Drive mate Trip Extension Policy
Trip Modifications, Extensions, and Late Return Policy
This policy outlines how Guests can modify or extend their trips and the associated charges if a vehicle is returned late on the Drive mate platform. It ensures flexibility for Guests while minimising inconvenience for Hosts and future bookings.
Trip Modifications
Guests can modify their trips before picking up the car to adjust the pickup and drop-off times to better suit their plans.
Guidelines for Trip Modifications:
Minimum Duration Rule:
Modifications are only allowed if the modified duration is equal to or greater than the original trip duration. Reductions in trip duration are not permitted.
Host Approval:
Non-Instant Booking Listings: Modifications require Host approval.
Instant Booking Listings: Approval is automated.
Calendar Availability:
Modifications are only possible if:
The Host’s calendar has no overlapping reservations or blocked dates during the requested modification period.
Trip Extensions
If a Guest anticipates being delayed, they can request an extension to adjust the drop-off time after the trip has started.
Guidelines for Trip Extensions:
Drop-Off Only:
Extensions can only adjust the drop-off time since the pickup has already occurred.
Host Approval:
Non-Instant Booking Listings: Extensions require Host approval.
Instant Booking Listings: Approval is automated.
Calendar Availability:
Extensions are subject to the same calendar considerations as trip modifications. Overlapping reservations or blocked dates will prevent the extension request.
Avoid Additional Costs:
Guests are encouraged to extend their trip proactively if they anticipate delays, as failing to extend can result in late return charges.
Late Return
Hosts rely on Guests to return vehicles at the scheduled time. Late returns can cause inconvenience to Hosts and disruptions for future bookings.
Grace Period:
Drive mate provides a 15-minute grace period for returning the car, depending on the rental duration.
Beyond the grace period, late return charges and inconvenience fees will apply.
Charges to Guests:
Late Return Charge:
Equivalent to the car’s listed trip price for the delayed duration.
For example, if the car is returned 5 hours late, the charge will be:
(Trip price for 5 hours) + Drive mate fees + processing fees.
Additional Kilometres:
Guests will also be charged for any additional kilometres driven during the delayed period. These charges will be calculated based on the car’s per-kilometre rate set by the Host.
Inconvenience Fee:
$30 if no future booking is impacted.
$75 if the next booking is impacted.
Substantial Lateness:
For significant delays, Drive mate may assess additional fines at its sole discretion.
If it becomes unclear when the car will be returned, Drive mate may repossess the car and return it to the Host, charging the Guest a repossession fee.
Automatic Charging:
Drive mate reserves the right to charge the estimated late return fees to the Guest’s payment method on file.
Payouts to Hosts
Hosts will receive their share of charges as follows:
Trip Modifications and Extensions:
Hosts are paid based on the updated trip duration and their listed price for the revised booking.
Late Return Charges:
Hosts receive their share based on their listed trip price for the delayed duration.
Hosts will also receive payment for any additional kilometres driven during the delayed period.
Inconvenience Fee:
$20 if no future booking is impacted.
$50 if the next booking is impacted.
Why This Policy Matters
This policy ensures:
Flexibility for Guests: Guests can modify or extend trips as needed, providing greater convenience.
Fair compensation for Hosts: Hosts are fairly compensated for trip adjustments, late returns, and any additional kilometres driven.
Platform efficiency: Clear guidelines help avoid disruptions to future bookings and maintain a seamless car-sharing experience.
For any questions or assistance with trip modifications, extensions, or late returns, please contact Drive mate support.