Uganda car rental terms & conditions
Navigating the beautiful landscapes of Uganda requires more than just a sturdy 4×4; it requires a clear understanding of the rules of the road and the rental agreement. At Pearl Drive Car Rental, transparency is key to ensuring your safari, business trip, or wedding goes off without a hitch.
Below is a comprehensive guide to the standard terms and conditions you can expect when hiring a vehicle with Pearl Drive.
1. Driver Requirements & Eligibility
To ensure safety on Uganda’s diverse road networks, Pearl Drive maintains strict driver standards:
Age Limit: Drivers must generally be between 23 and 70 years old.
Experience: You must have held a valid national or international driving permit for at least two years.
Documentation: A copy of your valid passport and a current driving license are required at the time of booking. For non-residents, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended.
2. Rental Rates and Inclusions
Pearl Drive offers competitive rates that are designed to be all-inclusive for your peace of mind:
Unlimited Mileage: Most rentals come with unlimited mileage, allowing you to explore from Kampala to the furthest reaches of Kidepo without extra fees.
Inclusions: Rates typically include 24-hour roadside assistance, routine maintenance, and local government taxes (VAT).
Exclusions: Fuel, traffic fines (EPS tickets), parking fees, and entrance fees to national parks are the responsibility of the hirer.
3. Fuel Policy
Pearl Drive generally operates on a “Quarter-to-Quarter” or “Same-to-Same” fuel policy.
The vehicle is delivered with a certain level of fuel (usually a quarter tank), and you are expected to return it at the same level.
Note: No credit or refund is given for any extra fuel left in the tank at the end of the rental period.
4. Insurance and Liability
All vehicles in the Pearl Drive fleet are covered by Comprehensive Insurance.
Coverage: This covers major accidents (collisions) and theft of the vehicle.
The Hirer’s Responsibility: The insurance does not cover damages resulting from negligence, such as driving under the influence, driving off-designated tracks, or interior damage.
Tires and Glass: Similar to many rental agencies in East Africa, damage to tires, tools, and glass (windshields) is often the responsibility of the hirer unless additional coverage is purchased.
5. Driving Restrictions
Night Driving: For your safety, driving outside of major urban centers (Kampala/Entebbe) after 7:00 PM is strongly discouraged and may void insurance coverage due to the risks of poorly lit roads and wandering livestock.
Cross-Border Travel: If you plan to take the vehicle into Rwanda, Kenya, or Tanzania, you must inform Pearl Drive in advance to arrange COMESA insurance and the necessary cross-border documentation.
6. Payment and Cancellation
Confirmation: A deposit (usually 30%) is required to secure your vehicle.
Payment Methods: Pearl Drive accepts cash (USD or UGX), bank transfers, and mobile money.
Cancellations: Cancellations made 7-14 days before the rental start date may be subject to a small processing fee, while last-minute cancellations (under 48 hours) may result in the forfeiture of the deposit.
Contact Information
For a full copy of the rental agreement or to ask specific questions about your upcoming trip, contact the team:
Email: info@pearldrivecarrental.com
Phone/WhatsApp: +256-750145548