Rental Terms

1. Booking

The renter books in accordance with the Terms of Service, specifying the vehicle class, pick-up and return times and stores, drivers, insurance plan and other conditions. Changes, cancellations and cancellation fees are governed by the Terms of Service.

2. Vehicle class

Bookings are by vehicle class (except V class); a specific model, colour or equipment within a class cannot be guaranteed. If a vehicle of the booked class is unavailable, the Lessor may provide a vehicle of an equal or higher class at the booked price. For V class, the vehicle you selected when booking is provided.

3. Drivers

• Each driver must present, at pick-up, a valid licence permitting them to drive in Japan (for foreign visitors: an International Driving Permit, or a licence from a designated country/region together with an official Japanese translation).
• All drivers’ licences are checked at pick-up. Only drivers declared at booking may drive.
• The Lessor may ask for a passport or other ID and a credit card to verify identity.

4. Refusal to rent

The Lessor may refuse to rent in any of the following cases. The booking is then treated as cancelled by the renter.

• No valid driving licence is presented
• The driver appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• A child who needs a child seat will travel without one
• The renter is a member of an organised crime group or other anti-social force
• Unpaid charges or serious breach of these Terms in a previous rental

5. Contract and vehicle check

The rental contract is formed when the renter receives the vehicle. At handover the Lessor and the renter check the vehicle’s exterior, equipment and fuel together; existing damage is recorded on the rental form or checklist.

6. Duty of care

From handover to return the renter must use and keep the vehicle with due care. The renter carries out the daily inspection required by the Road Transport Vehicle Act (Art. 47-2).

7. Prohibited use

• Drink-driving, driving without a licence, speeding or any other breach of law
• Letting an undeclared driver drive, or subletting
• Using the vehicle for paid passenger or goods transport
• Racing, testing, or towing or pushing other vehicles
• Modifying the vehicle or removing its equipment
• Smoking in a non-smoking vehicle; carrying pets unless permitted
• Taking the vehicle out of Japan, or onto ferries to remote islands, without the Lessor’s consent

8. Return

• The renter must return the vehicle to the booked store by the booked time. Returning to a different store (one-way) is only permitted if booked in advance with the one-way fee paid.
• The vehicle must be returned with a full tank. If not, fuel is charged at the Lessor’s conversion rate.
• If you will be late, contact the Lessor in advance for approval. Late return is charged according to the extra time.
• If the vehicle is not returned within 24 hours of the return time without contact, the Lessor may take necessary measures including reporting to the police.
• The Lessor is not responsible for items left in the vehicle.

9. Traffic violations

If the renter commits a parking or other traffic violation during the rental, they must report to the police and pay the fine themselves. If the Lessor pays a parking penalty because the renter did not, the renter must pay the Lessor that amount plus the Lessor’s costs.

10. Breakdown, accident, theft

• If you notice a fault, stop driving immediately and contact the Lessor for instructions. For faults not caused by the renter, the Lessor will either provide a replacement vehicle or refund the unused period, with no further liability.
• In any accident, however minor, report it to the police immediately and contact the Lessor. Without a police report, insurance and coverage do not apply.
• Do not settle with the other party without the consent of the Lessor and the insurer.
• In case of theft, report to the police immediately and contact the Lessor.

11. Insurance and coverage

Rental vehicles are covered by the motor insurance and coverage scheme arranged by the Lessor. Coverage, limits, deductibles and the differences between insurance plans (BESTCAR Basic, Standard, Plus and Perfect) are as shown on the booking page and the Insurance page. Insurance and coverage do not apply, and the renter bears the loss, in these cases:

• Accidents not reported to the police and the Lessor
• Accidents during prohibited use under Article 7
• Accidents while an undeclared driver is driving
• Cases excluded under the insurance policy

Non-operation charge (NOC): if the vehicle needs repair or cleaning because of an accident, theft, breakdown or soiling attributable to the renter, the renter pays part of the Lessor’s loss of business: ¥20,000 if the vehicle is driven back to the booked store, ¥50,000 if it cannot be driven. This may be reduced or waived depending on the insurance plan.

12. Termination

If the renter breaches these Terms, the Lessor may terminate the contract without notice and require immediate return of the vehicle. Amounts already paid are not refunded.

13. Settlement

Base rate, insurance plan and extras are charged at the times set out in the Terms of Service. Fuel, late-return charges, traffic-violation costs, NOC, uncovered damage and other costs under these Terms are charged to the registered credit card after return, or paid at the store.

14. Personal information

The renter’s personal information is used for the rental, accident handling and legal obligations, in accordance with the BESTCAR RENTAL Premium Privacy Policy and the Lessor’s policy.

15. Governing law and jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by Japanese law. The Osaka District Court, or the district court with jurisdiction over the Lessor’s head office, has jurisdiction in the first instance.

16. Language

The Japanese version is the governing text. Translations are for reference; if they differ, the Japanese version prevails.