Policy Overview
RentRooster offers a Lender Guarantee Policy (the "Policy") to provide protection for items rented through RentRooster.ie. The Policy covers damages or theft of rented items up to a maximum of £5,000 per rental. The Policy is designed to offer peace of mind to lenders while ensuring fair and secure transactions.
Coverage
The Policy provides coverage for:
- Theft: If a rented item is stolen during the rental period, the lender is eligible for compensation up to £5,000.
- Damages: If a rented item is damaged during the rental period, the lender is eligible for compensation for repair or replacement costs up to £5,000.
- Accidental Damage and Loss: Renters are covered for accidental damage and accidental loss while using the items during the rental period. Renters may need to provide documentation to prove accidental loss.
Exclusions
The Policy does not cover:
- Intentional Damage: Any damage caused intentionally by the borrower or through gross negligence.
- Wear and Tear: Normal wear and tear or gradual deterioration of the item.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Damage or issues that existed prior to the rental period.
- Improper Use: Damage resulting from misuse, abuse, or using the item contrary to its intended purpose.
- Owner Negligence: Items not properly maintained or adequately described by the lender.
- Loss or Theft due to Borrower’s Negligence: Items stolen or lost as a result of the borrower’s failure to take reasonable precautions.
- Post-Rental Damage: Any damage or issues reported after the item has been returned and accepted by the lender.
Renter Liability
Renters are liable for:
- Non-return or Damage due to Negligence: Cases of forgetfulness, carelessness, improper use, or lack of skill in operating the item.
- Non-return due to Theft: If renters intentionally do not return items, they are liable for the items.
Below are some conditions whereby renters remain liable. These include but are not limited to:
Negligence: Renters are always liable in cases of negligence, defined as:
- Forgetfulness: Forgetting to return an item, forgetting where an item was left, or forgetting parts of an item or rental package.
- Carelessness: Leaving items unattended or unobserved, leaving items on public transport or in public areas, leaving items unattended in vehicles, or leaving items in unsafe environments.
- Improper Use: Using items outside specified or reasonable parameters, applying incorrect weight or wattage, using incorrect parts, or using items in ways likely to cause damage.
- Under-skilled Operation: Using items without the appropriate skill, license, or qualifications.
If you as a renter already hold personal insurance, we will ask you to first try to claim on your existing insurance before you can proceed with a claim with RentRooster. If this proves unsuccessful, you will need to provide written evidence that the insurers declined the claim.
Renter Requirements
- Time-stamped Photos/Videos: Renters must take time-stamped photos/videos of the rental item upon handover and return to document its condition.
- Communication: Renters should inform the owner of any issues during the rental period to allow for troubleshooting.
- Care of Items: Renters must take reasonable care to prevent damage and use protective packaging where possible.
Claim Limits
The maximum compensation under this Policy is £5,000 per rental transaction.
Claim Process
Step 1: Report the Issue
The lender must report any theft or damage within 24 hours of the end of the rental period through the RentRooster claims portal.
Step 2: Submit Documentation
The lender must provide the following documentation:
- Rental Agreement: Proof of the rental transaction through RentRooster.ie.
- Photos/Videos: Time-stamped photos or videos of the item before and after the rental period, showing the condition of the item.
- Police Report: In cases of theft, a police report must be filed and submitted.
- Repair Estimate: For damages, an estimate from a professional repair service.
Step 3: Investigation
RentRooster will conduct an investigation to verify the claim. This may involve:
- Interviewing Borrower and Lender: Collecting statements from both parties.
- Reviewing Documentation: Analyzing the submitted photos, rental agreement, and other documents.
- Third-Party Assessment: If necessary, RentRooster may seek an independent assessment of the damage.
Step 4: Decision
Within 14 business days of receiving all necessary documentation, RentRooster will make a decision on the claim. The decision will be communicated to the lender and borrower via email.
Step 5: Payout
If the claim is approved, RentRooster will compensate the lender up to £5,000 for the repair or replacement of the item. The payout will be made via bank transfer within 7 business days of the claim approval.
Dispute Resolution
If the lender or borrower disagrees with the decision, they can request a review by RentRooster's claims review panel. The decision of the review panel is final.
By implementing this policy and process, RentRooster aims to protect lenders while minimizing the risk of fraudulent claims, ensuring a fair and secure rental marketplace. Rentrooster has the final decision on any case.