Last updated: 2 November 2026
Availability and agreement
Southend Motors may provide a loan vehicle while your vehicle is being inspected, serviced or repaired, subject to availability. Before handover, we will record the vehicle details, authorised drivers, loan period, applicable charges, insurance excess, fuel level and existing damage in a loan vehicle agreement. The legal company identified in that agreement is the provider of the loan vehicle.
Authorised drivers
Only drivers named in the loan vehicle agreement may drive the vehicle. Each driver must hold a current licence valid in New Zealand for that vehicle and meet the eligibility requirements disclosed before handover. You must present your driver licence for verification and tell us about any licence conditions or restrictions relevant to driving the vehicle. You must not allow anyone else to drive without our prior approval.
Loan period and return
You must return the vehicle by the agreed date and time. Contact us promptly if you need an extension; extensions require our approval. Once your own vehicle is ready, we will agree a reasonable time for you to collect it and return the loan vehicle. Any daily hire charge or late-return charge must be disclosed and agreed before it applies. We will not impose an undisclosed penalty.
Permitted use
You must drive lawfully, safely and with reasonable care. The vehicle must not be used: By anyone impaired by alcohol, drugs or medication. For racing, speed testing, driver training or other motorsport. For rideshare, passenger hire, delivery work or sub-hire without our written approval. For towing, off-road driving or on roads unsuitable for the vehicle without our written approval. For any unlawful purpose or to carry unsafe loads. Outside any geographical restrictions disclosed in the loan vehicle agreement. Seat belts and appropriate child restraints must be used as required by law.
Care of the vehicle
You must take reasonable care of the vehicle, keep it secure and safeguard its keys. Do not smoke or vape in the vehicle. Pets require our prior approval, except where access is required by law. Do not modify the vehicle or arrange repairs without our approval, except where reasonably necessary in an emergency to protect people or prevent further damage. Contact us as soon as practicable. You are not responsible for ordinary wear and tear or pre-existing damage.
Fuel and electric vehicle charging
Return the vehicle with the same fuel level or battery charge level recorded at handover, unless we agree otherwise. Any refuelling or charging charge, including an administration fee, must be disclosed and agreed in advance. Use only the correct fuel or compatible charging equipment. Contact us if you are unsure. For an electric vehicle, return any supplied charging cables and accessories. We will explain any essential operating or charging instructions before handover.
Fees and operating costs
Any loan fee, kilometre allowance, excess-kilometre rate or other charge will be recorded in the loan vehicle agreement before you accept the vehicle. You are responsible for tolls, parking charges and infringements arising from your use, to the extent permitted by law. We may provide your details to the relevant authority or operator where lawfully required or permitted. Any administration fee for handling these matters must be reasonable and disclosed in advance.
Insurance and excess
Before handover, we will explain the applicable insurance arrangements, driver eligibility requirements, material exclusions and the circumstances in which an excess may be payable. Your responsibility for an excess or other loss will depend on the circumstances, the agreed terms, applicable insurance and New Zealand law. An excess is not automatically payable merely because damage occurs. A breach of these terms does not automatically make you responsible for the vehicle’s full value or every resulting cost. Any claim must have a lawful basis and take account of causation, insurance recoveries and reasonable steps to minimise loss.
Accidents, damage and theft
If an accident occurs: Stop safely and assist anyone who needs help. Call emergency services where necessary and comply with legal reporting requirements. Exchange relevant details with the other parties. Record photographs, witness details and the circumstances where safe. Notify Southend Motors as soon as practicable. Cooperate reasonably with any insurance investigation. Do not admit legal liability, agree to a settlement or authorise non-emergency repairs on our behalf. Report theft to Police promptly and notify us as soon as practicable.
Breakdowns and warning lights
If the vehicle develops a significant fault, warning light or unsafe condition, stop in a safe place and contact us or the roadside assistance provider identified at handover. Do not continue driving where doing so could cause injury or further damage. You are not responsible for a mechanical failure simply because it occurs during your loan period. Responsibility will depend on its cause and applicable law.
Damage, cleaning and missing items
We will record the vehicle’s condition at handover and inspect it on return. Where you are legally responsible, we may seek reasonable, evidenced costs for damage, missing equipment, lost keys or cleaning beyond normal use. We will allow for pre-existing damage and ordinary wear and tear. Before seeking payment, we will explain the claim and provide reasonable supporting information. We will not recover the same loss twice through both you and insurance.
Ending the loan early
We may end the loan early for a material breach of these terms or a genuine safety or insurance concern. We will explain the reason and, where practicable, give reasonable notice and arrange a safe return. Any recovery action must be lawful.
Personal information
We collect driver identity, licence, contact and loan records to verify eligibility, administer the loan, manage insurance and handle incidents or infringements. We may share relevant information with insurers, claims handlers, roadside assistance providers, Police and other authorities where authorised or permitted by law. Further information about how we handle personal information and your access and correction rights is available in our Privacy Policy.
Your legal rights
Nothing in these conditions excludes or limits rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded under New Zealand law.