Terms & Conditions

1) Key Points 

• Calendar‑day billing: Rentals are charged by calendar day (e.g., pick up after 10:00 and return by 17:30 counts as 1 day; a 24‑hour span across two dates counts as 2 days).
• Eligibility: Minimum age 18 (or higher for certain models). Valid passport, acceptable driving permit(s) for Japan, and a credit card in the renter’s own name are required.
• Security deposit: A refundable deposit (amount shown at booking) is pre‑authorized on your card. Extra fees/fines may be charged against this deposit.
• Driving behavior: No drifting, racing, wheelspin demonstrations, donuts, track use, or excessive revving. Telematics, dashcams, GPS, and rev‑logs may be used for compliance and safety.
• Fuel: Return with the same level (or full, if stated). A refueling service fee applies if not refilled.
• Traffic violations/tolls: You are responsible for all tolls, tickets, and penalties during your rental.
• Insurance & liability: Basic compulsory/third‑party coverage is included; vehicle damage excess (deductible) applies. Optional waivers (if available) can reduce excess but never cover prohibited use.
• Accidents: Stop, ensure safety, call 110 (police) and the Company. A formal police report is required.
• Cancellations/no‑show: A tiered cancellation policy applies; missing required documents at pickup counts as same‑day cancellation.

The full legally binding details are below and in your signed Rental Agreement.

2) Definitions

• Vehicle: The specific rental vehicle and its accessories (spare key, ETC device/cards if provided, child seats, snow chains, etc.).
  Prohibited Driving: Any conduct listed in §11, including but not limited to drifting, racing, wheelspin demonstrations, track or closed‑course use, reckless or negligent driving, or behavior likely to damage the Vehicle.
• Damage: Any loss, damage, theft, contamination (including severe odors or biohazards), or mechanical over‑rev/abuse indicated by telemetry or inspection.

3) Eligibility, Documents & Identity Verification

3.1 Age & Experience

• Standard minimum age: 18. Some models (e.g., GT‑R, Supra, RX‑7, S2000) may require 25+ and/or additional screening.

3.2 Driver’s License Requirements

You must present all applicable documents at pickup:

• Passport matching the booking name.

Valid driving authority for Japan, such as:

• An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the Geneva Convention (1949) OR

A Japanese driver’s license OR

• A foreign license + official Japanese translation (for applicable countries).

The credit card used for booking must be in the same name as the Renter and presented at pickup. We may decline rental if names do not match.

3.3 Additional Drivers

Additional drivers must meet the same requirements and be present at pickup to be named on the Agreement. Unlisted drivers are not permitted.  

4) Booking, Deposits & Payments

4.1 Booking Confirmation

A booking is confirmed only after we receive the required prepayment/deposit and you receive written confirmation.

4.2 Security Deposit

A refundable security deposit is required and will be pre‑authorized on your card prior to pickup. The amount varies by model and season. The deposit may be used to cover unpaid rental charges, fuel, tolls, fines, cleaning, damage, loss of use, or other fees under these Terms.

4.3 Payment Methods

We accept major credit cards in the Renter’s name. Cash is not accepted for deposits. We may require two cards for high‑value vehicles.

4.4 Pricing Basis

Calendar‑day billing applies unless expressly stated otherwise. Late returns may incur an additional day and/or late fees.

5) Cancellations, Changes & No‑Show

5.1 Cancellation Tiers

• Cancellations made within 3 days of the reservation date: No refund
• Cancellations made within 7 days: 50% refund
• Cancellations made within 14 days: 70% refund
• Refunds are processed to the original payment method. ( 5% card fee )

5.2 Missing Documents / Ineligibility

If you fail to present the required license/ID or do not meet age/eligibility at pickup, the booking is treated as a same‑day cancellation.

5.3 Early Return / Unused Days

Unused days are non‑refundable once the rental starts.

5.4 Model Availability

Vehicle images are illustrative. Exact trims, colors, and modifications cannot be guaranteed. We reserve the right to substitute a comparable class; if we cannot provide a comparable class, we will refund rental charges paid for the unused period as your sole remedy.

6) Pickup, Return & Operating Hours

• Standard pickup window begins after 10:00; standard return deadline is by 18:00 on the return date, unless otherwise stated on your Agreement.
• Vehicles must be returned to the same branch unless a pre‑approved one‑way fee is arranged in writing.

7) Fuel, Tolls & Mileage

7.1 Fuel

Return the Vehicle with the same fuel level (or full, if specified). If not, we will refuel and charge the pump price plus a refueling service fee.

7.2 ETC/Tolls

If an ETC device/card is provided, you are responsible for all tolls incurred. Post‑rental toll charges may be deducted from your deposit or charged to your card.

7.3 Mileage Limits

Standard mileage is unlimited for normal road use, unless otherwise stated. Events, circuits, or excessive mileage patterns may be flagged and billed per §11 and §13.

8) Vehicle Care & Restrictions

8.1 General Care

Use high‑octane fuel where indicated. Avoid deep water, unpaved/rough surfaces, and any use that risks underbody or drivetrain damage. Do not tamper with traction control, catalytic converters, or speed/rev limiters.

8.2 Cleanliness & Odors

No smoking/vaping. Carrying raw fish, raw meat, chemicals, paint, or other odor/contamination sources is prohibited. Deodorizing/ozone and biohazard cleaning fees apply if needed.

8.3 Keys & Accessories

Lost/damaged keys, plates, ETC cards, or accessories will be charged at cost plus administrative fees and loss‑of‑use if the Vehicle is immobilized.

9) Prohibited Uses

You must not use the Vehicle for:

• Racing, rally, drifting, donuts, burnouts, time‑attack, or any closed‑course/track use.
• Towing, pushing, or propelling other vehicles/objects.
• Instruction, driving schools, ride‑hailing, or for‑hire passenger or commercial carriage.
• Launch control, excessive clutch slips, repeated hard starts, or sustained redline/over‑rev events.
• Any unlawful act, impaired driving, or while overloaded beyond legal seating.
• Subletting, permitting unlisted drivers, or leaving the Vehicle unattended with keys.
• Violation of this clause may void coverage and incur fees/charges described in §13.

10) Telematics, Dashcams & Privacy

• Vehicles may be equipped with GPS tracking, dashcams, OBD/ECU logs, accelerometers, and rev/temperature monitoring for safety, theft prevention, and contract compliance. By renting, you consent to such monitoring.
• Recorded data may be used to investigate accidents, misuse, or suspicious activity, and may be shared with law enforcement or insurers as required.

11) Insurance, Damage, and Renter Liability

11.1 Included Insurance

Mandatory third‑party liability insurance is included to the extent required by Japanese law. Collision and theft protection for the Vehicle may be included with an excess (deductible) indicated on your Agreement.

11.2 Optional Waivers (if offered)

Optional products may reduce the excess and/or cover roadside assistance. They do not cover prohibited use, negligence, interior contamination, wheels/tires, glass, or underbody unless expressly stated.

11.3 Renter’s Full Liability Events

• You are fully liable for all loss/damage (including loss of use) if any of the following occur:
• Prohibited use or negligent/intentional damage.
• Over‑rev/mis‑shift, clutch abuse, oil starvation, overheating, or misuse evidenced by logs/inspection.
• Unreported accidents or failure to obtain a police report.
• Driving by an unlisted driver, impaired driving, hit‑and‑run, or crime.
• Use of incorrect fuel or non‑approved parts/fluids.

11.4 Loss of Use

For damage that immobilizes the Vehicle, you will owe loss‑of‑use at the daily rental rate (or the market‑comparable rate during peak seasons) for the reasonable repair time, plus parts, labor, and diminished value if applicable.

11.5 Tires, Wheels & Glass

Tires, wheels, and glass are not covered by basic protection unless expressly stated. Repair/replacement will be charged.

12) Accidents, Theft & Breakdowns

• In any accident, immediately ensure safety, call 110 (police), and contact the Company. Obtain a police report number and take photos/videos when safe.
• Do not negotiate private settlements. Unauthorized repairs or moving a severely damaged Vehicle are prohibited.
• For theft, file a police report and provide the keys. Failure to return keys may void theft coverage.
• We provide roadside assistance information at pickup; some services may be chargeable depending on fault.

13) Fees & Administrative Charges (Guide)

• Refueling service fee: pump price + service fee.
• Cleaning/deodorizing: based on severity; biohazard cleaning charged at cost.
• Smoking fee: fixed penalty + deodorizing.
• Tickets/Tolls admin: actual cost + administrative fee per incident.
• Late return: additional calendar day + late fee.
• Misuse/abuse: diagnostic + parts + labor + loss of use; full liability under §11.3.
• A current fee schedule is presented at booking and available in‑store; fees may vary by model/season.

14) Tickets, Fines & Reporting

You are responsible for all fines, tolls, parking charges, and violations during the rental. We may share your details with authorities and charge your card for amounts due plus admin fees. Unpaid fines may be transferred to collections.

15) International Drivers & Language

Where a Japanese translation of a foreign license is used, both the original license and the official translation must be carried when driving. You are responsible for ensuring your driving authority is valid for the entire rental period; no refunds if it is not.

16) Vehicle Return Inspection & Disputes

A joint inspection is carried out at return. If weather/darkness prevents a full inspection, we may perform a supplemental inspection within 24–48 hours. You authorize post‑charges for documented items discovered in that inspection (photos and repair invoices will be provided upon request).

