Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions

1. Accommodation Rentals Terms and Conditions

Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully before making a reservation through www.thisismadeiraisland.com. By finalizing a reservation, you acknowledge and agree to be bound by these terms.

1.1. Intermediary Status & Rental Agreement

• Role of the Company: This website is operated by Madeira Services (“the Company”). The Company acts exclusively as an intermediary platform, connecting owners of accommodation properties (“the Owners”) with clients seeking rentals (“the Clients”).

• Contractual Relationship: By making a reservation through the Website, you are entering into a direct rental agreement with the respective Owner. The Company facilitates this transaction, but is not a party to the rental contract itself.

1.2. Reservation and Payment Process

• Securing a Booking: To secure a reservation, the Client must make an advance payment as determined by the Owner and communicated by the Company.

• Confirmation: The reservation is considered confirmed and binding only upon our receipt of this advance payment.

1.3. Changes to Your Booking (Rebooking) We understand that travel plans can shift.

• Eligibility: To be eligible for rebooking, the Client must contact the Company more than 30 days before the scheduled check-in date.

• Conditions: Rebooking is strictly subject to the availability of the accommodation and the discretion of the Owner.

• Rate Differences: Any additional costs resulting from rebooking (e.g., higher seasonal rates or property upgrades) are the sole responsibility of the Client.

1.4. Financial Terms: Cancellation and Refunds Our cancellation policy is designed to protect the availability of high-demand properties on the island.

• Standard Policy: Please be advised that advance payments are non-refundable, regardless of the timing of the cancellation or the reason (including personal reasons or travel disruptions).

• Cancellations > 30 Days: If the Client cancels more than 30 days prior to check-in, the advance payment is retained, but the Client may request a rebooking (as outlined in Section 1.3).

• Cancellations < 30 Days: If the Client cancels less than 30 days before the scheduled check-in, the advance payment is forfeited in full, and rebooking options are no longer available.

1.5. Liability and Indemnity

• Intermediary Liability: As an intermediary, the Company assumes no liability for the condition, safety, or quality of the accommodation. Any disputes regarding the property must be addressed directly with the Owner.

• Indemnification: The Client agrees to hold the Company harmless from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from the use of the accommodation.

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2. Car Rental Terms and Conditions

Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully before confirming your car rental reservation.

2.1. Rental Agreement & Role

• Intermediary Role: Madeira Services (“the Company”) acts as an intermediary between local car rental operators (“the Owners”) and the Client.

• The Contract: By booking through this Website, you enter into a rental agreement with the respective Owner/Operator.

2.2. Reservation Guarantee & Payments

• Binding Guarantee: The advance payment made to secure your booking acts as a binding reservation guarantee. This deposit removes the specific vehicle from our live inventory to ensure it is allocated for your arrival.

• Payment Methods: Payments are processed via the secure methods provided on the Website.

2.3. Cancellation, No-Shows & Refunds

• Non-Refundable Policy: Due to the logistical constraints of island car rentals, all advance payments are non-refundable. This applies to all cancellations, regardless of notice period or reason. The deposit covers the administrative and opportunity costs of holding the vehicle.

• No-Shows: Failure to pick up the vehicle at the agreed time without prior notice allows the Owner to release the vehicle. The advance payment is retained.

2.4. Vehicle Usage & Restrictions

• Driving Restrictions: Vehicles must be driven on paved roads only. Off-road driving is strictly prohibited unless the vehicle is specifically designated as a 4×4.

• Prohibited Actions: Smoking inside the vehicle, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, and subleasing the vehicle are strictly prohibited.

• Fines: The Client is fully responsible for all parking fines, traffic violations, and penalties incurred during the rental period.

2.5. Insurance Coverage & Exclusions

• Premium Full Insurance: Our standard rental includes Premium Full Insurance, which covers exterior vehicle damage (CDW/SCDW).

• Exclusions: The insurance does not cover damage to the interior/upholstery, lost keys, damage caused by misfueling, damage to tires/wheels caused by negligence (e.g., hitting curbs), or costs related to unauthorized towing.

2.6. Fuel Policy

• Return Protocol: Vehicles are supplied with a specific level of fuel and must be returned with the same level.

• Charges: Failure to return the vehicle with the agreed fuel level will result in a charge for the missing fuel plus a refueling service fee.

2.7. Modifications & Early Returns

• Modifications: Changes to dates or vehicle types are subject to fleet availability and may incur rate adjustments.

• Extensions: Extensions must be requested via email at least 12 hours in advance.

• Early Returns: No refunds will be issued for unused days if the vehicle is returned earlier than the scheduled date.

2.8. Updates and Contact These Terms and Conditions are subject to change. By continuing to use the Website, you accept the current Terms.

Questions? If you have questions regarding these terms, please contact us at support@thisismadeiraisland.com or ricardo@thisismadeiraisland.com