Terms and Conditions of Rental
By entering into a Rental Agreement with Heyes-Lehman Spain SL / Purple Cars with CIF: B93380335 (referred to as "Purple Cars," "We," "Us"), the Customer (referred to as "You," "Renter") agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. These terms supersede any prior agreements or understandings.
1. Definitions
1.1. Rental Agreement: The document signed by the Customer and Purple Cars outlining the specific details of the vehicle rental, including rental period, vehicle type, rates, and any special conditions.
1.2. Vehicle: The specific car rented by the Customer as described in the Rental Agreement, including all its documents, tyres, tools, accessories, and any replacement or courtesy vehicle provided.
1.3. Customer / Renter: The individual or entity named in the Rental Agreement as the primary renter, and all authorized additional drivers.
1.4. Runabout Rentals: Refers to Purple Cars' Budget brand in specific contexts as used within these terms.
1.5. IVA: Impuesto sobre el Valor Añadido (Value Added Tax).
2. Rental Agreement Formation and Eligibility
2.1. Agreement Acceptance & Understanding: By signing this agreement, the Customer acknowledges and agrees that they have read and understood Purple Cars' Guide and Our Fleets page on the website, which explain everything offered, what is and is not included. The Customer further understands that Purple Cars does not offer new cars, and therefore, should expect some minor damage, wear and tear, and higher kilometers on rental vehicles.
2.2. Driver Requirements:
* Minimum Age:
* For Runabout Fleet vehicles: All authorized drivers must be at least 21 years old and in possession of a valid 'full' driving license for at least two years.
* For Budget, Premium, and Automatic Fleet vehicles: All authorized drivers must be at least 25 years old and in possession of a valid 'full' driving license for at least two years.
* License Validity: Customers must have a valid driving license recognized in Spain. Customers are solely liable for ensuring the validity, recognition, and expiry date of their driving license and must not hold Purple Cars liable under any circumstance.
* International Driving Permit (IDP): For customers with a non-Spanish driving license, an International Driving Permit (IDP) must also be presented during the rental process, as mandated by law. Not providing an IDP when requested could result in the termination of the rental agreement, loss of deposit, and possible fines.
* License Validation: Purple Cars will undertake a driving license validation check for each named driver via the appropriate issuing authority. The Customer provides full authority for this check and agrees to pay an administrative fee per validation. Incomplete validation or negative results may, at the sole discretion of Purple Cars, result in the rental being declined or the introduction of a ‘Risk Premium’ which shall not exceed 20% of the monthly Rental Fee.
* Maximum Age: The maximum age limit for renting a vehicle from Purple Cars is 75 years old.
3. Rental Fees and Payments
3.1. Monthly Rate Inclusions: The agreed monthly rental rate includes:
* IVA (Value Added Tax) and local taxes.
* Compulsory Motor Insurance in accordance with current legislation.
* Vehicle Occupant Insurance.
3.2. One Time Reservation Fee: All bookings are subject to a one time, non-refundable reservation fee of €48.00. This fee secures your booking and includes a free extra driver. Should Purple Cars have to cancel the rental for any reason, this fee will be returned to you.
3.3. Mandatory Breakdown Policy: All rentals include a mandatory breakdown policy supplied by RACE. Its cost is covered by the Monthly Service Fee (Clause 15.4).
3.4. Payment Methods: We accept all major Debit Cards and Credit Cards (VISA/MasterCard). A 3.5% surcharge will apply if you are using American Express. We do not accept bank transfers or cash payments for rentals. The debit or credit card used for payment must be in the name of the main driver on the Rental Agreement.
3.5. Monthly Payments: By entering into a Rental Agreement, you agree to scheduled monthly payments being processed without further instruction or authority from you. These payments are facilitated via Purple Cars' Secure Payment Platform (Stripe), which automatically charges your card each month for the agreed monthly rate, and will continue until the contract is cancelled.
3.6. Payment Default:
* Recurring billing declines or failed payments made via the secure payment platform will incur a €25.00 administration fee per attempt to collect the payment. Purple Cars reserves the right to attempt to secure the declined or failed payment, plus any other incurred costs, a maximum of six (6) attempts.
