AUTO RAMALHENSE
+ 351 919 015 778

1. GENERAL RENTAL CONDITIONS

1.1 Rent a Car Auto Ramalhense, Lda, Tax ID (NIPC) 512083274, with registered office at Rua Direita do Ramalho, 158-A, S. José, Ponta Delgada, Island of São Miguel, municipality of Ponta Delgada, holding license no. 1/2004 (A/S/C-LP), hereinafter referred to as the “RENTAL COMPANY”, rents vehicles identified in the specific rental agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “CONTRACT”) to the customer identified in the general conditions (hereinafter referred to as the “CLIENT”), under the following terms and conditions:

2. VEHICLE PICK-UP AND RETURN

2.1 Deposit and Means of Guarantee

2.1.1 For the purposes of this contract, the RENTAL COMPANY shall not require the CLIENT to pay any deposit or security, nor will it block any amount on a credit card. However, the CLIENT remains fully responsible for complying with all contractual obligations, and the RENTAL COMPANY reserves the right to claim any amounts due resulting from damages, penalties, or breaches provided for in this contract.

2.2 Driver Requirements (age, documents, and contacts)

2.2.1 Minimum age: 18 years.

2.2.2 Documents: To rent the vehicle, the CLIENT must present the original documents at the time of pick-up:

  • National Identity Card or Passport;

  • Driving licenses from EU/EEA countries (Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, etc.);

  • Driving licenses from countries with bilateral agreements with Portugal (Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Morocco, Andorra, São Tomé and Príncipe);

  • Driving licenses from countries covered by international conventions (Vienna/Geneva Convention), e.g., USA, Canada, Japan, Australia;

  • Licenses issued in non-Latin alphabets (Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, etc.) require a certified translation or an International Driving Permit.

2.2.3 For contact during and after the rental, the CLIENT must provide a valid phone number and email address prior to pick-up.

2.3 The CLIENT assumes full responsibility for the vehicle and for driving exclusively on the island where the vehicle was picked up, declaring possession of all required documents.

2.4 The CLIENT must return the vehicle and all documents, keys, accessories, and equipment in good condition, on the agreed date and at the agreed location.

2.5 Returns delayed by more than 30 minutes will incur a charge for one additional rental day; delays exceeding 3 hours may be reported to the police as suspected theft, unless an authorized extension has been granted.

2.6 Tire damage caused by reckless or improper use must be immediately replaced by the CLIENT with a tire of the same brand and type, at the CLIENT’s expense.

2.7 Excessive dirt (smoke odor, stains, mud, animal hair, etc.) will result in a cleaning fee of €30.

2.8 Vehicle pick-up and return must occur during office hours; outside office hours a fee of €15 applies.

2.9 Improper use constitutes a breach of the CONTRACT; the RENTAL COMPANY may terminate the contract and repossess the vehicle at the CLIENT’s expense, in accordance with the law.

2.10 The vehicle must be returned to the RENTAL COMPANY’s office during business hours unless otherwise agreed; failure to do so constitutes a contractual breach.

2.11 To extend or modify the rental period, the CLIENT must request and sign a new contract, subject to approval.

2.12 Returning the vehicle after the agreed date will result in a penalty of three (3) times the daily rate per day or fraction thereof; the RENTAL COMPANY may take legal action for recovery and compensation.

2.13 The CLIENT is responsible for any loss or damage, including theft, unless the vehicle is returned directly to the RENTAL COMPANY’s staff (except for returns at Parking Lot 1 of Ponta Delgada Airport).

2.14 The RENTAL COMPANY is not responsible for items left inside the vehicle. Found items will be stored for 30 days.

2.15 Vehicle availability: Reservations are made for a specific model. If unavailable, a similar or higher-category model may be provided at no additional cost; if a lower-category vehicle is provided, the rate difference will be refunded.

