1. Driver Eligibility
The Renter certifies that they:
Are at least the minimum age required by COE.
Possess a valid driver's license.
Have disclosed any suspended or revoked licenses.
Are physically and mentally capable of safely operating the vehicle.
Will not operate the vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, medication, fatigue, or any condition affecting safe operation.
Will immediately notify COE of any collision, citation, mechanical issue, or damage involving the vehicle.
2. Authorized Drivers
Only drivers specifically approved by Carolina Overland Experience may operate the vehicle.
No other individual may drive the Defender.
Allowing an unauthorized driver to operate the vehicle constitutes a material breach of this Agreement, and the Renter shall remain fully responsible for all resulting damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses.
3. Rental Period
As determined by booking form. For additional time contact COE for prior approval.
Late returns may be subject to additional rental charges at COE's current rates.
4. Security Deposit
A $500.00 security deposit is required for all direct rentals through Carolina Overland Experience unless otherwise agreed in writing.
The security deposit may be collected as a credit card authorization or charged prior to the rental period.
After the vehicle has been inspected and all obligations satisfied, the authorization will be released or the deposit refunded. Processing times may vary by financial institution.
COE may apply the security deposit toward any amount owed under this Agreement, including but not limited to:
The security deposit does not limit the Renter's financial responsibility. The Renter remains responsible for all damages or charges exceeding the amount of the security deposit.
5. Vehicle Condition
The Renter acknowledges that the vehicle has been inspected prior to delivery.
Any existing damage is documented on the Vehicle Condition Report.
By accepting possession, the Renter agrees that the vehicle is in satisfactory operating condition.
6. Mileage
There are no mileage restrictions during the rental period.
7. Geographic Restrictions
The vehicle shall be operated only within the State of North Carolina unless prior written authorization has been obtained from Carolina Overland Experience.
Operation outside North Carolina without prior approval constitutes a material breach of this Agreement.
If approved, COE may establish additional requirements, including:
Geographic limitations
Additional insurance requirements
Additional deposits
Trip duration limitations
Emergency contact information
The vehicle shall not be:
Transported outside the continental United States.
Loaded onto a vehicle transport or trailer without written authorization.
Used in organized racing or competition.
8. Permitted Use
The vehicle may only be operated:
On public roads.
On approved beaches.
On approved 4WD access routes.
In accordance with North Carolina law.
In accordance with all COE operating instructions.
9. Beach Driving Requirements
Beach driving is permitted only after completion of COE's required beach driving orientation and authorization by COE.
The Renter agrees to follow all operating instructions including:
The Renter shall obey all federal, state, and local regulations governing beach driving and shall operate in accordance with TREAD Lightly principles.
10. Prohibited Uses
The Renter shall not:
Operate while impaired.
Permit unauthorized drivers.
Race or participate in competitions.
Intentionally jump the vehicle.
Drive through standing saltwater or ocean surf.
Operate in water above the centerline of the wheel hubs.
Disable vehicle safety systems.
Operate negligently.
Smoke or vape inside the vehicle.
Transport illegal substances.
Transport hazardous materials.
Overload the vehicle.
Intentionally abuse or misuse the vehicle.
Permit any person or organization to tow, winch, recover, or otherwise remove the vehicle without prior authorization from COE except when necessary to protect life or prevent imminent danger.
11. Tire Pressure
Tire pressures have been specifically established by COE for the intended operating conditions.
The Renter shall not adjust tire pressures without authorization from COE.
12. Winch & Recovery Equipment
The vehicle's winch and recovery equipment are emergency tools intended for use only by Carolina Overland Experience personnel or with the express authorization of COE.
Unauthorized use is prohibited.
13. Vehicle Recovery
If the vehicle becomes immobilized for any reason, including sand, mud, mechanical issues, or driver error, the Renter shall immediately contact Carolina Overland Experience.
No recovery shall be attempted by the Renter or any third party without prior authorization from COE.
The use of tow straps, kinetic ropes, winches, jacks, traction boards, or other recovery equipment by the Renter is prohibited unless expressly directed by COE.
COE will dispatch personnel to recover the vehicle as soon as reasonably practical.
Recovery resulting from driver error, negligence, or improper operation shall be billed as follows:
If specialized equipment, outside contractors, towing services, or emergency services are required due to the Renter's actions, those costs shall also be the responsibility of the Renter.