* Defaults of fourteen (14) days may result in the termination of the Rental Agreement and the vehicle being reported stolen.
3.7. Application of Rates: The application of the initially agreed rate is dependent upon the vehicle being returned at the designated place and time and on the stipulated date as per the Rental Agreement.
3.8. Right to Charge: You undertake to pay Purple Cars any charges arising from vehicle hire, insurance, and taxes as determined by the current Purple Cars rates, and any other items applicable under this Rental Agreement and these Terms and Conditions.
4. Security / Damages Deposit
4.1. Purpose: A refundable security/damages deposit is required at the beginning of each rental. This deposit is designed to cover any potential damages to the vehicle while it is in your care and acts as your insurance excess in the event of an at-fault claim.
4.2. Deposit Amounts:
* Runabout Fleet: €350.00
* Budget Fleet: €500.00 (manual cars), €650.00 (automatic cars)
* Premium Fleet: €750.00
4.3. Exclusions from Excess Coverage: We do not accept Collision Damage Waiver (CWD) or any other third-party insurance policies to cover your security/damages deposit or excess.
4.4. Deposit Maintenance: All deposits are to be maintained at the agreed level throughout the rental period.
4.5. Deposit Refund: The deposit is collected at the start of your rental and is fully refundable within 14 business days after the vehicle has been returned or until any claim or dispute is resolved, provided the vehicle is returned in the same condition as taken, accounting for fair wear and tear. Deposits will automatically be refunded to the original card held on file to prevent money laundering; you are required to confirm these details at the end of your rental to enable us to process your refund to the correct card. If the original charge underwent currency conversion, the refunded amount will be converted back using the same process. There are no fees to refund a charge; any fees incurred from the original charge will not be refunded.1
4.6. Deposit Refund Queries: Deposit refunds are not dealt with by office staff. If you have any questions regarding your deposit refund, please email accounts@purplegroup.es.
5. Insurance and Coverage
5.1. Compulsory Coverage: Rental rates include Compulsory Third-Party Insurance for the vehicle and Supplementary Civil Liability insurance to cover damage to third parties as a result of using and driving the vehicle, provided the conditions in Clause 5.2 are met.
5.2. Conditions for Insurance Coverage: Insurance coverage is contingent upon the following conditions being met:
5.2.1. In the event of a collision, you must send Purple Cars the full details of the third party and any witnesses before forty-eight hours have elapsed, as well as a completed accident report form (Agreed Statement of Facts – DAA) or a Claims Report, stating relevant details (number plate, name, address, circumstances, sketch, third party insurance details) and signed by all involved drivers where applicable.
5.2.2. The insurance company does not refuse to accept the claim because the vehicle’s driver was not in the physical and mental condition required by the Highway Code.
5.2.3. The collision did not take place during non-authorised use (as defined in Clause 6).
5.2.4. You sent notice of the collision within forty-eight hours of the event, together with the relevant documents (accident report, report to the authorities, etc.).
5.3. Insurance Exclusions: This insurance expressly excludes (Insurance Exclusions):
a) Fire;
b) Theft;
c) Acts of vandalism;
d) Damage to tyres (including flat tyres and blowouts), wheels, vehicle interior, outside rear-view mirrors, glass (windscreens, headlights, wing mirror glass);
e) Compensation for the days the vehicle cannot be used due to repairs related to excluded damages;
f) Damage caused by your miscalculation of the height of the vehicle.
6. Non-Authorised Use of the Vehicle
6.1. Prohibited Use: It is your duty to use the vehicle with due diligence, in line with its characteristics, and to obey the current Highway Code, avoiding any situation that might cause damage to the vehicle or to third parties. You must not allow anyone other than those authorized under the Rental Agreement to drive the vehicle. Failure to comply with the provisions of these Terms and Conditions will be construed as non-authorised use.
