These conditions set out the terms of the contract between Van Man Rentals UK Ltd (“the contractor”) and you (“the Customer”) and explain your rights and obligations and responsibilities and those of the Contractor.
Interpretation
1.1 Any reference in these conditions to “we” or “us” is a reference to the Contractor.
Any reference in these conditions to “you” is a reference to the Customer.
“Goods” means the goods being removed and transported
Quotations
2.1 Although we quote a fixed price we reserve the right to amend it or compute additional charges if any of the following have not been taken into account when preparing the quotation:-
2.2.1 If due to any circumstances outside our control the work is not carried out or completed within three months of the quotation date
2.2.2 Our costs increase as a result of currency fluctuations or changes in taxation or freight charges beyond our control
2.2.3 We have to collect or deliver Goods above the first upper floor
2.2.4 We supply any additional services
2.2.5 There are delays outside our reasonable control in which event we will make additional charges calculated in accordance with our standard rates applicable at the time.
2.2.6 Access to the collection or delivery point is inadequate or the approach is unsuitable for our vehicles.
2.2.7 Any parking or other fees or charges that we have to incur and pay in order to carry out the services you require. In all these circumstances you will be responsible for the extra charges.
2.2.8 If upon arrival the goods to be moved are more than what has been listed by you the customer in order to receive the quote you were given
2.3 The Insurance Option will only apply if it is stated on the Quotation. A summary of the insurance cover maintained by us and any main exclusions from the cover is available upon request.
2.4 The entrance or exit to the premises, stairs, lifts, or doorways are inadequate for free movement of the goods without mechanical equipment or structural alteration, or the approach, road or drive is unsuitable for our vehicles to load and/or unload within 20 metres of the doorway.
Work excluded from our quotations
Unless previously agreed in writing we will not: –
3.1 Dismantle or assemble unit-furniture (flat-pack), fittings or fitments (and in any event these works will not be covered by any insurance provided.)
3.2 Disconnect or reconnect appliances, fittings or equipment.
3.3 Remove or lay fitted floor coverings.
3.4 Take down or re-hang curtains, blinds or other window coverings.
3.5 Move night storage heaters unless they are dismantled.
3.6 Move or store any items excluded under Clause 4.
Move any item or items which our removal crew reasonably believe they cannot move safely or the removal of which may damage the item or items in question or its or their surroundings.
Clear driveways or other access areas (at either collection or delivery address) from snow or ice or other materials.
Excluded Property
The following items are specifically excluded from this contract and will not be removed: –
4.1 Jewellery, watches, trinkets, precious stones, money, deeds, securities, stamps, coins, or goods or collections of a similar kind.
4.2 Potentially dangerous, damaging or any kind of explosive item or items.
4.3 Goods likely to encourage vermin or other pests or to cause infection.
4.4 Refrigerated or frozen food or drink.
4.5 Any animals and their cages or tanks including pets, birds or fish.
4.6 Cars, boats and caravans.
4.7 Furs, perfumery, wines, spirits, tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, foodstuffs or perishable goods.
Such goods will not be removed by us except without prior written agreement. If you submit such goods without our knowledge and prior written agreement we will not be liable for any loss or damage except when death or injury is caused by our negligence or that of our employees or agents and you will indemnify us against any charges, expenses, damages or penalties claimed against us by third parties. In addition we shall be entitled to dispose of (without notice) any such goods which are listed under paragraphs 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, & 4.7.
4.8 Breakage of owner packed property unless the box or container shows signs of external damage.
Customer’s responsibility
It is your sole responsibility to:-
5.1 Declare to us the proper value of the Goods and the accurate amount of items and description to be collected
5.2 Obtain at your expense all documents necessary for the removal to be completed.
5.3 Be present yourself or appoint a representative at the departure and destination points to ensure that nothing is removed or left in error or is left in the wrong room.
5.4 Prepare adequately and stabilise all appliances prior to their removal. Other than by reason of our negligence we will not be liable for any loss or damage, costs or additional charges that may arise from any of these matters.
