Terms & Conditions

Abacus Motorhomes Terms & Conditions

as at 16/01/2024

1. Definitions

a. ‘We’, ‘Us’, ‘Our’, ‘Company’ or ‘Abacus’ means Horton Commercials Limited T/A Abacus Motorhomes. 

b. 'I', 'me' and ‘my’ refers jointly and severally to the person or persons who are the customers.

c. 'This Agreement' means the Rental Agreement, the Insurance Motor Rental Agreement and these Terms and Conditions. In the event of any discrepancy between these Terms and Conditions and any other Abacus literature, the provisions of these Terms and Conditions apply.

d. 'Customer' means the person or persons nominated as the hirer on the Rental Agreement and any person whose credit card is presented in payment of the customer's charges.

e. 'Living Equipment' includes but is not limited to TV/DVD player, CD player, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils.'

f. Rental Period' means the hire period referred to on the Rental Agreement or any agreed variation thereof and any additional period during which the vehicle is in the customer's possession or control.

g. 'Vehicle' means the vehicle as described on the Rental Agreement and includes tyres, tools, accessories, the living equipment and any other special equipment, documents related to the Vehicle and any replacement or substitute Vehicle which may be provided at the discretion of Abacus.

2. Hire rates include:

a. VAT (At the applicable rate)

b. Unlimited miles (where applicable)

c. UK standard vehicle insurance*

d. UK Standard equipment & breakdown**

*Insurance loading. In some cases, we will incur additional charges if the driver to be insured has a traffic conviction or is in an occupation which is deemed high risk. These charges will be passed onto the customer.

**Abacus will supply full breakdown cover to cover any mechanical faults to the base chassis of the motorhome. Any call out charges necessitated by the client through operator error, e.g., a flat vehicle battery will be the responsibility of the client. Any report of breakdown, caused by the hirer will be chargeable in its entirety to the hirer. Please see section 11 for more information relating to acts of negligence.

3. Eligibility & Licences

I acknowledge that:

a. All drivers must be between 25 to 74 years of age, of good health and have held a full valid driving licence for more than 2 years.

b. All drivers must produce their driving licence on collection of the vehicle. Details of any endorsements or penalty points for people who hold a UK driving licence are now kept online and not on the driving licence or paper counterpart. Each driver will need to visit www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence to create a licence check code which they must produce on booking and again within 3 weeks of collection. The code is only valid for 21 days.

c. All drivers must produce their passport on collection of the vehicle.

d. The main driver must provide 3 separate forms of identification. 1 form of identification must include a photo of the driver e.g. photo driving licence or passport. The other 2 forms of ID, must show the drivers current name and address, dated within the last 3 months e.g. utility bills, bank statement, council tax bill, official letter.

e. All non-UK licence holders must provide the above plus a contact address of where they will be staying in the UK.

f. The main driver is personally liable for any loss, damage or legal penalties (e.g.: parking tickets) which are incurred during the period of hire.

g.Abacus reserves the right to decline the hire of vehicle to persons that are engaged or work in the following occupations: professional sports, racing, gambling, modelling, hawking or general dealing, motor trade purposes and carriage of goods for hire or reward.

PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU, OR ANY OF YOUR DRIVERS, HAVE ANY SERIOUS CONVICTIONS WITHIN THE LAST 5 YEARS, 6 OR MORE PENALTY POINTS, OR ANY CONCERNS REGARDING POINTS ON YOUR LICENCE, PLEASE CONTACT US NOW

4. Charges

I agree to pay the following charges:

4.1. Booking Deposit

A reservation is only binding after a booking deposit of 25% of the hire cost has been received (unless other terms apply) and email confirmation has been sent by us.

4.2. Remaining Balance

Settlement of the remaining balance will be due 6 weeks prior to departure. This will be taken from the deposit card held on file. For late bookings (less than six weeks before departure) the full rental price is payable on booking. Abacus reserves the right to cancel the booking if payment is not received 6 weeks prior to departure.

