Terms of Service

Important Notice

These Terms of Service contain a binding arbitration clause and class action waiver. Please read Section 15 carefully. By using Drive Connect, you agree to resolve disputes through binding arbitration rather than court proceedings.

1. Platform Identity and Nature of Services

Drive Connect ("Drive Connect," "we," "us," or "our") operates a peer-to-peer vehicle marketplace platform that facilitates transactions between independent vehicle operators ("Operators") and verified renters ("Renters"). Drive Connect is a marketplace facilitator and payment administrator — not a vehicle rental company.

Drive Connect does not own, operate, or control any vehicles listed on the platform. All vehicles are owned and operated by independent Operators who have agreed to the Drive Connect Operator Agreement. Drive Connect facilitates marketplace transactions, administers payment processing, and provides trust infrastructure services.

By accessing or using the Drive Connect platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, you may not use the platform.

2. Platform Participants

The Drive Connect marketplace has three categories of participants:

OPERATORS: Independent vehicle owners and fleet operators who list vehicles on the marketplace. Operators are independent contractors, not employees or agents of Drive Connect. Operators set their own pricing, availability, and vehicle rules. Operators are responsible for maintaining their vehicles, insurance, and compliance with applicable laws.

RENTERS: Verified individuals who complete the Drive Connect verification process and book vehicles through the marketplace. Renters transact directly with Operators. Drive Connect facilitates the transaction but is not a party to the rental agreement between Renter and Operator.

DRIVE CONNECT: The marketplace infrastructure provider and payment administrator. Drive Connect facilitates transactions, administers payment processing, provides verification services, and operates the trust infrastructure. Drive Connect is not a vehicle rental company and does not provide rental services directly.

3. Account Registration and Verification

To use the Drive Connect platform, you must create an account and complete the verification process. Verification requirements include:

For Renters: Government-issued photo ID, facial match verification, active personal auto insurance confirmation, and fraud screening clearance.

For Operators: Business identity verification, vehicle title and registration confirmation, commercial insurance verification, and vehicle documentation review.

You represent that all information provided during registration is accurate and complete. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account credentials. Drive Connect reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that fail verification or provide false information.

4. Marketplace Transactions

Drive Connect facilitates marketplace transactions between Operators and Renters. The rental agreement is between the Renter and the Operator — Drive Connect is not a party to the rental agreement.

Renters may browse available vehicles, submit bids through the auction mechanism, or accept listed prices. Operators may accept, counter, or decline bids. The transaction is confirmed when both parties agree to terms.

Drive Connect does not guarantee the availability of any vehicle, the accuracy of any listing, or the performance of any Operator. Renters transact with Operators at their own risk, subject to the protections provided by Drive Connect's trust infrastructure.

5. Payment Administration

Drive Connect acts as the authorized payment administrator for participating Operators and affiliated service providers. All rental payments are processed through Drive Connect's payment administration system.

The Renter pays Drive Connect the total amount due — including the rental fee, Protection Plan fee (if selected), and applicable platform fees. Drive Connect deducts its marketplace allocation and remits the Operator's allocation to the Operator. Protection Plan fees are remitted to Drive Protection Inc.

The security deposit is a separate transaction administered directly between the Renter and the Operator. Drive Connect does not administer security deposits.

Drive Connect's payment administration role does not make Drive Connect a party to the underlying rental agreement or create any liability for Drive Connect with respect to the rental transaction.

6. Protection Plans

Protection Plans available through the Drive Connect platform are provided by Drive Protection Inc., an independent protection plan provider. Drive Connect does not provide insurance or protection plans.

Protection Plans are optional. Renters who decline Protection Plans are responsible for damages through their personal auto insurance.

The terms, coverage, exclusions, and claims process for Protection Plans are governed by the Protection Plan Terms provided by Drive Protection Inc. Drive Connect is not responsible for Protection Plan claims, coverage decisions, or disputes with Drive Protection Inc.

7. Security Deposits

Operators may require security deposits as a condition of rental. Security deposit amounts are disclosed in the vehicle listing. Security deposits are authorized at vehicle pickup and held by the Operator — not Drive Connect.

Security deposits are released by the Operator upon successful return and inspection of the vehicle. If damage is identified, the Operator may apply the security deposit toward damage costs.

Security deposit disputes are handled through Drive Connect's dispute resolution process. Drive Connect's role in security deposit disputes is limited to mediation and documentation support — Drive Connect does not hold, release, or control security deposit funds.

8. Operator Responsibilities

Operators are independent contractors responsible for:

- Maintaining vehicles in safe, roadworthy condition - Maintaining valid commercial insurance coverage - Complying with all applicable laws and regulations - Accurately representing vehicle condition and features in listings - Completing pre-rental and post-rental vehicle inspections - Processing security deposit authorizations and releases - Filing damage claims through the Drive Connect platform when applicable - Maintaining professional conduct with Renters

Operators are not employees or agents of Drive Connect. Drive Connect is not responsible for Operator conduct, vehicle condition, or Operator compliance with applicable laws.

9. Renter Responsibilities

Renters are responsible for:

- Maintaining valid personal auto insurance throughout the rental period - Operating vehicles in accordance with applicable traffic laws - Returning vehicles in the same condition as received - Completing pre-rental and post-rental photo documentation - Reporting accidents, damage, or incidents promptly - Paying all amounts due including any damage costs not covered by Protection Plans - Maintaining professional conduct with Operators

Renters who cause damage to vehicles are responsible for repair costs, subject to applicable insurance coverage and Protection Plan terms.

10. Prohibited Uses

The Drive Connect platform may not be used for:

- Fraudulent transactions or identity misrepresentation - Subletting or re-renting vehicles without Operator consent - Operating vehicles outside the agreed rental period or geographic area - Using vehicles for commercial purposes not disclosed at booking - Racing, off-road use, or other activities prohibited by the Operator - Transporting illegal substances or engaging in illegal activities - Circumventing Drive Connect's payment administration system - Creating multiple accounts to evade verification or suspension

Violations of prohibited use policies may result in immediate account suspension and legal action.

11. Limitation of Liability

DRIVE CONNECT IS A MARKETPLACE FACILITATOR AND PAYMENT ADMINISTRATOR. DRIVE CONNECT DOES NOT OWN, OPERATE, OR CONTROL ANY VEHICLES ON THE PLATFORM. DRIVE CONNECT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONDUCT OF OPERATORS OR RENTERS, THE CONDITION OF VEHICLES, OR THE OUTCOME OF RENTAL TRANSACTIONS.

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, DRIVE CONNECT'S TOTAL LIABILITY TO ANY PARTY FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THE USE OF THE PLATFORM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE MARKETPLACE ALLOCATION FEES PAID BY THAT PARTY TO DRIVE CONNECT IN THE THREE MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

DRIVE CONNECT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA, OR PERSONAL INJURY, EVEN IF DRIVE CONNECT HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Drive Connect, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising out of or in any way connected with:

- Your use of the Drive Connect platform - Your violation of these Terms of Service - Your violation of any applicable law or regulation - Your conduct as an Operator or Renter - Any damage caused by you to vehicles, property, or persons - Any claims by third parties arising from your use of the platform

13. Intellectual Property

The Drive Connect platform, including all content, software, trademarks, and materials, is owned by Drive Connect and protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works from Drive Connect's intellectual property without express written permission.

You grant Drive Connect a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use content you submit to the platform (including vehicle listings, photos, and reviews) for the purpose of operating and improving the platform.

14. Privacy

Drive Connect's collection and use of personal information is governed by the Drive Connect Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms of Service by reference. By using the platform, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described in the Privacy Policy.

15. Dispute Resolution — Binding Arbitration

PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. IT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS.

Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms of Service or the use of the Drive Connect platform shall be resolved through binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules.

The arbitration shall be conducted on an individual basis. YOU WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR CLASS-WIDE ARBITRATION.

Before initiating arbitration, you must first attempt to resolve the dispute through Drive Connect's internal resolution process. See the Dispute Resolution Policy for the complete three-step process.

This arbitration agreement does not apply to claims for injunctive or equitable relief, intellectual property disputes, or small claims court matters.

16. Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in Hillsborough County, Florida, unless otherwise agreed by the parties.

17. Modifications

Drive Connect reserves the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. Material changes will be communicated to registered users via email or platform notification. Continued use of the platform after the effective date of modifications constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.

18. Contact

For questions about these Terms of Service, contact Drive Connect at: legal@driveconnect.com

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