1. Rental Cars Selected

Rental cars are booked by vehicle group rather than by a specific make or model and are subject to availability. In the event that the requested model or group becomes unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, the car rental company reserves the right to provide an upgrade without prior notice. Any such upgrade will be offered at no additional cost, and the rental rate will remain as originally quoted. While specific vehicle models cannot be guaranteed, we do take your personal preferences into consideration and will make every effort to provide your preferred rental car. To increase the likelihood of meeting your preferences, early booking is strongly recommended.

2. Rental Car Capacity

The number of passengers and luggage capacity shown on our website is provided as a guide only. While most vehicles in our fleet can comfortably accommodate between 4 and 8 passengers, some rental cars have limited boot/cargo space. Luggage capacity depends on the size, shape, and material of the luggage (hard plastic or soft fabric). If all seats in the rental car are occupied, we recommend either travelling light or booking a larger vehicle. This ensures greater comfort for passengers and sufficient space for personal belongings. Our car rental company reserves the right to upgrade your hire car if the maximum legal load of the originally booked vehicle is exceeded. Additional charges may apply, subject to fleet availability. If you are unsure which vehicle best suits your needs, we are happy to advise you to help avoid any disappointment at the time of car hire delivery. Please note that vehicles are primarily manufactured to carry passengers therefore, seating capacity and safety seat belts are prioritised.

3. Rental Car Tracking Device

All vehicles in our rental fleet are fitted with GPS tracking devices. These devices are installed with our customers' safety and peace of mind as a top priority, reinforcing our commitment to putting customers first. The GPS tracking system is primarily used for security purposes, such as locating a vehicle in the event of theft or a breakdown. In the case of a breakdown, the tracker allows us to pinpoint your exact location quickly and accurately, ensuring prompt assistance without the stress of trying to determine your whereabouts. In addition, the tracking device enables active monitoring of the vehicle's route and electrical systems. It provides alerts for low battery levels or unusual battery drain. If a vehicle battery begins to fail-often leading to breakdowns at inconvenient times or locations the system detects the issue early and triggers an alert before the battery voltage drops below a critical level, helping to prevent unexpected disruptions to your journey.

4. Rental Car Driving Conditions

All drivers, whether main or additional, regardless of age, must hold a full, valid driving licence for a minimum of three (3) years. The minimum age to rent a car in Cyprus is 25 years, and the maximum standard age is 74 years. Drivers aged between 75 and 90 years may be permitted to drive the rental car subject to payment of an additional insurance premium of €5 per day.

5. Rental Car Payment and Fuel Policy

Rental charges may be paid by bank transfer prior to arrival or, upon vehicle delivery, in euros (€) by cash or bank card. Renters may choose to prepay by bank transfer to secure their reservation. Bank details are automatically provided on the booking voucher. Our car rental company reserves the right to cancel any booking that has not been prepaid at least seven (7) days prior to arrival if the requested vehicle model or group becomes unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. All rental vehicles are delivered with a minimum of half (1⁄2) a tank of fuel and must be returned with the same fuel level. Any fuel shortage upon return will be charged at the prevailing pump rate, plus an additional refuelling administration fee of €20. Any surplus fuel remaining at the time of return is non-refundable.

6. Rental Car Optional Extras

You can add any optional extras to your car rental during Step 3 of the online booking process.

• Child Safety Seats are available upon request. Two categories are offered: standard safety seats and ISOFIX base safety seats. We provide four types of child seats: Rear-facing infant seats (newborn), Forward-facing child seats, Cushion booster seats, High-back booster seats. Due to insurance rules and regulations, customers are required to install the child safety seat themselves.

• Additional Drivers can be added to the rental agreement for an extra charge of €3 per day. This charge may vary depending on the driver's age and driving experience.
• Extra Insurance Options offered in response to customer requests for enhanced protection, covering windscreen damage, tyres, and car keys, as well as options to reduce damage liability. These packages help minimise unexpected costs by transferring part of the responsibility back to the rental company.

7. Car Hire Cancellation Policy

This policy applies only to bookings made directly through our website, www.elephantrentacar.com, where the car rental has been prepaid. A minimum of 15 days' notice prior to your scheduled arrival date is required to avoid cancellation fees.

• 14–10 days before arrival: A cancellation fee of 30% of the total amount paid will be charged. The remaining 70% will be refunded on the same day the cancellation is made.

• 9–5 days before arrival: A cancellation fee of 50% of the total amount paid will be charged. The remaining 50% will be refunded on the same day the cancellation is made.

• 4–1 days before arrival or No-Show: 100% of the total amount paid will be charged. No refund will be issued.

