Last updated: September 2026
These Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings made through 4Drive South Africa. By completing a booking on our website, you accept these terms in full. Your rental is subject to both these terms and the rental agreement you will sign with the local rental company when you collect the vehicle. We act as booking service between you and independent rental suppliers operating in South Africa.
Each rental company has its own operating procedures, fleet, and conditions. The voucher we issue contains the supplier's contact details and specific instructions for your rental. Any changes to the rental after collection must be arranged directly with the supplier named in your voucher.
When you complete a booking on our site, you receive a voucher confirming your reservation. This voucher is not a rental contract. The rental agreement is signed at the time of vehicle collection with the local rental company. That agreement governs your use of the vehicle, insurance coverage, liability for damage, fuel policy, mileage limits if any, and return conditions.
The rental company will inspect the vehicle with you before handover. Any existing damage must be noted in the rental agreement. You are responsible for any damage not recorded at the start of the rental. The terms in the rental agreement take precedence over promotional descriptions on our website. Read the agreement carefully before signing.
Vehicle collection takes place at the location and time you selected during booking. Collection may be at a counter, at the airport terminal, or by delivery to your accommodation, depending on the supplier. Ensure you arrive on time with all required documents.
When you book through our website, you pay a booking advance by card online. This advance secures your reservation. The remaining balance is due when you collect the vehicle. The payment method accepted for the balance depends on the specific vehicle you have booked and is stated clearly during the booking process and in your voucher.
Options for the balance typically include debit card, credit card, or cash. Some vehicles require a credit card for the balance and deposit. Others accept debit cards or cash. Check your voucher for the exact requirements. We do not accept cash payments online.
If you do not have a credit card and your booking requires one, consider raising the limit on your debit card before travel. Payment requirements vary by vehicle, not by vehicle class.
Most rentals require a deposit, which the rental company holds as a security against damage, traffic fines, or other charges. The deposit amount and the payment method for it are specified for each vehicle during booking and in your voucher. The deposit is a separate matter from any excess or deductible amount under the insurance coverage.
The rental company will block or hold the deposit amount on your card at the start of the rental. This is released after the vehicle is returned and inspected, provided there are no claims. The time taken for the release depends on your card issuer. Some vehicles are offered with no deposit required. In such cases, insurance excess or deductible amounts still apply independently.
The primary driver must present a valid driving licence at vehicle collection. If your licence is not in English, you must also bring an International Driving Permit. The driver must meet the minimum age requirement stated in the voucher. Additional drivers can be added at the rental counter for a fee. Each additional driver must present their own licence and meet the same age and validity requirements.
You must also bring the credit or debit card used for the booking advance and a form of identification. The rental company may require additional documents depending on the vehicle and rental conditions.
You must use the vehicle in accordance with South African traffic laws. Speed limits are 60 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on national routes unless otherwise posted. Traffic drives on the left. Toll roads include sections of the N1 from Cape Town to Johannesburg, the N2 along the Garden Route, the N3 to Durban, and the N4 to Mpumalanga. Fuel is widely available from Shell, Engen, BP, and Sasol stations.
You may drive on tarred and graded gravel roads suitable for your vehicle type. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are required for mountain passes and remote gravel routes. Do not drive on roads or terrain unsuitable for your vehicle class. Off-road driving is prohibited unless explicitly allowed in your rental agreement.
Crossing into Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, or Zimbabwe is only permitted with written permission from the rental company. This must be arranged in advance before you collect the vehicle. Unauthorised border crossings void your insurance and rental agreement. Additional fees apply for cross-border permits.
If you need to change your booking dates, pick-up location, or vehicle type, contact us at [email protected] as soon as possible. Changes are subject to availability and may result in a price adjustment. Cancellation terms depend on how far in advance you cancel. Refer to your booking confirmation or contact us for specific cancellation conditions for your reservation.
If you fail to collect the vehicle without prior notice, the booking is treated as a no-show and the advance payment is forfeited. If you return the vehicle early, no refund is provided for unused days unless agreed in writing in advance.
You are responsible for the vehicle from the time you collect it until you return it and the rental company completes the return inspection. You must pay for any damage, loss, or theft of the vehicle up to the excess or deductible amount stated in your rental agreement. The rental company will charge your card or deduct from your deposit if damage occurs.
You are also liable for traffic fines, toll fees, and parking charges incurred during the rental period. The rental company will pass these costs on to you, often with an administrative fee. Keep all receipts and documentation related to fuel, tolls, and fines.
We are not liable for breakdowns, accidents, delays, or any indirect losses arising from your rental. Our liability is limited to refunding the booking advance if we cannot provide a vehicle due to our own error.
If you have an issue during your rental, contact the rental company immediately using the details provided in your voucher. Most problems can be resolved on the spot. If you are not satisfied with the supplier's response, email us at [email protected] with your booking reference, a description of the issue, and any supporting evidence such as photos or correspondence.
We will investigate and work with the rental company to reach a fair resolution. Complaints must be submitted within 30 days of the end of your rental. We cannot address complaints raised after this period.
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of South Africa. Any disputes arising from your booking or these terms will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of South Africa. The rental agreement you sign with the local supplier is also governed by South African law.
If any provision of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full effect. Our failure to enforce any term does not constitute a waiver of that term.
Contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Address: Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa
Hours: Mon-Sun: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM (GMT+2)