Legal

Claims & Protection Policy

Last Updated: June 2025  |  Effective: June 2025

1. Claims Overview

Drive Connect provides a structured claims process for damage that occurs to vehicles during rental periods. The claims process is designed to protect Operators against damage costs while providing Renters with a fair and documented process.

Drive Connect's role in the claims process is documentation management and process facilitation. Claims for damage are ultimately between the Operator and the Renter's insurance carrier or Drive Protection Inc. (if a Protection Plan was purchased).

2. Pre-Rental Documentation Requirements

Pre-rental documentation is mandatory for all rentals. Both the Operator and Renter must complete photo documentation of the vehicle's condition before the rental begins.

Required documentation: - Exterior photos from all four sides - Photos of all existing damage (scratches, dents, chips) - Interior photos - Odometer reading - Fuel level

Failure to complete pre-rental documentation may affect the ability to file or dispute damage claims. Renters who accept a vehicle without completing documentation do so at their own risk.

3. Post-Rental Documentation Requirements

Post-rental documentation is mandatory for all rentals. Both the Operator and Renter should complete photo documentation of the vehicle's condition at return.

Required documentation: - Exterior photos from all four sides - Photos of any new damage identified - Interior photos - Odometer reading - Fuel level

Post-rental documentation must be completed through the Drive Connect platform within 2 hours of vehicle return.

4. Filing a Damage Claim

Operators who identify damage at vehicle return must:

1. Complete post-rental documentation with photos of all damage 2. File a damage claim through the Drive Connect platform within 48 hours of vehicle return 3. Provide repair estimates from licensed repair facilities within 7 days 4. Notify Drive Connect of any police reports filed in connection with the damage

Claims filed after 48 hours may be denied. Claims without supporting documentation may be denied.

5. Claims Against Renters with Protection Plans

If the Renter purchased a Protection Plan from Drive Protection Inc., the damage claim is filed against the Protection Plan:

1. Operator files claim through Drive Connect platform 2. Drive Connect forwards documentation to Drive Protection Inc. 3. Drive Protection Inc. reviews the claim and makes a coverage determination 4. Drive Protection Inc. pays covered costs directly to the Operator (subject to deductible) 5. The Renter is responsible for the deductible and any costs not covered by the Protection Plan

Coverage decisions are made by Drive Protection Inc. Drive Connect is not responsible for Protection Plan coverage decisions.

6. Claims Against Renters without Protection Plans

If the Renter did not purchase a Protection Plan, the damage claim is filed against the Renter's personal auto insurance:

1. Operator files claim through Drive Connect platform 2. Drive Connect provides documentation to both parties 3. Operator files claim against Renter's personal auto insurance carrier 4. Renter's insurance carrier reviews and processes the claim 5. Renter is responsible for costs not covered by their insurance

Drive Connect provides document management support. Drive Connect is not responsible for insurance claim outcomes.

7. Renter Rights in Claims Process

Renters have the following rights in the claims process:

- The right to review all documentation supporting a damage claim - The right to dispute damage claims through Drive Connect's dispute resolution process - The right to provide counter-documentation (photos, statements) in response to a claim - The right to be notified of all claims filed against them - The right to a fair and documented review process

Renters who believe a damage claim is fraudulent or inaccurate should contact Drive Connect immediately to initiate the dispute resolution process.

8. Fraudulent Claims

Drive Connect takes fraudulent damage claims seriously. Operators who file fraudulent or exaggerated damage claims are subject to:

- Immediate account suspension - Reversal of fraudulent claim payments - Permanent platform ban - Legal action

Renters who believe a claim is fraudulent should report it to Drive Connect with supporting documentation. Drive Connect will investigate and take appropriate action.

9. Claims Timeline

The standard claims timeline is as follows:

- Damage identified at return: Operator must file within 48 hours - Repair estimates: Must be provided within 7 days of claim filing - Drive Protection Inc. coverage determination: Within 10 business days - Insurance carrier response: Varies by carrier - Dispute resolution (if applicable): See Dispute Resolution Policy

Drive Connect will provide status updates throughout the claims process.

Related Legal Documents

Rental TermsProtection Plan TermsSecurity Deposit PolicyDispute Resolution