14. Fuel Requirements
The Defender shall be operated exclusively on 93 octane premium unleaded gasoline meeting the manufacturer's specifications.
The Renter agrees to:
Use only 93 octane premium unleaded gasoline.
Return the vehicle with the same fuel level documented at pickup.
Retain fuel receipts until the rental has concluded.
Immediately notify COE if incorrect fuel is added.
The vehicle shall not be started or operated following an incorrect fueling event.
The Renter is responsible for all costs resulting from improper fueling, including repairs, towing, recovery, loss of use, and administrative expenses.
If returned with less fuel than provided, COE may charge the cost of refueling plus a reasonable refueling service fee.
15. Vehicle Monitoring & Recording
The Renter acknowledges that the vehicle is equipped with electronic monitoring, telematics, and recording systems for safety, fleet management, vehicle security, accident investigation, theft prevention, and protection of COE's property.
These systems may collect, record, transmit, and retain information including:
Live GPS location
GPS route history
Vehicle speed
Trip duration
Mileage
Driving behavior
Hard acceleration events
Hard braking events
Significant vehicle dynamics
Vehicle diagnostic information
Date and time of operation
Front-facing dash camera video
Rear-facing dash camera video
Audio recordings captured within the vehicle
Information may be reviewed by COE to:
Investigate accidents
Verify compliance with this Agreement
Respond to insurance claims
Investigate damage
Assist with roadside assistance or recovery
Protect COE's vehicles and property
Comply with applicable law
Tampering with, disconnecting, disabling, covering, or interfering with any monitoring or recording equipment is strictly prohibited and constitutes a material breach of this Agreement.
By signing this Agreement, the Renter acknowledges the presence of these monitoring systems and consents to their operation and the collection and use of such information as described herein, subject to applicable law.
16. Insurance Requirements
For reservations booked directly through Carolina Overland Experience, the Renter shall maintain a valid personal automobile insurance policy providing coverage for the rented Defender during the rental period.
The Renter shall provide proof of insurance upon request.
The Renter authorizes COE to contact the insurance carrier to verify:
COE reserves the right to refuse delivery or cancel the reservation if insurance cannot be verified or is determined to be insufficient.
Verification by COE does not constitute approval or guarantee of coverage.
The Renter remains solely responsible for ensuring adequate insurance coverage.
The Renter shall notify COE immediately of any lapse, cancellation, or material change in insurance coverage.
For rentals made through third-party platforms such as Turo, the insurance and protection plans provided by that platform shall apply to the extent required by the platform's terms and conditions.
17. Mechanical Damage
The Renter is responsible for damage resulting from:
Normal mechanical failures remain the responsibility of COE.
18. Accident Procedures
In the event of an accident, the Renter shall:
Contact emergency services if necessary.
Notify COE immediately.
Photograph the scene and all vehicles involved.
Exchange information with all involved parties.
Cooperate with law enforcement and insurance representatives.
The Renter shall not admit liability on behalf of COE.
19. Vehicle Care
The Renter agrees to exercise reasonable care in protecting the vehicle.
This includes avoiding:
20. Cleaning
The vehicle shall be returned in substantially the same condition in which it was delivered.
Additional cleaning charges may apply for excessive:
Sand
Mud
Salt residue
Pet hair
Smoke odors
Food spills
Interior staining
21. Smoking
Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside the vehicle.
Violation may result in professional cleaning charges.
22. Pets
Pets are permitted only with prior approval from COE.
The Renter remains responsible for all resulting damage and cleaning costs.
23. Post-Rental Inspection
Upon return, the vehicle will undergo a comprehensive inspection.
Charges may be assessed for:
24. Indemnification
The Renter agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Carolina Overland Experience, LLC, its owners, employees, instructors, agents, and representatives from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses arising from the Renter's possession, operation, or use of the vehicle, except to the extent caused by COE's own negligence or as otherwise provided by applicable law.
25. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina.
Any legal action arising from this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the appropriate state or federal court located within North Carolina.
26. Entire Agreement
This Agreement, together with the following documents when applicable, constitutes the complete agreement between the parties:
27. Acknowledgement
By signing below, the Renter certifies that they have:
Read this Agreement in its entirety.
Had the opportunity to ask questions.
Understand and agree to all terms and conditions.
Agree to operate the vehicle safely and responsibly.
Accept financial responsibility for all obligations contained herein.