16.1 General Breakdown Policy

JDM RENTAL JAPAN maintains all vehicles with regular inspections and servicing.
However, mechanical failures can still occur, and in such cases:

• We provide free towing to the nearest branch or partner garage.
• We provide a replacement vehicle when available.
• No additional rental fees are charged for the lost time during towing and vehicle exchange.
• This is the maximum compensation JDM RENTAL JAPAN provides.

16.2 No Responsibility for Personal Losses or Personal Costs

JDM Rental Japan is NOT responsible for any personal expenses caused by delays, including but not limited to:

• Phone top-ups, SIM cards, roaming charges
• Loss or damage to personal devices
• Meals, snacks, drinks, or any food purchased during the wait
• Tolls, fuel costs, or transportation costs unrelated to the mechanical repair
• Accommodation changes, ticket changes, or schedule disruptions
• Loss of holiday time or personal inconvenience
• Costs caused by customer not having a Japanese phone number
• These expenses will not be reimbursed under any circumstance.

Customers are responsible for having:

• Travel insurance
• Proper communication options (SIM/eSIM)
• Personal backup plans

16.3 Fuel, Toll & Consumables Policy

The following are always 100% customer responsibility, even during breakdowns:

• Fuel already consumed
• Fuel refills before or after breakdown
• Toll costs
• Highway fees
• Parking fees
• Consumables (water, snacks, lunch, drinks, etc.)
• JDM RENTAL JAPAN does not reimburse these.

16.4 Replacement Vehicle Conditions

If the vehicle cannot be repaired immediately:

• A replacement vehicle will be provided if available.
• Replacement will be the same class or similar (not always identical model).
• No refunds or compensation will be issued if the replacement is different from the original.
• No refunds for customer dissatisfaction with the new route, changed schedule, or lost time.
• A new security deposit may be required for the replacement vehicle.

16.5 No Compensation for Customer’s Itinerary Changes
 

JDM RENTAL JAPAN does not compensate for:

• Missed tourist spots
• Missed reservations
• Changed travel plans
• Lost holiday days
• Delayed check-in/check-out
• Additional driving required to “return to the previous location”
• Emotional or subjective “stress” or “inconvenience”
• The customer understands that travel plans may change and accepts that JDM RENTAL JAPAN is not liable.

16.6 Required Behaviour During Breakdown

To maintain insurance coverage:

• Customer must STOP driving immediately when an issue occurs.
  
  Customer must contact:
• 110 (police) if an accident or safety issue occurs
• JDM RENTAL JAPAN Branch for mechanical issues
• Customer must not attempt repairs unless authorised.
• Customer must follow instructions provided by JDM RENTAL JAPAN staff or tow company.
• Failure to follow procedures may void insurance.

16.7 Customer Phone & Communication Responsibility

Customers must ensure:

• They have a functioning SIM/eSIM
• They can receive calls from Japanese numbers
• They can provide location details to the tow company

If the customer cannot be contacted due to:

• No Japanese SIM
• No internet
• Phone issues
• Dead battery
• Phone damage
• JDM RENTAL JAPAN is not responsible for delays or related costs.

16.8 Limit of Liability

JDM RENTAL JAPANs’ maximum liability in a breakdown is:

• Free towing
• Repair of the vehicle
• Replacement vehicle (if available)
• Unused rental days refunded only if no replacement is possible
• No further compensation will be issued.

16.9 Customer Misuse Exclusions

If breakdown is caused by the customer, no replacement or refund will be provided.
Examples include:

• Driving with warning lights on
• Overheating due to continuing to drive with low coolant
• Incorrect fuel
• Off-road or restricted area driving
• Damage caused by negligence
• Repair costs will be charged fully.

16.10 Agreement & Acceptance

By booking with JDM RENTAL JAPAN, the customer agrees that:

• They accept all policies listed above.
• They understand that personal expenses during breakdowns are not reimbursable.
• They accept the replacement vehicle and towing policy as the full and final solution.
• This prevents any future disputes or compensation requests outside the rules stated here.

17) Personal Property

We are not responsible for loss of or damage to personal property left in the Vehicle or at our premises. Please check carefully before returning the Vehicle.

18) Force Majeure & Substitution

We are not liable for delays or failure to perform due to events beyond our reasonable control (e.g., severe weather, natural disasters, strikes, supply shortages). We may substitute a comparable vehicle or cancel and refund as the sole remedy.

19) Contract Termination

We may terminate the Agreement immediately and repossess the Vehicle (at your cost) if you breach these Terms or we reasonably believe damage, theft, or danger is likely. No refund is due in such cases.

20) Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms and the Rental Agreement are governed by the laws of Japan. Unless otherwise required by law, disputes shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in the Company’s principal place of business.

21) Privacy Notice 

We collect and process identification, contact, payment, driving eligibility, and telematics data to provide the rental service, prevent fraud/theft, and comply with law. Some data may be retained for legal/reporting purposes.

 22) Contact

JDM Rental Japan office

• Email: [email protected]
• Hours: 10:00–18:00