1. Introduction & General Provisions
1.1. Commitment to Service: At This is Madeira Island, we understand that travel plans can change. We strive to be transparent, helpful, and fair in our approach, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a smooth journey. Please read these terms carefully before making a reservation through www.thisismadeiraisland.com. By continuing to use the Website and finalizing a reservation, you acknowledge and agree to be bound by the current Terms.
1.2. Intermediary Status: This website is operated by Madeira Services (“the Company”). The Company acts exclusively as an intermediary platform, connecting clients seeking rentals and activities (“the Clients”) with local owners, car rental operators, and activity providers (“the Owners/Operators”). By booking through this Website, you enter into a direct rental or service agreement with the respective Owner/Operator. The Company facilitates this transaction but is not a party to the contract itself.
2. Car Rental Terms & Policies
2.1. The Contract: By confirming a car rental reservation, you enter into an agreement with the local car rental operator.
2.2. Reservation Guarantee & Payments: To secure your booking, an advance payment is required. This deposit acts as a binding reservation guarantee and removes the specific vehicle from our live, available inventory to ensure it is allocated for your specific arrival. Payments are processed via the secure methods provided on the Website.
2.3. Vehicle Categories: Our goal is to provide the specific vehicle you selected. However, strictly due to logistical reasons or fleet maintenance, the Company reserves the right to provide a vehicle of a similar or higher category (upgrade) at no additional cost to you, ensuring your travel plans remain uninterrupted. Actual car features and equipment may vary slightly from what is listed.
2.4. Flight Details and Pick-Up Protocols: To ensure a seamless handover at the airport, customers must provide valid flight numbers when booking. If your flight is delayed, please notify us immediately using the contact number in your booking confirmation. While we monitor flight schedules, direct communication ensures our team is ready. Upon pick-up, the main driver must present a valid driver’s license and the identification used during the booking process.
2.5. Rental Duration, Modifications & Early Returns:
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24-Hour Billing Cycles: Rental charges are calculated in 24-hour cycles. A grace period is generally allowed for returns, but significant delays in returning the vehicle without prior notice may result in an additional day’s charge.
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Modifications: Changes to dates, times, pick-up locations, or vehicle types are subject to fleet availability and may incur rate adjustments based on current pricing. To modify a reservation, contact our Customer Service Team.
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Extensions: If you are already in Madeira and wish to extend your rental, please notify us via email at least 12 hours in advance so we can secure the vehicle for you.
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Early Returns: No refunds will be issued for unused days if the vehicle is returned earlier than the date/time specified in your rental agreement. The vehicle was reserved exclusively for your use for the full duration, preventing other bookings during that period.
2.6. Vehicle Usage & Restrictions:
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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.
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Prohibited Actions: Smoking inside the vehicle, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, and subleasing the vehicle are strictly prohibited.
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Fines: The Client is fully responsible for all parking fines, traffic violations, and penalties incurred during the rental period.
2.7. Insurance Coverage, Benefits & Exclusions:
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Premium Full Insurance 🛡️: Our standard rental includes comprehensive coverage for exterior vehicle damage (CDW/SCDW).
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No Excess 🚫: You are fully covered with zero excess for applicable damages.
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No Security Deposit 💳: Keep your vacation funds free—no deposit is required.
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Unlimited Mileage 🛣️: Explore every corner of the island without restriction.
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24/7 Roadside Assistance 🆘: We are always available to help you in an emergency.
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VIP Delivery 🌟: Enjoy a seamless handover experience directly to your preferred location.
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Exclusions: While all exterior damage is fully covered, the insurance does not cover damage to the interior/upholstery, lost keys, damage caused by misfueling, or costs related to unauthorized towing.
2.8. Fuel Policy: Vehicles are supplied with a specific level of fuel and must be returned with the same level. Failure to return the vehicle with the agreed fuel level will result in a charge for the missing fuel plus a refueling service fee.
3. Accommodation Rental Terms & Policies
3.1. Contractual Relationship: By making an accommodation reservation, you enter into a direct rental agreement with the property Owner.
3.2. Securing a Booking: The Client must make an advance payment as determined by the Owner and communicated by the Company. The reservation is considered confirmed and binding only upon our receipt of this advance payment.
3.3. Changes to Your Booking (Rebooking): We understand travel plans can shift. To be eligible for rebooking, the Client must contact the Company more than 30 days before the scheduled check-in date. Rebooking is strictly subject to the availability of the accommodation and the discretion of the Owner. Any additional costs resulting from rebooking (e.g., higher seasonal rates or property upgrades) are the sole responsibility of the Client.
3.4. Liability and Indemnity: 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. The Client agrees to hold the Company harmless from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from the use of the accommodation.
4. Excursions, Tours, Walks, and Activities
4.1. Booking Services: In addition to vehicle and property rentals, This is Madeira Island offers a variety of excursions, guided tours, walks, and activities. The Company acts as an intermediary for these local guides and partners.
5. Global Cancellation & Refund Policy Our cancellation policies are designed to protect the availability of high-demand properties and vehicles on the island, covering administrative constraints and the opportunity costs of holding inventory exclusively for you.
5.1. Reservation Guarantee & Inventory Policy: All advance payments and booking deposits are non-refundable. This applies to all cancellations, regardless of notice period or reason (including personal reasons, itinerary changes, or travel disruptions).
5.2. Car Rentals: Due to logistical constraints, all car rental advance payments are strictly non-refundable. Failure to arrive at the agreed date and time to pick up the vehicle without prior notice will be considered a “No-Show.” The advance payment is retained, and the Owner is allowed to release the reservation.
5.3. Accommodations:
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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 3.3).
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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.
5.4. Excursions & Activities: All advance payments or deposits made for any excursions, tours, walks, or activities are strictly non-refundable if the cancellation is initiated by the customer. This ensures our local guides and partners are compensated for secured bookings and reserved time slots.
6. Force Majeure & Global Disclaimers
6.1. Vehicle Condition Disclaimer: As an intermediary, This is Madeira Island is not liable for the mechanical condition of the vehicles or delays in technical assistance. All cars are maintained and serviced by the local rental agency. Any claims for compensation due to technical issues must be submitted directly to the local agency providing the vehicle.
6.2. Exceptional Circumstances (Force Majeure): In the rare event of circumstances strictly beyond our control—such as natural disasters, significant civil unrest, or other events classified globally as “force majeure”—the Company reserves the right to modify or cancel reservations without prior notice. In such unique cases, we will make every reasonable effort to notify affected customers promptly. While the standard non-refundable policy generally applies, we review force majeure situations on a case-by-case basis.
7. Customer Support & Contact
7.1. We are here to help! If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding these terms, or need to modify a reservation, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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Email: support@thisismadeiraisland.com
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Phone: Please use the dedicated phone number provided in your Booking Confirmation email.
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Business Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
7.2. Updates: These Terms and Conditions are subject to change without prior notice.