4.3. Security Bond

There is a refundable £750 Security Bond payable on collection of the Motorhome. The amount will be debited from my account immediately on collection of the vehicle. This is fully refundable within 7-10 working days of the return of the vehicle to the agreed location, on the agreed date and time, in the same condition as it was let out to me. I irrevocably authorise Abacus to deduct from the Security Bond any amounts due by me should the conditions set out herein not be met. Abacus reserves the right to increase the Security Bond for specific events e.g. sports fixtures, music festivals, etc.

4.4. Cancellation charges

a. More than 6 weeks before collection: booking deposit will be retained.

b. 6 weeks - 2 weeks: 50% of total hire charge will be retained

c. 2 weeks - No Show: 100% of total hire charge will be retained

4.5. Rental and cleaning

a. All rental charges.

b. The nominated cleaning fee of £100 if the Vehicle is not returned with the interior in a clean condition.

c. The nominated cleaning fee of £100 if the toilet is not emptied or the cassette housing area is not cleaned prior to the return of the Vehicle.

d. The nominated additional charge of £500 if there is any evidence of smoking or vaping in the motorhome.

e. The cost to refill the fuel tank equivalent to local forecourt prices, plus a 25% administration charge for the inconvenience placed on Abacus to refuel the vehicle.

f. The nominated additional charge of failure to return the motorhome on time will incur a charge of £75 per hour.

g. The Company reserves the right to vary the Hire Charges at any time without prior notice.

4.6. Damage

a. Any amounts due in respect to damage to the Vehicle or to property of a third party.

b. The nightly rental rate for the period the Vehicle is off fleet for accident repairs (demurrage).

c. Any damage to the vehicle which is classed as negligence. See paragraph 11 for a full list.

d. The cost to recover a Vehicle which has become bogged. 

N.B. Any accident or any damage to the Vehicle must be reported to The Company immediately by telephone and in any event within 24 hours. You will also be required to complete an accident form within 72 hours from the end of the Hire Period.

4.7. Other Charges

a. All other additional charges as they are incurred, including but not limited to, government fees and duties, parking and traffic infringement penalties, road toll fines, London congestion charges, plus an administration charge of £33 for each occurrence.

b. Any other fees or charges payable by me pursuant to this Agreement. This includes any costs incurred by Abacus because of any breach by me of the terms of this Agreement.

5. Payment

a. Payment is by credit or debit card. Vehicles will not be released without full payment being completed.

b. Abacus is irrevocably authorised to complete any documentation and to take any other action to recover from my credit card issuer all amounts due by me pursuant to this Agreement.

c. I will not dispute my liability to Abacus for any amount due under this agreement and I shall indemnify and keep indemnified Abacus against any loss incurred (including legal costs) by reason of notifying my credit card issuer of such dispute.

d. I acknowledge that all transactions under this agreement are conducted in Pounds Sterling. Where applicable and due to exchange rate fluctuations, there could be some variance between the amount initially debited against my debit/ credit card and the amount refunded after the expiration of the rental period. I release Abacus from any liability for such variation.

e. All charges and expenses payable by me under this Agreement are due on demand by Abacus. If I do not pay all charges when due, I agree to pay a late charge of 1.5% per month on the outstanding balance and any collection costs incurred by Abacus, including reasonable legal fees. 

f. When the Customer comprises of more than one person, each person is liable jointly and severally for all obligations of the customer pursuant to this Agreement.

g. Total charges as set out on the Rental Agreement are not final. I will pay any shortfall in charges to Abacus, and I will receive a refund for any overcharge acknowledged by Abacus. 

6. Collection and Return

6.1. Abacus Motorhome depot is located at Hawker Siddeley Way, Andover Business Park, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8BF. The normal office opening hours are as advertised on our website.