8. Occupied Part of Cyprus

Please note that our insurance does not provide any coverage for the rental vehicle or for third-party claims while the car is used in the occupied northern part of Cyprus. Any insurance purchased at border crossings or any accident reports issued by authorities in the northern part of Cyprus are not recognised by the Republic of Cyprus and therefore render the car hire insurance invalid. If the vehicle is taken into the occupied northern part of Cyprus, the renter will be fully liable for:

• Any damage to the rental vehicle
• Any third-party claims
• Vehicle recovery or towing costs
• Any additional expenses arising from an accident or incident

The renter accepts full financial responsibility for any such costs.

9. Rental Car Driver / Renter Responsibilities

When renting a vehicle, the driver/renter is responsible for the following:

• Inspecting the hire car before the rental period begins and reporting any existing damage.

• Complying with all traffic regulations and the laws of the Republic of Cyprus.

• Paying any traffic fines, penalties, towing, or recovery costs incurred while the hire car is in his/her possession.

• Taking all reasonable measures to secure and safeguard the hire car and its equipment until the end of the rental period, as stated in the rental agreement.

• Keeping the interior of the hire car clean. Normal wear and tear is acceptable. Smoking inside the rental vehicle is strictly prohibited.

• Immediately contacting the police, the insurance company, and the car rental company in the event of an accident, collision, or damage to the hire car. Contact details are provided in the rental agreement.

• Immediately contacting the police, the rental car insurance company, and the car rental company in the event of theft or attempted theft of the hire car.

• Returning the hire car in the same condition as it was provided, free from new damage and reasonably clean.

• Reading the rental agreement carefully before signing.

• Taking personal photographs of the hire car at the time of delivery, clearly showing its condition prior to the start of the rental period.

Photographs taken at delivery serve to protect both the customer and the car rental company by documenting any pre-existing damage. This ensures that the customer cannot be charged for damage that existed before the rental period began.
By signing the rental agreement, the driver/renter confirms that they enter into the agreement voluntarily, fully understand its terms and conditions, agree to the applicable charges, and accept full responsibility for the hire car and its equipment until the completion of the rental period as stated in the agreement.

10. Insurance Coverage and Liability

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance, subject to a deductible/excess, is included in the rental rate. CDW means that the car rental company waives its right to recover the full cost of damage from the renter/driver and instead limits their financial liability. It covers most vehicle damage and third-party claims in the event of a collision on a public road or other. The purpose of CDW is not to eliminate financial responsibility entirely, but to set a clear maximum amount that the renter/driver may be required to pay, provided all terms and conditions of the rental agreement are followed. If the total cost of repairs is less than the deductible, the renter will only be responsible for the actual repair cost. In the event of an accident or theft or other damages, without CDW insurance, the renter/driver would be liable for the full cost of repairs and recovery, which can amount to tens of thousands of euros. With CDW included in the rental rate, the renter/driver is only required to pay the excess/deductible, which is significantly lower. Subject to full compliance with all applicable Cyprus laws, the rental agreement terms, and mandatory accident reporting procedures, the renter’s financial liability for damage to the hire vehicle resulting from a collision with another motor vehicle or other damages is limited to a maximum of €900.
Other Damages:
Damages to the hire vehicle not arising from a collision with another motor vehicle on a public road subject to a €900 deductible/excess. The driver/renter's liability shall include any loss or damage arising from or related to the following:

• Damages sustained in car parks or private premises, including but not limited to hotel or residential car parks

• Damage resulting from negligence, misuse, recklessness, or failure to exercise due care

• Damage caused by impact with stationary objects, including walls, posts, trees, barriers, or similar structures

• Damage to front or rear bumpers, undercarriage, side skirts, or body panels caused by kerbs, road humps, ramps, or uneven surfaces

• Damage occurring while the vehicle is operated on unpaved roads, non-tarmac surfaces, trails, off-road terrain, or in prohibited driving areas

• Damage to the vehicle interior, including seats, upholstery, trim, or any child or baby safety seat supplied with the vehicle

• Loss of, theft of, or damage to vehicle keys, including electronic or chip-coded keys and any associated reprogramming or replacement costs

• Damage to the engine, transmission, mechanical components, or bodywork caused by improper use, abuse, negligence, or failure to comply with operating instructions

Damage should be reported as soon as it happens, delays can affect both liability and any reimbursement process. Failure to comply with these requirements will render the insurance invalid, and the renter may be held fully liable for the market value of the hire vehicle and any third-party claims.

11. Damage Excess Liability Reduction

Following customer requests for additional insurances which gives peace of mind, we offer optional damage excess liability reduction packages for your hire car. These options allow you to reduce your financial responsibility and shift part or full of the liability back to the rental company. While it's impossible to predict what may happen during your holiday, this option can provide valuable peace of mind while travelling.
We offer 2 options, which can be selected during Step 3 of the online booking process:

• Reduce hire car damage liability/excess from €900 to €450

• Reduce hire car damage liability/excess from €900 to ZERO

Please note that our car rental company does not pressure customers into purchasing additional insurance coverage. Customers are free to purchase independent car rental excess, damage, or travel insurance from any insurance provider of their choice. If the rental company charges any costs, these may be reclaimed through your personal insurance policy. A detailed receipt will be provided upon request to support any claim. Please also be aware that even if you reduce the hire car damage liability, a security deposit is still required due to insurance limitations.