5.5 Pay for any parking charges incurred by us in carrying out the work unless otherwise agreed in writing.
5.6 Ensure that the fridge freezer, deep freezers are defrosted before transportation and not switched on straightaway, the recommended time to switch on these appliances is 24 hours after delivery. We do not pack and / or transport refrigerated or frozen contents.
5.7 Provide us with a correct and up to date contact address and telephone number during removal transit and/or storage of goods.
5.8 Ensure that the Goods or items you have packed are securely and properly packed as the items packed by yourself are not covered under our insurance.
5.9 Other than by reason of our negligence or breach of contract, we will not be liable for any loss or damage, costs or additional charges that may arise from failure to discharge these responsibilities.
Ownership of the Goods
By entering into this contract you confirm to us that:-
6.1 The Goods are your own property; or
6.2 You have the authority of the owner of the property to make this contract in respect of the Goods.
You will be responsible to pay for any claim for damages and/or costs against either of the above if this proves to be untrue.
Postponements/Cancellations
7.1 If you postpone or cancel this contract we may charge according to how much notice you provide prior to the agreed removal date:-
24 hours before the agreed arrival date and time
On the day the booking or at any time after the work commences 25% of our charges and £15 administrative fees
Payment of Removal Charges
Unless you have our written agreement to the contrary you must pay our deposit so we have cleared funds in advance of the removal. Unless we agree otherwise, you may not withhold any part of the agreed price. The remaining balance to be paid upon arrival at the collection address.
We reserve the right to terminate this contract if payment is not received before the removal of goods at the collection address and not to carry out any services quoted for. Failure to comply with our payment terms will also mean that the Goods are not insured.
Our liability for loss or damage
8.1 In the event that we lose or damage your Goods, if we are liable, we will pay you up to a maximum of £50.00 sterling for each item which is lost or damaged, to cover the cost of repairing or replacing that item. In this respect an item is defined as any one article, suite, pair, set, complete case, package, carton or other container.
8.2 We may choose to repair or replace the damaged or lost item. However if we choose to repair the item we will not be liable for any depreciation in value.
8.3 Other than because of our negligence, we will not be liable for any loss, damage or failure to deliver the Goods if it is caused by any of the following circumstances:
8.3.1 Fire however caused.
8.3.2 War, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities (whether war is declared or not), civil war, terrorism, rebellion and/or military coup, Act of God, industrial action or other such events outside our reasonable control.
8.3.3 Normal wear and tear, natural or gradual deterioration, leakage or evaporation or from perishable or unstable Goods. This includes Goods left within furniture or appliances.
8.3.4 Cleaning, repairing or restoring unless we did the work.
8.3.5 Moth or vermin or similar infestation.
8.3.6 Electrical or mechanical derangement to any appliance, instrument or equipment unless there is evidence of external impact.
8.4 Additionally we will not be liable for any loss of or damage to:
8.4.1 Any Goods in wardrobes, drawers or appliances, or in a package, bundle, case or other container not both packed and unpacked by us.
Jewellery, watches, trinkets, precious stones or metals, money, deeds, securities, stamps, coins, or goods or collections of a similar kind, unless you have previously given us full information including value, and we have confirmed in writing that we will accept responsibility in accordance with 9.1 above.
Goods which have a relevant proven defect or are inherently defective.
8.4.4 Animals and their cages or tanks including pets, birds or fish.
8.4.5 Plants.
8.4.6 Refrigerated or frozen food or drink.
Other than because of our negligence, we will not be liable for damages or costs resulting indirectly from, or as a consequence of loss, damage, or failure to deliver the Goods.
8.5 Wear and tear, gradual deterioration, scratching, bruising or denting;
8.6 Loss or damage of motor vehicles / goods / furniture caused by scratching, denting and marring unless You obtain from us a pre-collection condition report. Most of the items we move are not brand new and it is not possible to make a note of scratches or the current condition of every item which is the reason why scratches are not covered in the insurance unless you request a pre-collection report of item/s for which charges may apply.
COMPLAINTS
9.1 The policy of Van Man Rentals UK Ltd is that complaints will only be considered if they have been brought to our attention within 24 hours of the drop off time.