Terms and Conditions – Midland Car Specialists Ltd
It is the customer’s responsibility to read, understand, and comply with the terms and conditions outlined below before:
1. Arranging appointments to view our vehicles.
2. Paying deposits to secure a vehicle. Deposits are strictly non-refundable as per the bookings and cancellation terms outlined below.
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Customer Data
Midland Car Specialists Ltd will only use your personal information for its intended purpose. We may share your information within our network of car rental agencies and partner companies should we not have the requested or a similar vehicle available.
We may also send you information about our products and services by post, telephone, email, or SMS. By accepting our terms and conditions, you consent to being contacted in this way. If you do not wish to receive such communications, you should decline these terms.
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Age and Licence Restrictions
All prices are based on drivers aged between 23 and 70.
All drivers must:
• Have held a full UK or EU driving licence for a minimum of two years
• Have no more than six penalty points on their licence
• Complete the Midland Car Specialists Ltd agreement and duty of disclosure form
Drivers will not be accepted if they have convictions for:
• Drink or drug driving
• Dangerous or careless driving
Drivers must also:
• Not have been involved in an accident within the past five years
• Not have been convicted of motoring offences in categories CU / LC / MS / PC / PL / SP / TS
Midland Car Specialists Ltd reserves the right to refuse any driver whose licence does not comply with our insurance policy.
All hires and cancellations are subject to these terms and conditions, and it is deemed that you have read and understood them before making a booking.
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Booking and Cancellations
Midland Car Specialists Ltd requires a non-refundable booking fee upon completion and acceptance of the proposal form or quotation request.
This fee will be deducted from the total hire cost, with the remaining balance payable before the hire date.
• Cancellations prior to the hire date will incur a charge of 100% of the booking fee.
• Cancellations due to the hirer not meeting the terms outlined in these conditions remain the responsibility of the hirer.
• Midland Car Specialists Ltd assumes no liability unless stated otherwise.
Payments made by credit card may be subject to a 3% surcharge or 6% for AMEX.
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Security Deposit
The security deposit may be held as a pre-authorisation or payment and may be used:
• For mechanical damage not covered by insurers (e.g. tyres, wheels, clutch, gearbox) caused during the hire period, excluding normal wear and tear.
• As the insurance excess against accidental damage or loss caused by the hirer or a third party.
• To cover additional charges such as excess mileage or fuel reimbursement.
• To cover inconvenience and losses caused by police involvement, arrest, confiscation or dangerous driving.
The security deposit amount is determined according to the tariff for each vehicle.
Deposits may be held on a major credit or debit card and will be refunded after the hire period (subject to inspection and compliance with these terms).
Deposits may be retained in full if:
• Damages exceed the deposit amount
• An insurance claim is made
• Criminal prosecution or authority involvement occurs
If the vehicle is confiscated, compounded, or stolen, liability may increase to up to double the security deposit value stated in the hire agreement.
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Excess
Each vehicle carries a minimum insurance excess of £10,000 and up to £75,000 (including the security deposit) in the event of an insurance claim or significant damage.
Excess waiver policies are available up to £75,000. Please ask a member of the Midland Car Specialists Ltd team for further information.
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Liability
The liability of Midland Car Specialists Ltd is limited to a refund of the hire charge only. No liability will be accepted for consequential losses.
Hire may be rearranged or cancelled if:
• Weather conditions are deemed extreme or unsafe for hire
• There is a mechanical breakdown or other unforeseen circumstance
Where possible, a replacement vehicle will be offered. If a similar vehicle is unavailable or declined, the hire may be rescheduled or refunded in full or partially.
Midland Car Specialists Ltd reserves the right to refuse hire to any person deemed unsuitable or whose age or licence details do not comply with our requirements.
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Use of Vehicle
Vehicles may be used for business, social, domestic, and pleasure purposes only.
Vehicles must not be used for:
• Driving tuition
• Towing
• Racing or motorsport
• Track days or rallies
• Any illegal activities
Allowing a non-insured driver to operate the vehicle will result in:
• Immediate loss of the security deposit
• Potential prosecution for vehicle theft by Midland Car Specialists Ltd
Credit hire arrangements (supplying replacement vehicles following a non-fault accident) are strictly prohibited for vehicles supplied by Midland Car Specialists Ltd.
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Overseas Travel
Vehicles must not be taken outside mainland UK.
This includes:
• Ireland (Eire)
• Northern Ireland
• Channel Islands
• Isle of Wight
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Fuel
Vehicles will be supplied with a set fuel level and must be returned with at least the same amount.
If returned with less fuel, the hirer will be charged:
• Pump price for fuel replacement
• £25 administration fee
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Mileage Allowance / Late Returns
Mileage allowance is 100 miles per day, unless otherwise stated.
Late returns will incur:
• £50 per half hour
• Returns exceeding 2 hours late will be charged the full daily rate
If Midland Car Specialists Ltd is notified in advance and the vehicle is not due for hire the same day, charges may be waived at the company’s discretion.
Hire extensions must be pre-approved.
Outstanding balances must be paid within 24 hours of return, otherwise Midland Car Specialists Ltd reserves the right to pursue legal recovery of funds.
Excess mileage charges are applied according to the current vehicle tariff.
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Identification
Before hire begins, all drivers must provide:
• Driving licence
• National Insurance number
• Passport photo identification
• Two proof of address documents (dated within 1 month)
• Payment card used for the booking
Original documents must be produced before the hire date.
Failure to provide documents will result in cancellation with no refund of deposits.
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Damage and Wear
All damage occurring while the vehicle is in the hirer’s possession is the responsibility of the hirer.
Repair costs may be deducted from the security deposit up to the deposit value.
Vehicles are fully inspected after cleaning at our premises, and damage discovered after this inspection may still be charged.
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Smoking Policy
Smoking inside vehicles is strictly prohibited.
Evidence of smoking will result in loss of the entire security deposit.
Midland Car Specialists Ltd may use detection equipment to verify whether smoking has occurred.
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Fines
The driver/hirer is responsible for all fines, penalties, or parking tickets incurred during the hire period.
If Midland Car Specialists Ltd settles a fine on behalf of the hirer, a £25 administration fee will apply.
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Pivate Property
Midland Car Specialists Ltd is not responsible for loss or damage to any personal property left inside the vehicle.
If a personal vehicle is left at Midland Car Specialists Ltd Head Office (BizSpace Business Park, Wolverhampton, WV2 4XA) during the hire period, it is left entirely at the owner’s risk.
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Covid-19
Bookings affected by COVID-19 may be:
• Fully refunded, or
• Rescheduled free of charge (subject to availability)
A positive PCR test may be required to validate a refund or change of date where applicable.
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Driver requirment
All drivers must:
1. Be aged 23–70
2. Have held a full UK driving licence for at least two years
3. Have no more than one fault accident or conviction in the past 10 years
4. Have no more than two non-fault accidents in the past 10 years
5. Have no serious driving offences or licence suspensions (minor offences not exceeding six penalty points in the past three years may be ignored)
6. Have no criminal record relating to vehicle crime
7. Be British citizens
Within 5 days of hire, drivers must provide:
• Driving licence (front and back)
• DVLA licence check code
• Two proof of address documents (dated within the last month)
• Valid UK passport
• Proof of earnings
• Confirmation of home ownership
