Terms of Service

Last Updated: March 4, 2026

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of vehicle rental services provided by Auto Hire of St. Louis LLC ("AutoHire STL," "we," "us," or "our"). By renting a vehicle or using our services, you agree to these Terms.

1. Rental Eligibility

To rent a vehicle from AutoHire STL, you must:

• Age Requirement: Be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
• Valid Driver's License: Possess a valid, unexpired driver's license issued by a U.S. state or territory. International licenses must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Credit/Debit Card: Provide a valid credit or debit card in your name for payment and security deposit authorization.
• Clean Driving Record: Not have major violations (DUI, reckless driving, suspended license) within the past 3 years.
• Insurance: Provide proof of personal auto insurance or purchase our rental insurance coverage.

We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who does not meet these requirements or poses a risk to our vehicles or operations.

2. Booking and Reservations

Booking Process

• Reservations can be made online, by phone, or in person.
• All bookings require a valid credit/debit card for deposit authorization.
• A security deposit ($200 for insured renters, $300 for uninsured renters) will be authorized but not charged unless damage or policy violations occur.
• We reserve the right to cancel reservations if eligibility requirements are not met.

Cancellation Policy

• Free Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours before pickup for a full refund.
• Late Cancellation: Cancellations within 24 hours of pickup are subject to a $50 cancellation fee.
• No-Show: Failure to pick up a reserved vehicle without notice results in forfeiture of the full rental amount.

3. Payment Terms

Rental Fees

• Daily, weekly, and monthly rental rates are available and vary by vehicle type.
• Rental periods begin at the time of vehicle pickup and end at the scheduled return time.
• Mileage is included as specified in your rental agreement (e.g., 200 miles/day). Excess mileage may incur additional charges.
• Fuel policy: Return the vehicle with the same fuel level as at pickup. Refueling fees apply if returned with less fuel.

Security Deposits

• A refundable security deposit is authorized on your card at pickup.
• Deposits are released within 5-7 business days after the vehicle is returned and inspected.
• Deductions from the deposit may occur for damage, cleaning, traffic violations, or policy violations.

Late Fees

Payment Methods

• We accept major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover).
• Cash payments are not accepted for initial bookings but may be accepted for balance payments in person.
• Payment is due at the time of pickup unless otherwise arranged.

4. Vehicle Use and Restrictions

You agree to use the rental vehicle in compliance with all applicable laws and the following restrictions:

Prohibited Uses

• Racing, speed contests, or off-road driving
• Towing or pushing other vehicles
• Transporting illegal substances or contraband
• Smoking or vaping inside the vehicle (subject to $250 cleaning fee)
• Allowing unauthorized drivers to operate the vehicle
• Transporting passengers for hire (rideshare, taxi services) without prior written approval
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Driving outside the continental United States without prior approval

Vehicle Care

• You are responsible for the vehicle's condition during the rental period.
• Report accidents, damage, theft, or mechanical issues immediately.
• Do not attempt repairs without our authorization.
• Return the vehicle in the same condition as received, normal wear excepted.

5. Damage and Liability

Your Responsibility

You are responsible for all damage to the vehicle during the rental period, including:

• Collision damage (body, frame, mechanical)
• Windshield and glass damage
• Tire damage or punctures
• Interior damage (stains, burns, tears)
• Missing equipment or accessories
• Towing and impound fees resulting from your actions

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)

We offer optional Loss Damage Waiver coverage that reduces your financial responsibility for vehicle damage. LDW does not cover:

• Prohibited uses or negligence
• Unpaid rental charges or fees
• Personal belongings inside the vehicle
• Damage caused by driving under the influence

6. Insurance Requirements

Personal Auto Insurance

You must provide proof of personal auto insurance that covers rental vehicles. Your policy must meet Missouri state minimum requirements:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person
• $50,000 bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 property damage per accident

Rental Insurance

If you do not have personal auto insurance, you must purchase our rental insurance coverage at an additional daily fee. Coverage options include:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Reduces liability for vehicle damage
• Liability Protection: Covers third-party injury and property damage
• Personal Effects Coverage: Protects your belongings in the vehicle

Uninsured Renters

Renters without insurance coverage (personal or rental) will be held fully liable for all damages, losses, and third-party claims.

7. Traffic Violations and Fines

• You are responsible for all traffic violations, parking tickets, tolls, and fines incurred during the rental period.
• If we receive a citation or toll notice in your name, we will forward it to you and may charge an administrative fee of $25.
• Unpaid fines may result in additional charges to your credit card on file.

8. Accidents and Theft

In the event of an accident, theft, or vandalism:

• Report Immediately: Contact us and local law enforcement within 24 hours.
• Obtain Documentation: File a police report and obtain the report number.
• Exchange Information: Collect contact and insurance information from other parties involved.
• Do Not Admit Fault: Provide facts but do not admit liability at the scene.
• Continue Rental Charges: Rental charges continue until the vehicle is returned or replaced.

9. Extensions and Early Returns

Rental Extensions

• To extend your rental, contact us at least 24 hours before the scheduled return time.
• Extensions are subject to vehicle availability and additional charges.
• Unauthorized extensions (keeping the vehicle beyond the return time without approval) incur late fees.

Early Returns

• Early returns do not entitle you to a refund for unused rental days.
• If you return the vehicle early due to mechanical failure caused by us, a prorated refund may be issued.

10. Vehicle Tracking and GPS

Our vehicles may be equipped with GPS tracking devices for theft prevention and recovery. By renting a vehicle, you consent to GPS tracking during the rental period. Tracking data may be used to:

• Locate the vehicle in case of theft
• Verify compliance with rental terms (e.g., geographic restrictions)
• Assist with roadside assistance or emergencies

GPS data is subject to our Privacy Policy and will not be shared with third parties except as required by law.

11. Dispute Resolution

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Missouri, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your rental will be resolved in the courts of St. Louis County, Missouri.

Arbitration Agreement

Any dispute or claim arising from or relating to your rental will be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. You waive your right to participate in class-action lawsuits.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

• AutoHire STL is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your rental.
• Our total liability for any claim is limited to the amount you paid for the rental.
• We are not responsible for delays, inconveniences, or losses caused by vehicle breakdowns, accidents, or circumstances beyond our control.
• We are not liable for loss or damage to personal belongings left in the vehicle.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold AutoHire STL harmless from all claims, damages, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the rental vehicle
• Violations of these Terms
• Damage or injury caused by your negligence or misconduct
• Third-party claims related to your rental

14. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on our website with an updated "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

15. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

16. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with your rental agreement and our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and AutoHire STL regarding your rental.