Terms & Conditions

Welcome to Community Auto. These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) constitute a legally binding agreement made between you (“Renter,” “you,” or “your”) and Community Auto (“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), governing your access to and use of the Community Auto website and vehicle rental services.

Community Auto operates exclusively within the State of California. By making a reservation or renting a vehicle with us, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use our services.

1. Renter Requirements and Eligibility

To rent a vehicle from Community Auto, you must meet the following criteria:

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 21 years of age. Renters between the ages of 21 and 24 may be subject to a “Young Renter Fee.”
• Driver’s License: You must possess a valid, unexpired driver’s license issued by a U.S. state or territory, or a valid international driver’s license accompanied by a passport. Digital licenses are only accepted if authorized by California state law.
• Driving Record: We reserve the right to verify your driving record. We may deny rental if your record shows a suspended license, multiple moving violations, DUI/DWI convictions, or reckless driving within the past 36 months.
• Authorized Drivers: Only the Renter and strictly authorized additional drivers listed on the Rental Agreement are permitted to operate the vehicle. Additional drivers must meet all age and license requirements and appear in person to sign the agreement.

2. Geographic Restrictions

Community Auto operates exclusively in California. Unless explicitly authorized in writing on your Rental Agreement:

• Vehicles may not be driven outside the State of California.
• Taking the vehicle across the international border into Mexico is strictly prohibited and constitutes a material breach of this contract, voiding all insurance and liability protections.

3. Vehicle Usage and Prohibited Conduct

The rented vehicle must be operated safely and in compliance with all applicable California traffic laws. The vehicle may not be used:

• For any illegal purpose or in connection with any illegal activity.
• To carry passengers or property for hire (e.g., rideshare services like Uber/Lyft, or delivery services).
• To tow or push anything.
• In any speed test, contest, race, or off-road driving (including unpaved roads).
• By anyone under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal substances.
• To transport hazardous, flammable, or combustible materials.
• Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited in all Community Auto vehicles. A cleaning fee of up to $250 will be charged if evidence of smoking is found.

4. Reservations, Rates, and Payment

• Pricing: Rental rates are based on a 24-hour clock. Rates do not include fuel, tolls, parking citations, or optional coverages.
• Deposits: A major credit card in the Renter's name is required at the time of pickup. We will place a hold (authorization) on your credit card for the estimated rental charges plus a security deposit (typically $250–$500, depending on the vehicle class). Prepaid cards and cash are not accepted for deposits.
• Cancellations: Reservations canceled at least 48 hours prior to the pickup time will receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 48 hours may be subject to a one-day rental cancellation fee.
• Tolls and Citations: You are solely responsible for all tolls, parking tickets, traffic citations, and associated administrative fees incurred during the rental period.

5. Vehicle Pickup and Return

• Vehicle Condition: You must inspect the vehicle prior to departing the lot and document any pre-existing damage. You are responsible for returning the vehicle in the same condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
• Fuel Policy: The vehicle must be returned with the same amount of fuel it had at the time of pickup. If returned with less fuel, you will be charged a refueling fee at a per-gallon rate specified in your Rental Agreement.
• Late Returns: Vehicles must be returned on or before the date and time noted on the Rental Agreement. Late returns are subject to extra hourly or daily charges. If the vehicle is more than 24 hours late without communication, it may be reported to California law enforcement as stolen.

6. Damage, Loss, and Insurance (California Civil Code § 1936)

Pursuant to California law, Renter is responsible for all damage to or loss of the vehicle, regardless of fault, up to the vehicle's fair market value, plus administrative fees, loss of use, and towing charges.

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Community Auto offers an optional CDW for an additional daily fee. The CDW is not insurance. If purchased, Community Auto waives its right to collect from you for damage to the vehicle, subject to certain standard exclusions (e.g., driving intoxicated, unauthorized drivers, off-road driving).
• Liability: You must maintain your own auto liability insurance that covers rented vehicles. If you do not have liability insurance, or if yours is insufficient, you are personally liable for damages to third parties.

7. Accidents and Mechanical Breakdown

• Accidents: In the event of an accident, you must immediately contact the police to file a report and notify Community Auto within 12 hours. You must obtain the contact and insurance information of any other parties involved.
• Breakdowns: If the vehicle experiences a mechanical failure, contact our emergency roadside assistance number provided in your agreement. Do not attempt to repair the vehicle yourself or authorize third-party repairs without our written consent.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by California law, Community Auto shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of your use of the vehicle, including but not limited to loss of time, loss of income, or travel interruptions. Our total liability for any claims under this agreement is limited to the total amount paid by you for the specific rental.

9. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

• Governing Law: These Terms and any disputes arising out of your rental shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
• Arbitration: Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of this agreement shall be resolved by binding arbitration in California, rather than in court, except that you may assert claims in small claims court if your claims qualify. You agree to waive your right to a class-action lawsuit.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these Terms or your rental, please contact us at: