RENTAL AGREEMENT

MOTU CAR RENTALS AGREEMENT POLICY IS UPDATED AS OF March 02, 2024. 

Exciting update! Motu Car Rentals is now providing Samoan Temporary Driver’s Licenses at a fee of WST21.00.

PROHIBITED USE OF THE VEHICLE: Vehicle will not be used or operated by anyone: 

• Under 25 years of age 
• Invalid driver’s license 
• Outside of Samoa
• Not listed as an additional driver 
• Carry persons or property for hire 
• Graded private roads or driveways 
• Unpaved roads 
• Illegal purpose or commit a crime 
• Prohibit use such as carrying sand or performing heavy chores 
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Loads vehicle beyond its factory weight limit capacity 
• Has no valid Samoan temporary license
• Driving in a negligent manner or otherwise resulting in a conviction by Police Department for traffic law violations
• Disqualified from driving or has never held a driving license, or is prevented by law from holding one
• Allow more passengers than the vehicle seat requirements (seat belts, designed to carry) 
• Unsafe weather condition where such condition caused or contributed to the accident, loss, damage or liability.

PROHIBITED USED OF THE VEHICLE VIOLATES THIS AGREEMENT, VOIDS ALL LIABILITY AND OTHER INSURANCE COVERAGE, MAKES LESSEE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL LOSS OR DAMAGE TO OR CONNECTED WITH VEHICLE, REGARDLESS OR CAUSE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LESSOR’S EXPENSES, INCLUDING LOSS OF USE.

VEHICLE DELIVERY

Free delivery will be available at Faleolo International Airport (APW) for rentals of more than seven (7) days. Any rental with less than seven (7) days will incur an additional surcharge of WST 50 one way for delivery. 

VEHICLE RETURN

Before returning the vehicle, you must obtain prior arrangement and authorization. To make such arrangements, please contact Motu Car Rentals by email or phone before your scheduled drop-off date. 

Faleolo International Airport (APW) is the only authorized drop-off location. Any unauthorized vehicle drop-offs will incur a fee of WST 200.

If you communicate ahead of time that you will be late for your scheduled drop-off due to unforeseen traffic caused by road work or an accident, you will be granted a one-hour grace period. However, if you exceed this grace period, an additional fee of WST 90 will be charged for the inconvenience caused by the late return of the vehicle.

LATE NIGHT DELIVERY AND DROP OFF CHARGES

Apply for late night car Delivery and Drop Off services. The associated fee and times are outlined below:

• WST 70 (7:30 pm to 5:30 am) 

CLEANING

Car must be returned clean and ready to rent. Depending on the extent of cleaning required, a WST 100 cleaning fee will be charged if the car is returned dirty.

FUEL

Car will be delivered with a full tank of fuel and must be returned with a full tank. If it is not returned full, you will be charged the cost of refilling the tank along with an administrative fee of WST 30.

SMOKING

Smoking is prohibited in any of our vehicles. A WST 200 cleaning fee will be charged if car is found to have smoke or ash odors. 

FLAT TIRES

Renter is responsible for flat tires caused by road hazards.

FLAT BATTERIES

Renter is responsible for flat batteries caused by lights being left on. 

BASIC MAINTENANCE

This condition is limited to rentals exceeding 14 days, and the renter’s maximum liability is WST 1,000. Renter is responsible for maintaining oil and water levels in vehicle engine. If the engine fails due to non-maintenance of vehicle fluid levels, the renter will be liable for repairs. 

MECHANICAL FAILURE

If vehicle overheats, renter must immediately turn it off and contact Motu Car Rentals. Failure to do so will render renter fully liable for any repair costs.

PARKING AND ROAD TICKETS 

Renter is responsible for parking and road violations. Failure to do so will authorize Motu Car Rentals to deduct the renter’s security deposit (bond) amount on file for the full amount of the ticket, plus an administrative fee of WST 30.

LOST KEY/KEYS LOCKED INSIDE 

Renter is responsible for the full price of replacing lost vehicle keys. If keys are locked inside the car, a WST 100 fee will apply for lockout service.

BROKEN GLASS

Unless caused by an actual accident with another vehicle at fault, it is the responsibility of the renter to replace broken glass.

RENTAL CHARGES & FEES 

The price of your car rental is calculated based on a daily rate. Minimum rental time is one day (24 hours). If your car rental usage is less than 24 hours, you will still be charged for a full day rate.

If your car rental usage time is more than 24 hours cycle, you must pay the full day rental fee and additional rent at daily rate. Your total rental rate is calculated based on the information provided at time of reservation. No refund for early return! Rental prices are subject to change depending on the season.

All rental prices displayed include a 15% government tax. Additionally, a convenience fee of 3% will be applied to the subtotal of your order.

PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION

Payment is required in order to reserve, and the contract is binding at the time of reservation.

• If canceled prior to 48 hours’ notice, no cancellation fees apply. You’ll be refunded the full amount. 
• If canceled less than 48 hours notice, you’ll be charged 50% of your total amount and be refunded the other 50%.
• No notice (via company email or phone call) resulted in no refund.
• No refunds will be made at all once rental begins (except if the car has repeatable problems).

SECURITY DEPOSIT / BOND  

To secure your bookings, you need to pay the bond in full. A standard WST 500 bond is charged for all vehicles. If you return the car in the same condition as it was delivered, the bond will be refunded. However, if the car does not meet our Rental Agreement, there will be no refund at all.

Refunds take seven (7) to ten (10) consecutive business days to be completed successfully.

DAMAGE OR LOSS OF CAR

Renter is liable for loss or damage if he or she: (1) abuses the car or violates prohibited use or operation; (2) drives recklessly or while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance; (3) fails to promptly report an accident to Samoa Police and Motu Car Rentals; (4) fails to complete an accident report; and/or (6) uses the car for an illegal purpose. Loss of income while vehicle is repaired of WST 150/day for small vehicles, WST 200 for medium sized vehicles and WST 300 for 10-16 seater vans. 

FINES AND EXPENSES

Renter agrees to pay all fines, court costs, and recovery expenses for parking, traffic, and other violations, including storage, liens, and charges, including a reasonable administrative fee of WST 30 with respect to the use of the car while on rental to renter.

INSURANCE EXCESS PROTECTION PLANS

All vehicles have premium insurance, so if one of the vehicles you hire from us is involved in a theft or accident, you, the renter, is liable to pay a fee of WST 1,000 to compensate for any excess damages that may be incurred. You, the renter, have the following plan options stated below to lower the fee payment; the final reduction amount depends on which plan you elect to add on.

Insurance Deductible Plan A

• Additional charge rate per day of WST 50; the total of the excess fee will be reduced to WST 900.

Insurance Deductible Plan B

• Additional charge rate per day of WST 100; the total of the excess fee will be reduced WST 500.

ADD-ONS / EXTRAS 

If any of our infant car seats, beach gear, portable gadgets, or other of our business products that you rented were to return damaged, you, the renter, is fully responsible for their replacement cost. The fee incurred is determined after an assessment of a damaged item. Failure to report a damaged item to us; We reserve the right to deduct the amount from your security deposit.

FINAL STATEMENT 

If the renter violates any condition of this RENTAL AGREEMENT, or if the vehicle has been damaged, the owner shall have the right to terminate the contract and take control of the vehicle immediately.

We, Motu Car Rentals, have the right to review this Rental Agreement at any time. 

By signing this agreement, renter agrees to comply with all of the above Terms and Conditions during the rental period.