2.16 Right of refusal: The RENTAL COMPANY may refuse delivery of the vehicle if the CLIENT does not provide adequate guarantees, e.g., being under the influence of alcohol or displaying aggressive behavior.

2.17 False information: If the CLIENT provides false information, the RENTAL COMPANY may terminate the contract and/or cooperate with competent authorities for possible criminal liability.

3. MILEAGE

3.1 Unlimited mileage is included unless otherwise stated.

4. USE OF THE VEHICLE

4.1 The CLIENT must use the vehicle prudently, comply with traffic laws, secure the vehicle properly, use the correct fuel, respect safety devices, report breakdowns, and refrain from smoking inside the vehicle (cleaning and damages will be charged).

4.2 Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving by minors or unauthorized drivers, towing, off-road driving, racing, or driving on restricted roads is strictly prohibited.

4.3 Animals are only allowed in a transport carrier; non-compliance will result in cleaning and/or damage charges.

4.4 Additional drivers: Permitted free of charge upon presentation of valid documentation. The main renter remains responsible for any infractions or damages caused by additional drivers.

4.5 Prohibited acts: Sub-leasing, transferring, selling, modifying, advertising, or encumbering the vehicle.

4.6 The CLIENT is responsible for all fines and penalties incurred during the rental period.

5. MAINTENANCE, ASSISTANCE, REPAIRS, AND FUEL POLICY

5.1 24-hour roadside assistance: +351 919 015 778.
Free of charge if the breakdown is mechanical and not attributable to the CLIENT (includes towing and possible vehicle replacement).
Charged to the CLIENT if caused by error or misuse, such as:

  • Battery discharged due to negligence;

  • Lost keys;

  • Flat tire due to negligence;

  • Running out of fuel.

5.2 Repairs are prohibited without prior authorization from the RENTAL COMPANY. Unauthorized repairs will not be reimbursed. The CLIENT is responsible for damages resulting from unauthorized modifications.

5.3 Vehicle replacement: In case of long-term breakdown, the RENTAL COMPANY will attempt to replace the vehicle; if not possible, a proportional refund for unused days will be issued. In the event of an accident caused by the CLIENT, the contract is terminated, there is no obligation to replace the vehicle, and a new rental will only be possible at additional cost to the CLIENT.

5.4 Towing: If caused by misuse (e.g., wrong fuel, accident due to negligence), the CLIENT shall bear all related costs.

5.5 Fuel: The vehicle must be returned with the same fuel level as at delivery.
If returned with less fuel, the CLIENT will be charged:

  • €8 for each ⅛ of the fuel tank capacity for passenger vehicles up to 5 seats;

  • €12 for each ⅛ of the fuel tank capacity for passenger vehicles with 7 to 9 seats.

If returned with more fuel, the CLIENT is entitled to reimbursement at the same rates per ⅛ of the tank capacity. Calculations are based on the vehicle delivery and return report. This policy applies only to proven fuel level differences.

5.6 Wrong fuel: If incorrect fuel is used, the CLIENT must pay for complete fuel replacement, tank cleaning, engine tuning, and any resulting damages.

6. PRICES, RESERVATIONS, AND PAYMENT

6.1 Rental prices are calculated in 24-hour blocks and are payable in advance or upon contract signature. Prices include VAT and extras.

6.2 On-site payment methods: cash, debit card, Visa/Mastercard, MB Way, Apple Pay, Google Pay.
Online payments: Visa/Mastercard, MB Way, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Multibanco reference.

6.3 Online reservations are only valid after confirmed payment; other reservations are valid upon presentation of proof and payment at pick-up.

6.4 For extensions, the CLIENT must carry a copy of the new contract

6.5 In case of late return, the CLIENT is responsible for rental charges, damages, theft, cleaning, fines, administrative fees, legal costs, and repairs.

