass it on to you along with an administration fee. We may deduct these amounts from your security deposit.

11.3 By signing the rental agreement, you authorise us to provide your details to relevant authorities in connection with any traffic violation incurred during the rental period.

12. Accidents and Incidents

12.1 In the event of an accident, breakdown, or any incident involving the vehicle, you must:

• Ensure the safety of all persons involved and call emergency services if required (emergency number in Aruba: 911)
• Not admit liability to any third party
• Contact us immediately at +297-732-0111
• Obtain the names, contact details, license plate numbers, and insurance information of all parties involved
• File a police report if any person is injured, if another vehicle is involved, or if property is damaged
• Provide us with a full written account of the incident as soon as possible

12.2 Failure to follow these steps may result in the loss of any coverage provided and full liability for the costs of damage.

12.3 Do not have the vehicle repaired by any third party without our prior written authorisation. Unauthorised repairs will not be reimbursed.

13. Breakdowns

13.1 In the event of a mechanical breakdown caused by a defect in the vehicle, contact us immediately. We will make reasonable efforts to assist you or arrange a replacement vehicle.

13.2 Breakdowns caused by driver misuse, running out of fuel or charge, key lockouts, or damage caused by the driver are not covered and call-out costs will be charged to the renter.

14. Return of the Vehicle

14.1 The vehicle must be returned to the agreed location at the agreed time, in the same condition as it was received, with a full fuel tank (or charged battery for electric vehicles).

14.2 A member of our staff will inspect the vehicle on return. If we cannot inspect it in your presence, we will conduct an inspection as soon as reasonably possible and notify you of any damage found.

14.3 We reserve the right to charge for damage discovered after you have left, provided that the damage is consistent with your rental period and was not documented on the outgoing rental agreement.

15. Liability

15.1 We are not liable for any loss, damage, or inconvenience arising from:

• Breakdown, accident, or circumstances beyond our reasonable control
• Loss or theft of personal belongings left in the vehicle
• Delays caused by traffic, road conditions, or third parties

15.2 Our total liability to you under or in connection with any rental will not exceed the total rental fees paid by you for that rental period, except where liability cannot be limited by law.

15.3 Nothing in these Terms limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.

16. Cancellations and Refunds

16.1 Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the scheduled pickup time will receive a full refund of any prepaid amounts.

16.2 Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled pickup time may be subject to a cancellation fee equivalent to one day’s rental at the agreed rate.

16.3 No-shows (failure to collect the vehicle without prior notice) will not be refunded.

16.4 If we are unable to provide the reserved vehicle or a suitable alternative, a full refund will be issued.

17. Force Majeure

We will not be in breach of these Terms or liable for any failure or delay in performance caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, government actions, strikes, pandemics, or disruption to transport networks.

18. Governing Law and Disputes

18.1 These Terms and any rental agreement entered into under them are governed by the laws of Aruba.

18.2 Any dispute arising out of or in connection with a rental will first be referred to our management for resolution. If a resolution cannot be reached, the dispute will be submitted to the competent courts of Aruba.

18.3 Nothing in this clause prevents you from exercising any statutory rights you may have under the laws of your country of residence.

19. Changes to These Terms

We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time. The version in force at the time of your rental agreement is the version that applies to your rental. We encourage you to review these Terms before each booking.

20. Contact

For any questions about these Terms or your rental, please contact us:

Sunshine Car Rental
Bushiri 33-A, Oranjestad, Aruba
reservations@sunshinearuba.com
+297-732-0111