Terms and Conditions

Last updated: September 2026

These Terms and Conditions govern the use of the 4Drive France website and the booking process. By completing a reservation through our platform, you accept these terms in full. Please read them carefully before proceeding with any booking.

Scope

4Drive France operates a booking platform connecting customers with local rental companies in France. We facilitate reservations but do not own or operate vehicles. The rental agreement for the vehicle is concluded directly between you and the rental company at the point of collection. Our role is limited to processing your booking and transmitting your details to the supplier.

These terms cover the booking process, advance payment, and our obligations to you. Conditions relating to vehicle use, insurance coverage, mileage allowances, fuel policy, and damage liability are set by the rental company and detailed in your voucher and the rental agreement you sign upon collection.

Bookings and the Rental Agreement

When you complete a booking through our website, you receive a confirmation email and a voucher. This voucher contains the rental company's name, contact details, collection address, and specific conditions for your reservation. Present this voucher at the collection point along with your driving licence and payment method.

The rental agreement is a separate contract between you and the local rental company. You sign this document when you collect the vehicle. It records the vehicle condition, fuel level, mileage, and any pre-existing damage. Review the agreement carefully before signing. Any changes to the booking terms at collection are handled directly with the rental company.

Collection can occur at a desk inside a terminal, at a roadside meet point, or via delivery to your hotel, depending on the supplier. The collection time is selected during the booking process. Arrive within the agreed time window to avoid delays.

Advance Payment and Balance

At the time of booking, you pay an advance online via debit or credit card. This advance secures your reservation. The remaining balance is due when you collect the vehicle. The payment method accepted for the balance depends on the specific vehicle you have booked and is stated in your voucher.

Some vehicles accept debit cards, cash, or credit cards for the balance. Others require a credit card. Check your voucher for the exact requirement. We do not accept cash payments online. If you do not have a credit card and the vehicle requires one, consider raising the limit on your debit card or selecting a different vehicle with more flexible payment terms.

Deposit Conditions

The rental company may place a temporary hold on your card as a security measure at the time of collection. This hold is entirely separate from the rental payment and is not processed by 4Drive France. The amount and conditions of this hold vary by vehicle and are specified in your voucher.

The hold is released by the rental company after you return the vehicle without damage and with a full fuel tank, in line with the terms of your rental agreement. The release timeframe depends on your card issuer, typically between three and ten business days. Excess liability - the amount you are responsible for in case of damage or theft - remains applicable and is stated in your rental agreement.

Drivers and Documents

The main driver must present a valid driving licence at collection. Licences from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, and Australia are accepted. If your licence uses non-Latin characters, an International Driving Permit is recommended. The licence must have been held for the minimum period stated in your voucher, typically one or two years.

Additional drivers can be added at collection for a fee. Each additional driver must present their own valid licence and meet the same requirements as the main driver. All drivers must be listed on the rental agreement to be covered.

Use of the Vehicle

Vehicles must be used in accordance with local traffic laws. Speed limits in France are 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, 110 km/h on dual carriageways, and 130 km/h on autoroutes. Autoroute tolls are payable by card or cash at booths. Right-hand traffic applies throughout France.

Cross-border travel into Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg is permitted with most bookings. Travel by ferry to Corsica requires written approval from the rental company, arranged in advance. Inform us at the time of booking if you plan cross-border travel so we can confirm eligibility and arrange any necessary documentation.

Certain routes require winter tyres or chains between December and March, particularly in Alpine regions. If you plan to drive in mountainous areas during winter, request winter equipment when booking. This service is available for a fee and must be arranged in advance.

Changes and Cancellation

You can modify your booking by contacting us at [email protected]. Changes are subject to availability and may incur additional charges depending on the new vehicle or dates. Amendments made within 48 hours of the collection time may not be possible.

Cancellation policies vary by vehicle and rental company. The cancellation terms applicable to your booking are shown during the reservation process and in your confirmation email. Some bookings allow free cancellation up to a certain point, while others are non-refundable. Review these terms before confirming your reservation.

Liability

4Drive France is responsible for transmitting your booking accurately to the rental company and providing correct information in your voucher. We are not liable for the condition of the vehicle, the conduct of the rental company, delays at collection, breakdowns, accidents, or any issues arising from the rental agreement itself.

Claims relating to vehicle defects, billing disputes with the rental company, damage charges, traffic fines, or service quality at collection must be directed to the rental company using the contact details in your voucher. We can assist by forwarding your complaint but cannot intervene in contractual disputes between you and the supplier.

Complaints

If you experience an issue with your booking or the service provided by 4Drive France, contact us at [email protected]. Our office is located in Vieux Nice, Nice, France, and we respond to enquiries Monday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (GMT+1). Please include your booking reference and a detailed description of the problem.

For complaints regarding the vehicle, collection process, or rental agreement terms, contact the rental company directly using the phone number or email provided in your voucher. They are best placed to resolve operational issues and can arrange roadside assistance, vehicle replacement, or billing adjustments.

Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of France. Any disputes arising from your use of the 4Drive France website or the booking process are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the French courts. The rental agreement you sign with the local rental company is a separate contract and is also governed by French law.