6.2. Liability for Non-Authorised Use: You are fully liable for any damage to the vehicle (exterior and interior) or to third parties arising from non-authorised use. In the event of prosecution, you must pay for all associated costs and lawyers’ fees, even if the latter’s involvement in the proceedings was not mandatory. Any unauthorised use on your part will entitle Purple Cars to terminate the Rental Agreement early for breach of contract and, where appropriate, to claim for any damages that may apply in this respect.
6.3. Examples of Non-Authorised Use include, but are not limited to:
6.3.1. Driving the vehicle by persons not authorized by Purple Cars.
6.3.2. Participation in races or contests of any kind.
6.3.3. Transport of goods or animals and, in particular, substances that are hazardous, inflammable, and/or poisonous for the vehicle and its occupants.
6.3.4. Driving the vehicle for ‘commercial gain’ or the transport of individuals or goods for which you receive direct or indirect payment.
6.3.5. Sub-leasing of the vehicle.
6.3.6. Driving the vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal substances, or when tired/not feeling well.
6.3.7. More persons travelling in the vehicle than the number specified by law for that particular vehicle.
6.3.8. Driving the vehicle outside of Andalucia without the prior written consent of Purple Cars. Customer may drive in and out of Gibraltar. All cars must remain within Andalucia.
6.3.9. Pushing or towing another vehicle.
6.3.10. Driving in areas not suited to public transport, such as beaches, race tracks, forestry roads, back roads, Campo designated areas, or very poorly paved roads that could cause damage to the underside of the vehicle.
6.3.11. Driving the vehicle in restricted areas, including airport roads and other roads for aeronautical and/or military use.
6.3.12. Negligent behaviour when the vehicle’s indicators show an alert that you acknowledge as known when signing the Rental Agreement.
6.3.13. Manipulation of the odometer. You must report any malfunction of the odometer to Purple Cars immediately.
6.3.14. Transport of luggage or any other item on the vehicle’s roof, even when an adequate luggage rack is used for the purpose.
6.3.15. Damage to the vehicle caused by leaving tempting items in plain sight inside the vehicle.
6.3.16. Dirtying the inside of the vehicle beyond what would be expected from reasonable and careful use (may incur special cleaning charges, see Clause 9.1).
6.3.17. Reckless driving.
6.3.18. Using the vehicle to give driving lessons under any circumstance and/or to teach special driving techniques.
6.3.19. Driving in contravention of traffic regulations.
6.3.20. The vehicle is driven by a person who is not authorised to do so in the Rental Agreement, as either a customer and/or a supplementary driver.
6.3.21. Continued use of the vehicle after the rental period has ended.
6.3.22. For Runabout Fleet vehicles, use is limited to a 150-kilometer radius of Estepona 29680. If you have a breakdown outside of this area, breakdown assistance may not be covered by the policy.
7. Breakdown Assistance
7.1. Mandatory Policy: All our vehicles include a mandatory breakdown policy supplied by RACE. This policy is covered by the Monthly Service Fee (Clause 15.4).
7.2. Reporting a Breakdown:
* In the event of mechanical failure, you should report the failure to Purple Cars as soon as possible. All vehicles are covered by Breakdown Assistance, and you should follow the procedures contained within the Vehicle Documents.
* During Office Hours (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm): For breakdown assistance, please call our dedicated helpline at +34 851 000 726. When speaking with our help desk, please provide your car's registration number.
* Outside Office Hours: If you require breakdown assistance outside of our normal business hours, please call our help desk at +34 851 000 726 and press option 1 to be automatically transferred to RACE.
7.3. Stay with the Vehicle: In Spain, it is a requirement that the driver is present with the vehicle for breakdown assistance to be dispatched. You MUST remain with the vehicle if it breaks down. If you leave the vehicle unattended, you may be liable for any resulting fines.
7.4. Vehicle Recovery: In the event of a breakdown, it is essential that the vehicle is recovered to our designated service centre: Estepona Tyres, Calle Miguel Servet 2, Polígono Industrial, Estepona, 29680. Cars taken to any other garage will not be covered under this policy. We must first receive the car back to our garage.