6.6 Special fees: €15 for returns at Airport Parking Lot 1 between 05:00–06:00 and for pick-ups after 21:00.

7. INSURANCE

7.1 The daily rental rate includes third-party liability insurance up to €50 million and personal accident insurance.

7.2 Optional insurance:

  • CDW with deductible between €56 and €120, excluding tires, rims and the undercarriage of the vehicle

  • SCDW: zero deductible, full coverage

7.3 Exclusions applicable to all insurance coverages: use of alcohol or drugs, failure to stop or report an accident, illegal use, overloading, off-road driving, racing, use of incorrect fuel, and loss of keys.

7.4 In the event of a claim, the CLIENT is liable up to the applicable deductible, unless a third party is at fault.

7.5 Unauthorized drivers void all insurance coverage.

7.6 The CLIENT is liable for negligent damage, even without collision.

7.7 Motorcycle insurance: third-party liability up to €50 million + passenger coverage.

8. ACCIDENTS

8.1 In the event of an accident, the CLIENT must immediately contact the RENTAL COMPANY and the authorities, remain at the scene, gather information, refrain from admitting fault, and bear all damages caused by negligence, speeding, intoxication, off-road driving, unauthorized use, or use after the rental period.

9. CANCELLATION, REFUND, MODIFICATION, AND RETURN

9.1 Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance, via email.

9.2 Refunds will be issued using the same payment method, minus applicable banking fees.

9.3 Modifications (dates, pick-up location, vehicle group) are subject to availability and rate adjustment; the CLIENT must request changes at least 24 hours in advance by any means.

9.4 No refunds will be granted once the contract has started, except in cases of duly proven force majeure.

9.5 Breakdowns not caused by the CLIENT: a replacement vehicle will be provided if available, or a refund for unused days will be issued.

10. PERSONAL DATA

10.1 Data processing is governed by Portuguese law. Data may be shared with ARAC in case of infringement. The CLIENT has the right to access, rectify, and delete personal data via email or registered letter.

11. FORCE MAJEURE AND FORTUITOUS EVENTS

11.1 Must be reported within 3 business days.
11.2 If lasting more than 20 business days, either party may terminate the contract without compensation, fulfilling obligations up to that date.
11.3 “Fortuitous event” refers to foreseeable, non-extraordinary events avoidable with normal diligence.

12. NO-SHOW POLICY

12.1 A no-show occurs if the CLIENT fails to collect the vehicle within 2 hours of the scheduled time without notice. If communication exists, the reservation may be maintained.

12.2 Consequences: Automatic cancellation with no refund unless otherwise agreed; rescheduling possible with prior notice and subject to vehicle availability.

13. SEIZURE OR TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE

13.1 Seizure/confiscation by authorities due to CLIENT actions (illegal use, serious offense): the CONTRACT is terminated and all costs (fines, legal fees, recovery, transport) are charged to the CLIENT; rental charges continue until the vehicle is released.

13.2 Total loss (serious accident/fire): the CONTRACT is terminated; the CLIENT is responsible for costs not covered by insurance.

14. FEES, FINES, AND PENALTIES

14.1 Extraordinary cleaning – €30
14.2 Out-of-hours pick up or drop off – €15
14.3 Lost keys – €250
14.4 Vehicle return at PDL Airport Parking Lot 1 – €15
14.5  Loss of vehicle documents – €70

15. FINAL PROVISIONS

15.1 Legal communications shall be valid if sent to the addresses stated in the contract.
15.2 Jurisdiction: Courts of Ponta Delgada; Portuguese law applies; the Portuguese version shall prevail.
15.3 Signature of the contract implies acceptance of all conditions and responsibilities.
15.4 The CLIENT may resort to arbitration through the Consumer Portal or ACRA; the RENTAL COMPANY is not bound to mandatory arbitration. More information: https://www.consumidor.gov.pt/ or ACRA – Consumers Association of the Azores Region.

This document corresponds to version 2.5, updated on 14/01/2026.
The company reserves the right to amend, modify, or update these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. Clients are advised to regularly consult the most recent version of this document to stay informed of any changes.