6.2. Abacus will carry out a full pre check out inspection on every motorhome before the commencement of your hire. The pre check out inspection involves testing every system on-board the motorhome to ensure they are operating correctly. In conjunction with this the hirer will be taken on a tour of the motorhome and shown how each system works. Should an on-board system fail during the hire Abacus will make every effort to remedy the fault whist you are away but, in some circumstances, this may not be possible, and Abacus cannot be held responsible and will not refund any monies should a loss of service be encountered, nor have an obligation to provide a replacement vehicle. Abacus cannot be held responsible for any consequential events, losses or costs arising out of the failure of any items/systems on board the motorhome. In the case of winter hire Abacus cannot and will not be held responsible in the event of any damage or inconveniences caused by freezing conditions. This is the responsibility of the hirer.

6.3. Vehicle collections

I acknowledge and agree to:

a. Collect my vehicle at the allocated time slot. Your allocated time slot will be sent to you no more than 5 days prior to collection.

b. Set aside 30 mins for the hand-over to allow the staff to complete the documentation and demonstrate the vehicle to me.

c. Having received the Vehicle in a clean condition, in sound working order, in accordance with the Departure Checklist and with a full fuel tank and the toilet empty I will return the vehicle in the same condition, otherwise a charge will be made.

6.4. Vehicle returns

I acknowledge and agree to:

a. Return the Vehicle on the date and time stated, on the rental agreement. Unless otherwise agreed this time is between 08:30-10:30. If I am late returning, I understand that Abacus must be advised immediately. Failure to advise Abacus may result in prosecution for driving whilst uninsured and late return fee as stated.

b. I understand that I must have my vehicle unloaded and ready for check in by 10.30am

c. On return, Abacus will complete a PRIMARY inspection of the exterior and interior of the motorhome with the hirer in attendance. The hirer will need to sign the check sheet to confirm the motorhome has been returned. During our cleaning processes, we will perform a SECONDARY in-depth check for damage and missing itinerary items. We will carry out the secondary check as soon as we can, but it will always be at the latest within 5 working days. Email confirmation will be sent to the hirer once the secondary check has been completed.

d. Abacus will not refund to me any monies, nor have any obligation to provide a replacement vehicle, if the Vehicle is returned early or I cease to have the use of the Vehicle prior to the return date for any reason e.g. accident, weather or theft.

e. Abacus is not under any circumstances responsible for any consequential expenses to, curtailment of, or delay to the period of hire or any third-party claims for damages in connection with or consequent upon any accident or breakdown.

f. Abacus dissolves any responsibility for hotel or any other consequential expenses after a breakdown. However, we will refund the loss of any complete days use of the motorhome providing you have documentation to support this claim.

7. Use of the Vehicle

7.1. I acknowledge that:

a. Abacus reserves the right at any time, at its sole discretion, to restrict vehicle movements in certain areas due to adverse road or weather conditions or any other reasonable cause.

b. Each person is to use the safety restraints provided, whilst the vehicle is in motion.

c. Unless previously agreed with Abacus I will not allow any pets in the Motorhome, nor will I allow any pets on the soft furnishings or mattresses of the Motorhome. If evidence is found to the contrary, then an extra cleaning charge will apply.

d. I agree that during the rental period, I shall not make any alterations or additions to the Vehicle without the prior written consent of Abacus.

7.2. I will not allow the Vehicle to be:

a. Used for any illegal purpose, for any rally, race, or contest.

b. Used to tow any vehicle or trailer.

c. Used to carry passengers or property for hire or reward.

d. Used to carry more persons than is permitted by any relevant authority or detailed in the Vehicle manual or on the Vehicle or specified in the agreement.

e. Used to carry volatile liquids, gases (other than Gas Bottles already fitted) explosives or other corrosive or inflammable material.

f. Otherwise used in breach of my obligations under this Agreement.

g. Driven otherwise than in a cautious, prudent, and normal manner.

h. Used in a manner which could cause damage.

i. Driven in a prohibited area or in an area other than the areas indicated by me to Abacus.

j. Driven on roads that are not sealed / bitumen roads.

k. Driven by a person under the influence of alcohol or drugs or with a blood alcohol level more than that permitted by law.

l. Left with the ignition key in the vehicle while it is unoccupied.

m. Left unoccupied without closing the blinds/curtains for added security.

n. Driven by persons:

i. Under the age of 25 years; or over 74.

ii. Who are not authorised by law or Abacus to drive the Vehicle.

o. Damaged by:

i. Submersion in water.

ii. Contact with Salt Water.