12. Collision / Accident Reporting Clause

In the event of any collision or accident involving the hire vehicle on a public road, the renter/authorised driver must immediately stop and report the incident, regardless of fault or the extent of damage. The renter must notify the police, the car rental company, and the hire car insurance company without delay and provide accurate details of the location and circumstances of the incident. Vehicles must not be moved from the scene until a police officer or insurance representative has completed an accident report, unless otherwise instructed by the authorities. Damage should be reported as soon as it happens, delays can affect both liability and any reimbursement process. Failure to comply with these requirements or with Cyprus law will render the insurance invalid, and the renter may be held fully liable for the market value of the hire vehicle and any third-party claims.

13. Damage Assessment and Repair Policy

• If the rental vehicle is returned with any damage not recorded in the photographs taken at the time of delivery by our authorised representative, such damage shall be deemed new damage, and the driver and/or renter shall be held fully responsible.
• Photographs taken on the delivery date serve as an official record of the vehicle's condition prior to commencement of the rental period. These photographs are intended primarily to protect the renter and, secondarily, the rental company, by preventing any claim against the renter for pre-existing damage. Copies of the delivery photographs will be provided to the renter via email.
• Any new damage to the rental vehicle shall be determined by a comparison of the delivery photographs and the photographs taken at the time of vehicle return. Damage may be identified through visual inspection of the vehicle's exterior body, interior, tools, equipment, and accessories.
• All repairs to the rental vehicle must be performed exclusively by a licensed and authorised repairer nominated by the rental company. Repairs shall be completed using genuine manufacturer parts only. In the case of minor damage not requiring the replacement of parts or panels, the repairer may utilise approved repair techniques and tools to restore the vehicle to its original condition.
• Repairs shall be carried out in a manner intended to minimise costs where reasonably practicable, taking into account parts availability and repairer workload. The rental company is committed to maintaining a high standard of customer service and is obligated to repair any damaged vehicle to ensure roadworthiness, safety, and customer satisfaction.

14. Hire Car Security Deposit

A security deposit is required by all car rental companies in Cyprus to safeguard against any additional costs that may arise during the rental period. The security deposit is not included in the car rental cost, so we recommend allowing for this amount within your holiday budget. Please note that the deposited amount will not be available for use during your holiday, as it will be held/charged until the hire car is returned. The security deposit will be fully refunded upon return of the vehicle, once a member of our staff has inspected the car and confirmed it has been returned in the same condition as provided at delivery. The time required for the refunded amount to appear in the renter's account depends on the policies of the individual banking institution. In most cases, the amount is visible within approximately 2 working days. The hire car security deposit can be paid in cash or by bank card (credit or debit), in the customer's preferred currency. The following cards are accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Eurocard, and Traveller Card.
Renters/drivers who are accustomed to driving on the left-hand side of the road (steering wheel on the right-hand side) in their home country are required to provide a €450 security deposit. Driver's license verification is mandatory to confirm eligibility for the lower deposit.
Renters/drivers who normally drive on the right-hand side of the road (steering wheel on the left-hand side) are required to provide a €600 security deposit. As driving in Cyprus is on the left-hand side, this represents an increased risk to the rental company.

15. Vehicle Delivery

The Company provides vehicle delivery services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, throughout Cyprus, provided that the vehicle has been booked in advance.
Delivery Locations:
Where delivery is arranged at paphos or larnaca airport, a company representative shall meet the renter outside the airport arrivals hall, holding an elephant rent a car sign, and shall escort the renter to the rental vehicle.
Where delivery is arranged at a hotel, the company representative shall meet the renter at the hotel reception area.
Where delivery is arranged at a holiday villa or apartment, the company representative shall meet the renter at the address provided by the renter at the time of booking.
Vehicle Condition and Documentation:
The Company endeavours to supply rental vehicles free from damage. However, in the event that a vehicle is delivered with pre-existing damage due to unforeseen circumstances, such damage shall be fully documented by the Company representative at the time of delivery.
Photographs taken at delivery shall:

• Accurately record the general condition of the vehicle prior to the commencement of the rental period

• Serve as evidence safeguarding both the Renter and the Company

• Confirm that the Renter shall not be held liable for any pre-existing damage

Copies of such photographs shall be forwarded to the Renter by email. The Company shall not claim any charges against the Renter for damage that is documented as existing prior to the commencement of the rental period.
Vehicle Safety:
The Company shall not rent any vehicle that is unsafe to drive or unfit for its intended purpose. The Renter/Driver retains the right to refuse delivery and decline to enter into the rental agreement if, in the Renter's reasonable opinion, the vehicle is unsafe or unfit for use.