7.5. Courtesy Car Provision: A courtesy car will only be provided after the vehicle experiencing the breakdown has been returned to Estepona Tyres and a mechanical inspection has been completed to determine the cause of the reported issue. The provision of courtesy and replacement vehicles is at the sole discretion of Purple Cars. While we endeavour to provide a like-for-like vehicle, this is subject to availability, and we may offer an alternative specification. The provisions of these Terms and Conditions apply to the use of any vehicle provided under this clause.
7.6. RACE Coverage Exclusions & At-Fault Breakdowns: RACE is a third-party provider, and they determine what is and isn't covered under their policy. This may include exclusions for issues like loss of keys or misfueling. In the event of an at-fault breakdown due to driver negligence (e.g., flat battery from leaving lights on, empty fuel tank, or incorrect fuel usage), recovery charges up to €250 + IVA per breakdown may apply. When speaking with RACE, please provide: Policy Name: Heyes-Lehman Spain SL, and your Vehicle Registration Number (specific to your rental vehicle and provided to you).
7.7. Limitation of Liability for Indirect Damages: Purple Cars is not liable for any indirect or consequential damages, including but not limited to missed flights, appointments, or other personal or business losses, that may arise due to events such as traffic delays, vehicle breakdowns, or accidents. Customers should allow sufficient extra time for travel to account for unforeseen circumstances.
8. ITV / Servicing and Scheduled Maintenance
8.1. When you take a car from us, you will be informed of its ITV (technical inspection) due date, which can typically be found on the top right-hand corner of the windscreen. It is your responsibility to bring the car back to us before this due date.
8.2. We will always contact you 7 days before the due date to arrange a convenient time for you to bring the car in, and we will provide you with a courtesy car.
8.3. It is important to note that the ITV center is government-run, and they provide us with the appointment times; we do not get to choose. We require you to drop the car to us the day before the appointment, and we will need the car for a minimum of 48 hours to allow us to carry out our checks and servicing schedule.
8.4. Failure to return the vehicle as requested for servicing, inspection, and scheduled maintenance may make the vehicle ‘un-roadworthy’ and invoke the termination of the Rental Agreement.
9. Accidents and Reporting
9.1. Immediate Notification: In the event of any accident, however minor, you must call Purple Cars immediately at +34 851 007 261.
9.2. Customer Obligations in an Accident: In the event of an accident, you undertake to:
9.2.1. Send Purple Cars the full details of the third party and any witnesses before forty-eight hours have elapsed, along with a completed accident report form (Agreed Statement of Facts – DAA) or a Claims Report, stating relevant details (number plate, name, address, circumstances, sketch, third party insurance details) and signed by all involved drivers where applicable.
9.2.2. Alert the authorities immediately if the guilt of the third party needs to be investigated or if anyone has been injured.
9.2.3. Not abandon the hired vehicle without taking due measures to safeguard it.
9.2.4. Not undertake any repairs to the Vehicle without explicit authority from Purple Cars.
9.2.5. Not accept liability for any incident.
9.3. Theft, Vandalism, Fire, Disappearance: In the event of an act of vandalism, fire, theft, or disappearance of the vehicle, you undertake to notify Purple Cars of the event immediately and to report it to the authorities, sending a copy of the report to Purple Cars as soon as possible.
9.4. Accident Administration Fee: The costs of an ‘Accidents Administration Fee’ up to a maximum of €150 may apply for accident-related processing.
10. Optional Cover Plus!
10.1. While our standard insurance provides comprehensive coverage, certain types of damage and incidents are typically excluded and may result in additional charges beyond your damages deposit.
10.2. Enhance your peace of mind with Cover Plus!, our optional add-on available for €1.25 per day. This covers expenses for items not included in your standard rental agreement:
* Tyres: Covers punctures or blowouts.
* Glass: From chips and cracks to full windscreen replacements, including wing mirror glass.
* Alloy Wheel Damage: Scratches, scuffs, or dents on your alloy wheels are covered.
* Loss of Hub Caps: Don't worry about losing a hub cap; we'll replace it.