8. Maintenance

8.1. I shall take all reasonable steps to properly maintain the Vehicle including checking oil, coolant, and ad-blue levels where applicable.

8.2. I acknowledge that Abacus will reimburse me for expenditure up to £40 reasonably incurred in rectifying any mechanical failure to the drive train and engine of the Vehicle (not including the water system, refrigerator, heating, audio and TV/DVD equipment) if:

a. I produce relevant receipts.

b. I have received the prior consent of Abacus.

c. The damage is not due to my fault or my breach of this Agreement.

8.3. Subject to the terms of this agreement, I will pay for the cost of repairing or replacing tyres damaged during the Rental Period PROVIDED THAT Abacus will reimburse me for expenditure reasonably incurred if;

a. I produce relevant receipts.

b. The tyre is defective and is returned by me to Abacus for inspection.

c. The manufacturer accepts liability under his warranty.

8.4. I will be liable for any costs associated with the incorrect use of fuel. ALL ABACUS MOTORHOMES RUN ON DIESEL.

9. Responsibility if an accident occurs

9.1. In the event of an accident, loss or damage arising out of the use of the vehicle, I will:

a. Notify Abacus within 24hrs of the happening of the event.

b. Obtain the names and addresses of third parties and/or witnesses and report the event to the nearest police station if required.

c. Take relevant pictures of the damage on the motorhome and any third-party property.

d. Complete an accident report form within 72 hours from the end of hire.

e. Not make any admission of liability to other parties, settlement offer or another like offer.

f. Assist Abacus in handling any claim arising from any event, including providing all relevant information and attending Court to give evidence.

9.2. I acknowledge that the excess or other amount due by me in respect of any damage arising from an accident, loss or damage is payable at the time of reporting the event regardless of who is at fault and not at the completion of the rental period.

9.3. I will pay for any costs relating to the delivery of a change over vehicle because of an accident regardless of which party is at fault.

10. Insurance Cover

I acknowledge that;

a. The Vehicle is insured for accidental damage to the Vehicle and property of a third party.

b. The vehicle is insured to be driven within the UK only (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). Travel to or through EU countries is strictly prohibited and may result in the termination of the agreement and repossession of the vehicle.

c. Unless indicated otherwise on my Rental Agreement, I agree to pay an insurance excess charge of £1500 in the event of every accident and/or claim from a third party.

d. The insurance excess may be reduced to £750 by opting for Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) during the booking or check out phase.

e. The CDW, if any, accepted by me, will be set out on the Rental Agreement.

f. Driving by non-named drivers and any late returns of the vehicle will render the insurance invalid resulting in:

i. The driver committing an offence under the Road Traffic Act
ii. The driver and hirer will be personally liable for any accident or damage to the Vehicle.
iii. The driver and hirer will be personally liable for any injury or damage to any third party.

g. I will not have any insurance cover and I will be responsible for the total cost of any damage if I breach any of the terms of this Agreement.

h. Travel Insurance is the responsibility of the customer, and it is recommended that the customer obtains such insurance to cover cancellation costs, personal luggage, money loss, personal accident, and medical expenses as these are not covered through Abacus Insurance.

11. Negligence

I am aware that neither Abacus Insurance or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) cover the following and I remain solely responsible for any costs incurred:

a. Any damage above windscreen height.

b. Any damage howsoever caused to the awning.

c. Any damage to the wing mirrors.

d. Any damage to the wheels or tyres.

e. Any damage to the windscreen, side windows or roof lights.

f. Any damage to the bike rack.

g. Any damage howsoever caused to the inside of the motorhome.

h. Any damage cause by frozen pipe work.

i. Any damage deemed as malicious i.e. Vehicle break in or vandalism.

j. The theft of the Vehicle if the keys were left in it.

k. Any damage to the vehicle or third party property caused through a reversing manoeuvre.

l. Any damage caused by low oil, coolant, or Ad-Blue levels during the hire period.

12. Change of Vehicle

I acknowledge that Abacus reserves the right, at its absolute discretion, to substitute a comparable or superior Vehicle for the Vehicle booked. In that event, I shall not be liable for any increased rental or other charges, save for any additional running costs pertaining to the substitute vehicle. Such substitution shall not entitle me to any refund and does not constitute a breach of this Agreement. I will not seek or claim any refunds, for any monies paid for campsites, ferries or insurance policies should the model of vehicle or registration of vehicle be changed by Abacus.

13. Terminating the Agreement

13.1. I acknowledge that Abacus may terminate this Agreement and repossess the Vehicle at any time, without notification to me, and that I will pay the reasonable costs of repossessing the Vehicle, including towing charges if;

a. I am in breach of any term of this Agreement.

b. I have obtained the Vehicle through fraud or misrepresentation.

c. The Vehicle appears to be abandoned.

d. The Vehicle is not returned on the agreed return date or Abacus reasonably believes that the Vehicle will not be returned on the agreed return date.

e. Abacus considers on reasonable grounds, that the safety of passengers or the condition of the Vehicle is endangered.

13.2. I understand that in the event of such termination or repossession, I have no right to a refund of any part of the rental charges or the Security Bond.

14. Covid-19

14.1. Should you be unable to collect the Motorhome on the agreed date due to testing positive to, or being in contact with someone who has Covid-19 symptoms, or being in contact with someone who has recently tested positive to Covid-19, Abacus will postpone your booking at your request.

14.2. If the UK Government imposes restrictions that result in the closure of our depot when your collection is due to take place or non-essential travel restrictions over the dates of your rental or restrictions causing the closure of Campsites over the dates of your rental, Abacus will postpone your booking or offer a full refund at your request.

Please note postponed bookings may incur an additional charge if there is a change of model or of the seasonal dates.

15. Release and Indemnity of Abacus

15.1. Subject to its obligation to deliver the Vehicle or an appropriate substitute vehicle, I release Abacus, its employees, and agents, from any liability to me (regardless of who is at fault) for any loss or damage incurred by me by reason of this Agreement, including but not limited to:

a. Any loss or damage caused by breakdown, mechanical defect, accident, or the Vehicle being unsuitable for my purpose.

b. Any loss or damage to any property left in or on the Vehicle, in any service vehicle or on any Abacus premises or recovered or handled by Abacus.

15.2. Subject to any insurance arrangements agreed with Abacus, I hereby indemnify and shall keep indemnified Abacus, its employees, and agents against any claims, demands and expenses (including legal costs) incurred or sustained by them or any of them by reason of my use and/or possession of the Vehicle.

16. Title to Vehicle

I acknowledge that Abacus retains title to the Vehicle and that I possess the goods as a mere Bailee only. I do not have any right to pledge Abacus' credit in connection with the Vehicle and agree not to do so. I shall not agree, attempt, offer or purport to sell, assign, sublet, lend, pledge, mortgage, let on hire, or otherwise part with or attempt to part with the personal possession of or otherwise deal with the Vehicle.

17. Changes

Any changes to this agreement must be in writing and must be signed on behalf of Abacus and by me.

18. Proper Law

This agreement shall be governed by the law of Great Britain in which this agreement was signed.

19. Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties and there are no other oral undertakings, warranties or agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter of this agreement. Abacus reserves the right to add or amend any rental charges without prior notice.

20. My Warranties

I warrant that all information supplied by me to Abacus in connection with this agreement is true.