1. Overview
The FlexPlus Host Policy sets out the terms, responsibilities, and expectations for hosts participating in Drive mate’s FlexPlus long-term rental program.
By enrolling your car in FlexPlus, you agree to comply with this policy and Drive mate’s Terms of Service, available at www.drivemate.au/terms-of-service.
Drive mate Australia Pty. Ltd. (“Drive mate”), based at Level 3, 139 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, manages the FlexPlus program as part of its car-sharing platform connecting car owners (“Hosts”) and long-term renters (“Clients”).
2. Eligibility
To qualify for FlexPlus:
You must be a registered Drive mate host with an active profile.
Your vehicle must be roadworthy, insured, and fully compliant with Australian road laws.
You must hold valid ownership documents and ensure all taxes and fees (e.g., registration, insurance, road tax) are up to date.
FlexPlus is a minimum 8 weeks (from start date) commitment, where your car is rented exclusively to a long-term client.
3. Vehicle Requirements
All cars listed under FlexPlus must:
Be in good working condition, clean, and properly maintained.
Have comprehensive insurance coverage throughout the entire rental term.
Pass Drive mate’s inspection prior to pick-up.
Be made available for inspection and collection at the agreed location.
If Drive mate determines a car is not roadworthy or safe, it will not be eligible for FlexPlus or may be removed from the program.
4. Host Responsibilities
As a host, you are responsible for:
Keeping the car registered, insured, and serviced on time.
Paying for servicing, road tax, wear and tear, and any other ownership-related costs.
Notifying Drive mate at least one week in advance of upcoming inspections, servicing, or renewals.
Ensuring the car remains available and in good condition for the full rental period.
Maintaining prompt communication with Drive mate on all operational or maintenance matters.
5. Drive mate’s Responsibilities
Drive mate will:
Manage the FlexPlus booking, including client handover, check-ins, and weekly reporting.
Handle renter communication, including maintenance scheduling and support.
Arrange for weekly cleaning, routine servicing, and parking management while the car is rented.
Pay the agreed weekly rental fee to you (the host) every Friday for the preceding rental week.
6. Servicing & Repairs
The host must inform Drive mate before each service, road tax renewal, or inspection.
Drive mate may require the vehicle to be serviced or repaired at its preferred workshop.
If the host prefers their own workshop, Drive mate may obtain a quotation from its partner workshops and will pay the lower of the two amounts.
If the car breaks down due to wear and tear, the cost of repair is borne by the host.
If the damage results from a renter’s misuse or an insured incident, costs will be processed through the vehicle’s insurance.
7. Mileage and Use
Each FlexPlus booking includes 100 km per day of use.
Any excess mileage will be billed to the renter according to Drive mate’s standard terms.
Vehicles must only be used for personal transport by the assigned renter — not for ridesharing, delivery, or other commercial purposes.
8. Payments
Hosts receive a weekly rental payment every Friday.
Payments are made for the previous week of rental.
No payment is due until the renter has taken possession of the car and the initial payment is received by Drive mate.
If the renter cancels before handover or fails to pay, no payout is made.
9. Cancellations
Hosts must provide at least two (2) weeks’ notice before withdrawing their car from the FlexPlus program.
Early withdrawal without notice incurs a $500 cancellation fee.
If Drive mate terminates a booking due to a host’s policy violation or inappropriate behaviour, a $300 fee may apply.
Drive mate reserves the right to terminate immediately (without notice or payout) if a host’s conduct or car condition jeopardises safety or violates platform policies.
10. Insurance
All FlexPlus cars must maintain comprehensive insurance at all times.
Drive mate’s insurance arrangements may differ depending on the vehicle type or rental agreement.
Hosts are responsible for ensuring that insurance remains valid and up to date.
Claims caused by host negligence, non-disclosure, or expired coverage will not be reimbursed.
11. Vehicle Inspections
Drive mate has the right to:
Conduct vehicle inspections at any point during or before the rental period.
Reject vehicles that fail safety or maintenance checks.
Require hosts to address any defects before re-listing the vehicle.
12. Termination
This agreement remains valid while your car is enrolled in the FlexPlus program and in active rental use.
Drive mate may terminate your participation if:
Your car fails to meet safety or service requirements;
You breach this policy or Drive mate’s Terms of Service;
You engage in unprofessional or unsafe conduct; or
Fraud or misuse of the platform is detected.
Upon termination:
The car will be returned to you at the agreed location.
No further payouts will be made unless specified under applicable policies.
13. Serious Breach
A host may be considered in serious breach if they:
Provide false vehicle information;
Fail to maintain registration, insurance, or safety standards;
Engage in unsafe or dishonest behaviour that affects renters or Drive mate; or
Remove or misuse the vehicle during an active rental.
In such cases:
Drive mate may immediately terminate the agreement,
Recover any costs or damages, and
Restrict the host’s future participation on the platform.
14. Privacy and Confidentiality
All parties must comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Information shared between Drive mate, hosts, and renters must remain confidential.
Drive mate may use your information only for operational, payment, and verification purposes.
15. Dispute Resolution
Drive mate encourages hosts to resolve concerns directly with the support team.
If unresolved, disputes will be referred to arbitration under the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA).
All proceedings will take place in Australia, and the arbitrator’s decision will be final and binding.
16. Price Adjustments
Drive mate reserves the right to adjust FlexPlus payout rates after six (6) months of hosting.
Hosts will be notified at least 30 days in advance.
Adjustments will not exceed 8% of the current rate.
Hosts may continue under the revised rate or opt to withdraw with proper notice.
17. Force Majeure
Drive mate will not be held liable for delays or interruptions caused by events beyond its control, such as natural disasters, government actions, or system failures.
If such an event continues for more than 20 consecutive days, either party may terminate the arrangement without penalty.
18. Contact
For questions or support related to FlexPlus hosting, please contact: