In these Terms and Conditions, the following terms shall have the meanings set out below:

2.1 Minimum age

The minimum age to rent a vehicle from Ocean Elite Car Rental is 21 years. Renters between the ages of 21 and 24 (inclusive) are classified as Young Drivers and are subject to a Young Driver Surcharge of USD $10.00 per rental day, charged at the time of vehicle pickup. This surcharge reflects the increased statistical risk associated with less-experienced drivers and is non-negotiable and non-refundable. There is no maximum age limit, provided the driver holds a valid licence and meets all other eligibility criteria.

2.2 Driving licence requirements

• All renters and additional drivers must hold a full, valid driving licence issued by a recognised governmental authority in their country of residence.
• The licence must have been held for a minimum of one (1) year at the time of rental. Provisional, learner, or probationary licences are not accepted under any circumstances.
• The licence must be valid for the full duration of the Rental Period. A licence that expires during the rental renders the Renter ineligible to continue driving the Vehicle.
• Licences must be presented in original physical form at the time of vehicle pickup. Digital or photocopied licences are not accepted unless accompanied by the original.

2.3 International driving permits

Renters whose driving licence is issued in a language other than English, Dutch, French, or Spanish are required to present a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national licence. An IDP alone is not sufficient — it must be presented together with the original national driving licence. IDPs must be issued in the Renter's country of residence and must be valid for the full Rental Period.

2.4 Additional drivers

Additional drivers must be registered on the Rental Agreement prior to operating the Vehicle. Each additional driver is subject to a fee of USD $5.00 per rental day and must meet all the same age, licence, and documentation requirements as the primary Renter. Any person not listed on the Rental Agreement who operates the Vehicle does so without authorisation. In such cases, all insurance cover is immediately void and the primary Renter assumes full personal liability for any loss, damage, or liability arising.

2.5 Document verification

Ocean Elite Car Rental reserves the right to refuse rental to any individual who cannot produce satisfactory documentation at the time of pickup, or where staff have reasonable grounds to believe that the documentation presented is fraudulent, expired, or does not belong to the presenting individual. No refund of pre-paid rental charges will be issued in such circumstances.

3.1 Reservation process

Reservations may be made via our website, by telephone, by email, or in person at our rental desk. A booking is confirmed only upon receipt of a booking confirmation issued by Ocean Elite Car Rental. The Company reserves the right to decline any reservation at its sole discretion without being required to provide reasons.

3.2 Accepted payment methods

• Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted for pre-payment of rental charges. The credit card must be in the primary Renter's name. When payment is made by credit card, no security deposit is required.
• Debit cards: debit cards bearing a Visa or Mastercard logo are accepted for payment of rental charges. As with credit cards, no security deposit is taken where the rental is paid by card.
• Cash: cash is accepted for payment of rental charges. A security deposit is required only where the Renter pays in cash (see Section 4).

3.3 Rates and charges

All rental rates are quoted and charged in United States Dollars (USD). Rates are inclusive of standard third-party liability insurance but exclusive of optional extras (CDW, additional driver fees, young driver surcharge, GPS, child seats). The final confirmed rate is set out in the Rental Agreement. The Company reserves the right to amend published rates at any time without prior notice; however, confirmed bookings will be honoured at the rate agreed at the time of confirmation.

4.1 Deposit requirement

A security deposit is required only where the Renter pays for the rental in cash. Where the rental is paid by credit or debit card, no security deposit is required. Where a deposit applies, it is a flat amount of USD $500 for all vehicles, regardless of category, and is collected in cash at the time of vehicle pickup.

4.2 How the deposit works

Where a cash deposit applies, the USD $500 is held by the Company as a refundable security deposit for the duration of the Rental Period. It is not a charge against the rental itself. Upon vehicle return in satisfactory condition, with a full fuel tank (where applicable), and with no outstanding charges, the deposit is refunded to the Renter in full. Renters who pay by credit or debit card provide no deposit and therefore have nothing to be returned.

4.3 Deposit forfeiture or charge

Where a cash deposit has been taken, the Company is entitled to deduct from it, in whole or in part, to recover the cost of any of the following: vehicle damage not covered by the Renter's CDW selection; fuel shortfall charges; cleaning fees; traffic fines or towing fees processed during or after the Rental Period; lost, damaged, or unreturned vehicle keys; and any other charges due under the Rental Agreement. Where no deposit has been taken (card payments), the Company is entitled to recover such amounts directly from the Renter. The Renter will be provided with an itemised invoice for any such deductions or charges.

5.1 Standard cancellation terms

5.2 Peak season and holiday bookings

Reservations made for the period of 20 December through 5 January (inclusive), and for Carnival Week as officially declared on Sint Maarten, are subject to a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total rental value at the time of booking, regardless of the cancellation notice period. The balance is refundable if cancellation is made more than 7 days before the scheduled pickup date.

5.3 Early returns

If the Renter returns the Vehicle before the agreed end date, no refund will be issued for unused rental days. The Company does not credit or pro-rate unused portions of a prepaid rental period.

5.4 Late returns

The Vehicle must be returned by the date and time specified in the Rental Agreement. A grace period of one (1) hour applies. Returns beyond the grace period will be charged at the daily rate applicable to the vehicle category, pro-rated per additional hour commenced. Late returns that extend beyond the same day will be charged at the full daily rate per additional day, in addition to any applicable overtime surcharge of USD $15.00 per day.

5.5 Company cancellations

In the unlikely event that Ocean Elite Car Rental is unable to provide the reserved vehicle due to circumstances within our control, we will offer the Renter an equivalent or superior vehicle at no additional charge, or provide a full refund of all prepaid charges. The Company's liability in such circumstances is limited to the refund of prepaid rental charges and does not extend to consequential losses, travel costs, or accommodation expenses.

6.1 Permitted use

The Vehicle is rented solely for lawful personal or business transportation on publicly maintained roads within the permitted territory as defined in the Rental Agreement. The Vehicle must be operated in a safe, responsible, and lawful manner at all times and in compliance with all applicable traffic laws of Sint Maarten and, where applicable, Saint-Martin (French side).

6.2 Strictly prohibited uses

• Off-road and unpaved terrain: driving the Vehicle on unpaved tracks, dirt roads, beaches, riverbeds, rocky hillside paths, or any surface not designed for regular road vehicles is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, the rough hillside access tracks in the Pic Paradis area, the unpaved tracks in Terres Basses and Cul de Sac, and any beach access routes. Standard rental vehicles are not designed or insured for off-road use.
• Racing and competitive driving: use of the Vehicle in any form of motor race, rally, time trial, speed test, or competitive event is strictly prohibited.
• Towing and pushing: the Vehicle must not be used to tow, push, or pull any other vehicle, trailer, or load unless prior written consent has been obtained from the Company.
• Overloading: the Vehicle must not carry more passengers or cargo than the manufacturer's specified capacity, as indicated in the vehicle documents and on the dashboard placard.
• Driving under the influence: operation of the Vehicle under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, prescription medications that impair driving ability, or any other intoxicant is strictly prohibited and constitutes a criminal offence under Sint Maarten law.
• Unauthorised sub-letting: the Vehicle may not be sub-let, hired out, or made available to any person not listed as an authorised driver on the Rental Agreement.
• Commercial use: use of the Vehicle for taxi, rideshare, courier, delivery, or any other commercial transportation service is prohibited without the express prior written consent of the Company.
• Carrying dangerous goods: the Vehicle must not be used to transport flammable liquids, explosives, compressed gases, toxic substances, or any other dangerous or prohibited goods.

6.3 Smoking policy

All Ocean Elite Car Rental vehicles are strictly non-smoking. This prohibition extends to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, vaporisers, and any other smoking device. Evidence of smoking in the Vehicle upon return will result in a mandatory deep-cleaning fee of USD $150.00, deducted from the Renter's cash security deposit where one has been taken, or otherwise charged directly to the Renter. This fee covers professional odour removal and interior detailing and is non-negotiable.

6.4 Cleaning and condition

The Vehicle is provided in a clean condition and is expected to be returned in a reasonably clean state. Excessive interior soiling — including but not limited to food spills, mud, pet hair, or biological matter — will result in a cleaning surcharge of USD $75.00 to USD $200.00 depending on the extent of cleaning required, as determined at the sole discretion of the Company. Pet transportation is permitted only in vehicles designated as pet-friendly and pre-booked as such. Unauthorised pet transport will incur the maximum cleaning surcharge.

6.5 Vehicle keys and access devices

Loss or damage to vehicle keys, key fobs, or remote entry devices will be charged to the Renter at full replacement and reprogramming cost, which may range from USD $200.00 to USD $500.00 depending on the vehicle model. Loss of keys does not suspend the Renter's obligation to pay for the Rental Period during which the Vehicle is immobilised.