11. Exclusions from Coverage: Potential Additional Charges
11.1. While our standard rental includes comprehensive insurance, the following types of damage and incidents are not covered by your standard rental agreement or security deposit, and may result in additional charges:
* Theft, Fire, and Vandalism
* Loss of Keys (Costs up to €300 may apply for loss, breakage, or return to an incorrect office, and vehicle immobilization costs).
* Towing Charges (unless related to a covered breakdown)
* Damage to the Roof and Underbody of the Vehicle
* Damage due to Customer's Miscalculation of Vehicle Height.
12. Air Conditioning & Regassing Policy
12.1. Maintaining your comfort is important to us, and our approach to air conditioning varies by fleet:
* Runabouts Fleet: While these cars are equipped with air conditioning, Purple Cars does not undertake regassing for this fleet. Due to the age of these vehicles, potential issues with compressors are often not financially viable to fix, which contributes to their economical rental price. As these are economical vehicles, Purple Cars does not guarantee the functionality of non-essential features like the radio or air conditioning.
* Budget Fleet & Premium Fleet: All Budget and Premium cars come with air conditioning as standard. If you are renting a car during the summer months and would like the air conditioning regassed to super cold, we can arrange for this service. This must be done at Purple Cars Service Center by appointment only, and the regassing takes approximately 1 hour. The cost to you, the customer, for this service is €62.50.
13. Vehicle Return Conditions
13.1. Return Condition: You must return the hired vehicle in its pre-rental condition, together with all its documents, tyres, tools, and accessories, at the place and on the date and time set out in the Rental Agreement.
13.2. Vehicle Modifications: You must not change the vehicle’s technical specifications, keys, equipment, tools and/or accessories, or make changes to its external or interior appearance. Otherwise, you must pay for the expense of returning the vehicle to its pre-rental condition, without detriment to Purple Cars' loss-of-income during the period the vehicle is not available for rent because it is being valeted.2
13.3. Fuel Policy: The vehicle must be returned in accordance with Purple Cars’ Fuel Policy. Our fuel policy is simple: simply return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you took it. We do not offer refunds for unused fuel. It is your responsibility to check which fuel is the correct one for the vehicle; this will be highlighted on the paperwork we provide you with.
13.4. Late Returns & Vehicle Abandonment:
13.4.1. Failure to return the vehicle on the date and time set out in the Rental Agreement authorizes Purple Cars to charge you for each day you use the vehicle after it should have been returned. Purple Cars will also charge a penalty of €50 for every day of delay to cover the inconvenience caused.
13.4.2. Returning or abandoning the vehicle in a place other than the one indicated in the Rental Agreement, or failure to return the vehicle/non-payment, will entitle Purple Cars to require you to pay: rent for each extra day needed to retrieve the vehicle and return it to its pre-rental condition; €50 as compensation for loss-of-income; and costs associated with moving or towing the vehicle, tolls, and safekeeping. Purple Cars reserves the right to report the matter to the Police if the vehicle is abandoned, not returned, or not paid for.
13.4.3. In the event that the vehicle disappears or is not returned, Purple Cars reserves the right to bring legal action against you before the competent authorities.
13.5. Return of Vehicle Papers: If the Customer returns the vehicle without its relevant papers, after checking the vehicle, a fee of €105.00 will be charged. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with all laws, including documentation requirements.
13.6. V16 Emergency Light: From 01.01.2026, all vehicles will be provided with a V16 emergency light. Loss of this light on the vehicle’s return will result in a €100 fine deducted from the deposit.
14. Speeding and Parking Fines
14.1. If Purple Cars receives a traffic penalty during the rental period, you will be responsible for the full amount of the fine plus a €34 administration fee (discounts for early payment do not apply). Your card on file will be automatically charged without prior notice to prevent the fine from doubling. Our office is unable to provide exact details of the fines; any dispute must be taken up directly with the issuing authority, not Purple Cars.
14.2. In the event that you accumulate multiple speeding or parking violations while using the rental vehicle, we maintain the right to retain your deposit for a period of 30 days to account for any additional fines that may be incurred.3
14.3. We also reserve the right to automatically charge you for any fines received within 12 months after your end of contract date, without prior notification.
