Terms & Conditions

1. Definitions

• "SMH" / "Company" means SMH Car Hire (Pty) Ltd
• "Renter" / "You" means the person who makes the booking and signs the rental agreement
• "Additional Driver" means any person authorised in writing to drive the vehicle
• "Rental Period" means the period between the agreed pickup and return date and time
• "Vehicle" means the motor vehicle rented under this agreement
• "Excess" means the amount payable by the renter in the event of a claim

2. Eligibility Requirements

To rent a vehicle from SMH Car Hire, you must:

• Be at least 23 years of age (25 for luxury and premium vehicle categories)
• Hold a valid driver's licence that has been held for a minimum of 2 years. Foreign licences must be accompanied by an official English translation or an International Driving Permit
• Present a valid South African ID, passport, or other government-issued photo identification
• Provide a valid credit or debit card in your name for the security deposit
• Not be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs driving ability

A young driver surcharge may apply for renters between 23 and 25 years of age.

3. Bookings and Payment

3.1 Booking Confirmation

Your booking is confirmed once payment has been received and a confirmation email has been sent to you. SMH reserves the right to cancel unconfirmed bookings.

3.2 Payment Options

You may pay a 50% deposit to secure your booking, with the balance due at vehicle collection. Alternatively, you may pay the full amount at the time of booking. All prices are inclusive of VAT at the prevailing South African rate.

3.3 Security Deposit

A refundable security deposit will be held against your credit or debit card at the time of vehicle collection. The deposit amount varies by vehicle category and will be communicated at the time of booking. The deposit will be released within 5–7 business days of vehicle return, provided no damage, traffic fines, or fuel shortfalls are applicable.

3.4 Pricing

Daily rental rates are as quoted at the time of booking. Additional charges may apply for extras, insurance upgrades, additional drivers, fuel, after-hours collection or return, and one-way rentals.

4. Cancellations and Amendments

• More than 7 days before pickup: Full refund of any deposit paid
• 3–7 days before pickup: 50% of the deposit is refundable
• Less than 3 days before pickup: No refund on the deposit
• No-show: The full booking amount is forfeited

Amendments to booking dates are subject to vehicle availability and may result in a rate adjustment. Please contact us as early as possible to amend your booking.

5. Vehicle Collection and Return

5.1 Collection

You must present your driver's licence, identity document, and payment card at the time of collection. The vehicle will be inspected together with you and any pre-existing damage will be noted on the rental agreement. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle condition before signing.

5.2 Return

The vehicle must be returned to the agreed location by the agreed date and time. Late returns will be charged at the daily rate pro-rated per hour. A minimum of one additional day's rental will be charged for returns more than 3 hours late without prior notice.

5.3 Fuel Policy

Vehicles are provided with a full tank of fuel and must be returned with a full tank. If the vehicle is returned with less fuel, a refuelling charge plus an administration fee will be deducted from the security deposit.

6. Permitted and Prohibited Use

6.1 Permitted Use

The vehicle may only be used:

• By the renter and any approved additional drivers listed on the rental agreement
• On public roads maintained to a standard suitable for the vehicle type
• Within the Republic of South Africa, unless cross-border travel has been pre-approved in writing. SMH Car Hire offers cross-border travel to selected countries — please enquire at the time of booking.

6.2 Prohibited Use

The vehicle must not be used:

• By any person not listed on the rental agreement
• While the driver is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substance
• For any illegal purpose or in contravention of any applicable law
• For racing, off-road driving, or driving on roads not suitable for the vehicle type
• To tow any trailer or other vehicle unless expressly authorised
• For hire or reward, including but not limited to ride-hailing or taxi services
• Outside South Africa without prior written approval

Breach of any prohibited use condition will void your insurance cover and you will be liable for all damages, losses, and costs.

7. Insurance and Liability

7.1 Insurance Cover

All rentals include a basic level of insurance cover as described in the selected insurance option at the time of booking. Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of the insurer and does not cover damage arising from prohibited use, negligence, or wilful misconduct.

7.2 Excess / Deductible

In the event of an accident, theft, or damage, you are liable for the excess amount specified in your chosen insurance option. The excess applies per incident. You may reduce your excess by selecting a higher insurance tier at the time of booking.

7.3 Accidents and Incidents

In the event of an accident or incident, you must:

• Notify SMH Car Hire immediately by phone
• Obtain a case number from the South African Police Service (SAPS) within 24 hours
• Not admit liability or make any offer to any third party
• Complete SMH's accident report form
• Preserve all evidence and obtain contact details of witnesses

7.4 Exclusions

Insurance cover does not apply to:

• Damage to tyres, rims, and the undercarriage caused by negligent driving
• Loss of or damage to personal belongings left in the vehicle
• Damage caused while driving under the influence
• Damage arising from prohibited use as defined in clause 6.2

8. Roadside Assistance

All SMH Car Hire vehicles come with 24-hour roadside assistance through the vehicle manufacturer as standard. In the event of a breakdown, contact SMH Car Hire immediately. Do not authorise any repairs without our prior written approval. SMH is not liable for any consequential losses arising from a breakdown.

9. Traffic Fines and Tolls

You are responsible for all traffic fines, e-toll charges, and parking fees incurred during the rental period. Any fines or charges received by SMH after the rental period will be charged to the card on file, plus an administration fee of R250.

10. Cross-Border Travel

SMH Car Hire offers cross-border travel to selected African countries. Cross-border travel must be pre-approved in writing prior to the start of the rental. Additional fees and documentation requirements apply. Please contact us at the time of booking to arrange cross-border travel authorisation.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, SMH Car Hire is not liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising from the use of our vehicles or services, including but not limited to loss of income, loss of business, or personal injury not caused by our direct negligence.

12. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes arising from or related to these terms shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the South African courts.

13. Contact Us