7.1 Dutch side to French side (Saint-Martin)

Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin share a single island with an open border between the Dutch (Kingdom of the Netherlands) and French (Collectivité de Saint-Martin) sides. Crossing between the two sides in an Ocean Elite Car Rental vehicle is permitted, subject to the conditions below. The border crossing does not require a visa or customs declaration for most nationalities; however, Renters are solely responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations on both sides of the island.

7.2 Conditions for border crossing

• The Renter must carry the original Rental Agreement and their personal identification documents at all times when driving on the French side.
• All standard insurance coverage and CDW (where purchased) remains valid on the French side of the island only. Coverage does not extend to any other territory including Anguilla, St. Barths, or any other neighbouring island.
• Traffic laws on the French side are governed by French road law, including speed limits posted in kilometres per hour (km/h). The Renter is responsible for compliance with French-side traffic regulations.
• The Company accepts no liability for fines, penalties, vehicle seizure, or any other consequence arising from traffic or legal violations committed on the French side of the island.

7.3 Prohibited inter-island travel

8.1 Standard coverage

All rental rates include basic Third-Party Liability (TPL) insurance as required under Sint Maarten law. TPL covers bodily injury and property damage caused to third parties as a result of an accident for which the Renter is at fault. TPL does not cover damage to the rented Vehicle itself.

8.2 Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

The Renter may purchase CDW at the time of booking or vehicle pickup to limit their financial exposure in the event of accidental damage to the Vehicle. CDW is available in two tiers:

CDW is a damage waiver product, not an insurance policy. It does not cover all circumstances. Renters who decline CDW accept full financial responsibility for all damage to the Vehicle, up to and including its total value.

8.3 What CDW does NOT cover

• Damage caused while driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substance;
• Damage caused by deliberate, reckless, or grossly negligent conduct;
• Damage occurring as a result of off-road driving, racing, or use of the Vehicle in a manner prohibited by Section 6;
• Damage to tyres, rims, and wheel assemblies caused by kerbing, pothole impact, or punctures resulting from negligent driving;
• Damage to the Vehicle's undercarriage caused by bottoming out on speed bumps, uneven terrain, or low clearance obstacles;
• Damage caused by an unauthorised driver (any person not listed on the Rental Agreement);
• Theft of the Vehicle or its contents where the Renter has left the vehicle unlocked, with the engine running, or with keys in the ignition;
• Loss of or damage to vehicle keys, key fobs, or remote access devices;
• Damage to the Vehicle's roof, awning, or overhead components;
• Personal belongings, luggage, or cargo left in the Vehicle;
• Any fines, penalties, or administrative charges;
• Damage caused outside the permitted territory (beyond Sint Maarten / Saint-Martin).

8.4 Accident reporting obligation

In the event of any accident, collision, or incident involving the Vehicle — regardless of severity — the Renter must: (a) stop the vehicle and ensure safety; (b) call the Sint Maarten Police at +1 (721) 542-2222 and obtain a police report number; (c) obtain the names, contact details, licence plate numbers, and insurance information of all parties involved; and (d) contact Ocean Elite Car Rental immediately at +1 721-584-8890. Failure to report an accident or to obtain a police report will render any CDW cover void.

8.5 Damage assessment

Vehicle condition is assessed at both pickup and return using a signed condition report. The Renter is advised to inspect the Vehicle thoroughly at pickup and ensure all pre-existing damage is documented before taking possession. Any damage discovered at return that was not recorded at pickup is the Renter's financial responsibility. The Company reserves the right to obtain independent repair estimates from certified bodywork specialists, and the Renter is liable for the full repair cost plus a loss-of-use charge of USD $50.00 per day for the period during which the Vehicle is undergoing repair.

9.1 Standard fuel policy — Full-to-Full

Ocean Elite Car Rental operates a Full-to-Full fuel policy. The Vehicle is provided with a full tank of fuel and must be returned with a full tank. It is the Renter's responsibility to refuel the Vehicle before returning it. The Company recommends retaining the fuel receipt as evidence of refuelling.

9.2 Fuel shortfall charges

If the Vehicle is returned with less than a full tank, the Company will charge for the cost of fuel required to refill the tank, plus a service and convenience fee of USD $20.00. Fuel will be charged at the prevailing local pump price plus 15% administration surcharge. The total fuel shortfall charge will be deducted from the cash security deposit where one has been taken, or otherwise charged directly to the Renter. To avoid this charge, renters should refuel at a petrol station on Sint Maarten immediately before returning the Vehicle.

9.3 Incorrect fuel type

Misfuelling (putting the wrong type of fuel in the Vehicle) is not covered by CDW and causes severe mechanical damage. The Renter is fully liable for all costs associated with fuel drainage, system flushing, and any resultant engine or fuel system damage. These costs can be substantial and may exceed USD $1,500.00. In the event of misfuelling, the Renter must not start or attempt to start the Vehicle and must contact the Company immediately.

10.1 Renter's sole responsibility

The Renter is solely and fully responsible for all parking fines, speeding fines, traffic violation notices, wheel-clamping charges, vehicle towing and impoundment fees, toll charges, and any other financial penalties or charges incurred in connection with the operation of the Vehicle during the Rental Period. This responsibility extends to violations recorded via automated camera systems that may not be processed until after the Vehicle has been returned.

10.2 Processing and administration fee

Where a traffic fine, parking penalty, or towing charge is issued to Ocean Elite Car Rental as the registered vehicle owner following the conclusion of the Rental Period, the Company will process the transfer of liability to the Renter and will charge an administrative processing fee of USD $35.00 per individual infringement in addition to the full face value of the fine. This fee covers the cost of identifying the responsible Renter, communicating with the issuing authority, and processing the payment or transfer. The processing fee is not waivable.

10.3 Disclosure to authorities

The Company is legally required to disclose the identity and contact details of the Renter to Sint Maarten traffic enforcement authorities, courts, or any other competent governmental body upon receipt of a lawful request. By entering into the Rental Agreement, the Renter consents to such disclosure.

10.4 Vehicle impoundment

In the event that the Vehicle is towed or impounded by Sint Maarten authorities during the Rental Period, the Renter is responsible for all towing fees, impoundment storage charges, and any fines associated with the reason for impoundment. The Renter must notify the Company immediately upon becoming aware of any such impoundment. The Rental Period continues to accrue daily charges until the Vehicle is returned to the Company's possession.

11.1 Mechanical breakdown

In the event of a mechanical breakdown caused by a manufacturing defect or normal wear, the Company will arrange roadside assistance or a replacement vehicle. The Renter must contact Ocean Elite Car Rental immediately at +1 721-584-8890 and must not authorise or arrange any third-party repair without prior written consent from the Company. Unauthorised repair costs will not be reimbursed.

11.2 Breakdowns caused by Renter negligence

Breakdowns resulting from the Renter's failure to maintain adequate oil, coolant, or tyre pressure levels, from running out of fuel, or from any other form of Renter negligence are not covered by the Company's roadside assistance programme. All recovery, towing, and repair costs in such circumstances are the Renter's sole financial responsibility.

11.3 Accident procedure

In the event of a road traffic accident, the Renter must follow the procedure set out in Section 8.4 and must under no circumstances admit liability to any third party. The Company will provide guidance on completing the European/Caribbean Accident Report Form (or equivalent), a copy of which is kept in the Vehicle's glove compartment.

12.1 Return location and time

The Vehicle must be returned to the location specified in the Rental Agreement by the agreed date and time. Return to an alternative location is only permitted if agreed in writing prior to pickup and may attract a relocation surcharge. After-hours returns are only available at designated locations and must be pre-arranged. The Company is not liable for any damage occurring to the Vehicle between an after-hours drop-off and the next inspection by Company staff; the Renter's liability continues until a Company representative formally accepts the return.

12.2 Condition at return

The Vehicle must be returned in the same condition as it was received, subject to fair wear and tear. A joint inspection will be carried out at return. If damage is identified, the Company will issue a damage charge notice specifying the amounts to be deducted from the cash security deposit, where one has been taken, or otherwise charged directly to the Renter. The Renter is invited to be present at this inspection and to sign the return condition report. Refusal to sign does not eliminate the Renter's liability.

12.3 Personal belongings

The Company accepts no responsibility for personal belongings left in the Vehicle at any time during or after the Rental Period. Renters are advised to remove all personal items before returning the Vehicle. Found items will be held for a maximum of 30 days; the Renter is responsible for the cost of return shipment if applicable.

These Terms and Conditions and the Rental Agreement are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Sint Maarten, Kingdom of the Netherlands. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with the rental of a Vehicle from Ocean Elite Car Rental shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts of Sint Maarten, unless mandatory consumer protection laws in the Renter's country of residence require otherwise.

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be unlawful, void, or unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed severable and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions.

These Terms and Conditions constitute the entire agreement between the Renter and the Company in relation to the rental of the Vehicle and supersede all prior representations, negotiations, and understandings, whether oral or written.

For questions, complaints, or to initiate a formal dispute, please contact Ocean Elite Car Rental using the details below. We aim to acknowledge all written complaints within 2 business days and to provide a full response within 14 business days.