15. General Rental Information
15.1. Specialization: Purple Cars specializes exclusively in long-term rentals (30 days and beyond).
15.2. Collection and Return Location & Hours: You may only pick up and drop off the vehicle from our designated office in Estepona. A €35 charge will apply for picking up or dropping off outside of our office hours (Monday to Friday, 9 am - 6 pm).
15.3. One Time Reservation Fee: All bookings are subject to a one time, non-refundable reservation fee of €48 which is taken at the time of booking. This fee secures your booking and includes a free extra driver. Should Purple Cars have to cancel the rental for any reason, this fee will be returned.
15.4. Monthly Service Fee: All rentals are subject to a monthly fee of €24.95. This fee covers all card charges and subscription costs.
15.5. Fuel Policy: Our fuel policy is simple: simply return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you took it. We do not offer refunds for unused fuel. Please make sure to check which fuel is the correct one for the vehicle; this will be highlighted on the paperwork we provide you with.
15.6. Vehicle Tracking: All cars have trackers fitted. These trackers send us alerts if the car goes outside of a geofence location, such as Andalucia. In the event of an accident or speeding violations, we may use this tracking information. Data is processed in the execution of the Rental Agreement.
15.7. Royal Decree 933/2021 Compliance: As of December 2nd, 2024, a new law in Spain, Royal Decree 933/2021, requires us to collect certain information from all our rental car customers. This decree aims to enhance public safety and prevent illicit activities by improving the identification of individuals renting vehicles.
16. Customer Obligations and Responsibilities
16.1. Day-to-Day Fluid Management: The day-to-day running and maintenance of the vehicle, including keeping all fluid levels (such as oil, coolant, washer fluid) topped up, is your responsibility during the rental period. We are always happy for you to bring the car into our service center should you ever need these topped up. However, please remember that it is your responsibility to ensure the engine has sufficient oil, as failure to do so can lead to engine damage which would not be covered by your rental agreement or insurance.
16.2. Statutory Equipment: It is your responsibility to ensure High Visibility Vests and Warning Triangle(s) are always available to Authorized Drivers of the Vehicle.
16.3. Joint Liability: Customers and/or authorized additional drivers are jointly liable for the customers’ obligations under the Rental Agreement and the relevant applicable laws.
16.4. Theft and Loss of Personal Belongings: Purple Cars cannot be held liable for items stolen, forgotten, or lost inside the vehicle.
17. Data Protection
17.1. Purple Cars collects and retains personal data for legitimate purposes including contracts, Rental Agreements and to satisfy our legal obligations. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Purple Cars Data Controller.
18. Indemnity
18.1. You will indemnify and keep Purple Cars indemnified against all actions, claims, demands, expenses, and liabilities, including but not limited to all solicitor's costs and disbursements which you shall become liable for or be subject to arising out of or in connection with the breach by you of any agreed agreements, stipulations, and conditions.
19. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law
19.1. Governing Law: The laws of Spain govern the Rental Agreement.
19.1.1. Jurisdiction & Enforcement: Heyes-Lehman Spain SL / Purple Cars is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Heyes-Lehman Asset Management Limited, a UK company. Consequently, Purple Cars reserves the right to pursue debt recovery or legal action, including initiating court proceedings, against the Customer in either the courts of Spain (specifically the courts of the place where the vehicle was hired) or the courts of the United Kingdom, at Purple Cars' sole discretion.
19.2. Dispute Resolution Process: Purple Cars states its intention of resolving any controversies or disputes in a friendly, negotiated manner. Where this is not possible, any controversies or disputes between Purple Cars and the customers may be submitted for resolution. Any dispute relating to this Agreement which cannot be resolved by negotiation between the parties within fourteen (14) days of either party giving notice to the other party that a dispute has arisen shall be submitted to mediation, and failing settlement of the dispute within seven (7) days thereafter, the dispute shall be submitted by any party for final resolution by the courts of4 Spain. This does not limit Purple Cars' rights under Clause 19.1.1.
19.3. Complaints: Any complaints / disputes should be put in writing to legal@purplegroup.es. Please allow up to 14 days for a reply.