16. Rental Car Return and Condition

The rental vehicle shall be returned to the Company in the same condition as at the time of delivery, fair wear and tear excepted. The vehicle must be free from any new damage and returned in a clean condition. Where the vehicle is returned outside of the Company's normal business hours, the renter and/or driver shall remain fully responsible for the vehicle until such time as a Company representative has inspected the vehicle and confirmed that it has been returned in its original condition as provided at delivery. The Company reserves the right to document the condition of the vehicle upon return by photographic evidence. Any damage not documented in the vehicle condition photographs taken at the time of delivery, which are provided to the renter by email on the delivery date, shall be deemed new damage and the renter and/or driver shall be held fully liable. New damage shall be determined by comparison of the delivery photographs and the return photographs. Photographic evidence of any damage identified upon return shall be provided to the renter by email prior to any charges being applied. The vehicle must be returned with a clean interior. While normal wear and tear is accepted, the Company reserves the right to apply an additional charge for deep cleaning where the interior is excessively soiled or where damage to seats, upholstery, or carpets is identified.
No refunds shall be issued for early returns, whether voluntary or otherwise.

17. Car Rental Agreement Termination

The Company reserves the right to refuse to enter into, or to immediately terminate, the car rental agreement and take immediate possession of the rental vehicle under any of the following circumstances:

• If the driver/renter is found to be under the influence of alcohol, medication, or any other substances that may impair driving ability.

• If the driver/renter operates the rental vehicle on unpaved roads, non-tarmac surfaces, trails, or off-road areas for which the vehicle is not suitable.

• If the driver/renter refuses to accept or comply with the terms and conditions of the car rental agreement, which apply to all rentals and customers.

• If the driver/renter uses the rental vehicle irresponsibly or for any illegal purpose.

• If the driver/renter intentionally causes damage to the rental vehicle and/or to third parties.

• If the driver/renter is deemed unfit to operate the rental vehicle and poses a risk to public safety or to third parties.

18. Car Rental Insurance Limitations

No insurance coverage will apply in the following cases:

• If the rental vehicle is driven into the occupied northern part of Cyprus.

• If the vehicle is driven under the influence of alcohol, medication, or any other intoxicating substances.

• If the vehicle is driven on unpaved, non-tarmac roads, trails, or off-road surfaces that are unsuitable for its intended use. Non 4x4 vehicles are strictly prohibited from off-road driving.

• If there is intentional or deliberate damage to the rental vehicle.

• If traffic regulations are ignored or violated.

• For lost, stolen, or damaged vehicle keys, including chip-coded keys, which are expensive to replace. The customer will be charged for the replacement, which may cost between €150 and €300, plus any associated transportation or administrative costs. Charges depend on the specific key or device.

• If the vehicle is driven by unauthorised persons not listed on the rental agreement.

• If any accident, damage, or theft involving the rental vehicle is not reported immediately to the rental company and the appropriate authorities.

• For damage to the engine, gearbox, electronics, or bodywork caused by customer negligence, misuse, or abuse of the vehicle.

19. Complaints

If you are dissatisfied with the hire vehicle, the service provided, or have any other reason for complaint, you must notify us immediately so that we may attempt to resolve the issue before the end of your rental period. All complaints must be submitted in writing by email to info@elephantrentacar.com, giving us the opportunity to investigate and, where appropriate, rectify the matter and reach a satisfactory resolution. Complaints submitted after the end of the rental period will not be accepted, as this prevents us from addressing the issue during the hire. In such circumstances, you will forfeit any right to compensation. For complaints relating to any service we provide, you must notify us immediately in writing and in any event within two (2) days of the service being provided. We regret that we cannot accept liability for complaints that are not reported within this timeframe.

20. Car Hire Insurances & Services Included

All rental prices displayed on our website include the following insurances and services:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for accidents involving another vehicle on a public road

• Low excess liability for accidents involving another vehicle on a public road

• Airport service charge

• Tyre insurance (covering repairs only)

• Unlimited mileage

• Road taxes and VAT

• 24/7 vehicle delivery and return

• Replacement vehicle in the event of a breakdown

• Fire insurance for the rental vehicle (excluding customer belongings)

• Theft insurance for the rental vehicle (excluding customer belongings and damage incurred)

• Windscreen insurance (covering repairs only)

• 24/7 airport meet-and-greet service

We clearly display all mandatory and optional charges applicable to your rental. We do not believe in hidden fees or unclear terms. Our goal is to provide complete transparency and ensure our customers enjoy a high-quality car rental experience with premium vehicles and outstanding service.