Terms for the use of the car

Deductible per damage case

• Every rental car is insured with a standard deductible of USD 500 per damage case (whether minor or major).

• A security deposit of USD 500 applies to the rental of the car.

• Optional: the renter can reduce the deductible to USD 250 for USD 13 per day.

• Loss of key(s), broken window(s), flat tyre(s), damaged chassis and fines are always at the renter’s expense.

• In case of damage, the renter owes at least the chosen deductible.

• In case of breakdown, collision or accident, the Paulina Car Rental contact person must always be called immediately.

• Moving the car after a collision is not permitted; if this nevertheless happens and liability cannot be (properly) established, all costs are entirely for the renter.

• For all damage to the car, the deductible and the deposit as stated above apply; these will be refunded if the damage has been fully recovered from a third party.

• When returning the car, the amount of fuel must be at least equal to that at pickup. If not, the cost of the missing fuel will be charged, increased by a surcharge of USD 25.

• It is prohibited to use alcohol and/or narcotics and/or medication during or before the drive that may affect driving ability.

• Using the car in (wet) swimwear is not permitted; any resulting damage or contamination is entirely at the renter’s expense. Diving equipment must be transported in plastic containers.

• The car must be returned clean and tidy.

• Smoking in the car is not permitted, nor is making phone calls without a hands-free set.

General Terms and Conditions

Article 1: All rental agreements are subject to the General Terms and Conditions of Paulina Car Rental. The renter declares to agree with these General Terms and Conditions. Only persons indicated in the rental agreement as renter or (co-)driver may drive the vehicle. Driving the vehicle is only permitted for persons aged 23 years or older in possession of a valid category B driving licence. When entering into the rental agreement, identification by means of a driving licence and a passport is mandatory. The renter is not permitted to make the vehicle available to anyone not named as renter in the rental agreement. The renter is liable towards the lessor in the same way as for his/her own actions for the behaviour of those who, with his/her consent, drive or use the vehicle. A deductible of USD 500 per damage case applies. The renter can choose to reduce this to USD 250 for an additional fee of USD 13 per day.

Article 2: The rental period agreed upon at the final reservation is binding for both parties. The reservation becomes final once the lessor has received the deposit or first instalment of the rental. The rental agreement is entered into for the period and rate agreed at the final reservation. The lessor reserves the right to refuse a renter without stating reasons. In case of cancellation by the renter, the renter owes the full rental amount. The renter is obliged to pay the agreed rental amount, even if the car is collected later or returned earlier.

Article 3: The renter is deemed to have received the car in good condition. Paulina Car Rental is deemed to have delivered the car in good condition. The renter is obliged to return the car at the end of the rental in the same condition as received. If the vehicle is not returned in proper condition on the return day, including all keys, documents and other items, Paulina Car Rental is entitled to continue charging the rental fee until all items have been fully returned. The renter authorises the lessor or any designated person to open the vehicle and repossess it, wherever it may be.

Article 4: The renter must pay the full rental amount, including the deposit, before the start of the rental. For long-term rentals, the renter must pay the first instalment and the deposit before the rental begins. If the renter does not pay on time, he/she is in default without further notice and owes contractual interest of 10%.

Article 5: Renting a car is at the renter’s own risk. The renter is liable for all damage to the renter, third parties and/or goods during the rental period. The renter indemnifies the lessor for all such damage. The renter indemnifies Paulina Car Rental for all fines, penalties, sanctions or other measures imposed on the lessor resulting from criminal acts committed by the driver and/or passengers during the rental period. Fines, penalties, sanctions and all resulting costs, including administration costs of Paulina Car Rental and/or third parties, are fully for the renter’s account.

Article 6: The renter must treat the vehicle as a good renter. The renter must ensure that the vehicle is used in accordance with its intended purpose. Costs associated with use of the vehicle, such as fuel, cleaning and parking, are for the renter’s account. The renter may not sublet the vehicle. The renter may not use the vehicle for driving lessons. The renter may not use the vehicle for races. The renter may not use the vehicle for commercial passenger transport. The renter may not use the vehicle to commit criminal offences. The renter may not use the vehicle to transport flammable, toxic, dangerous or prohibited substances. If the renter notices damage or defects, the vehicle may not be used if this could worsen the damage or impair road safety.

The renter is obliged to immediately report any defects, damage caused to or with the vehicle, or loss of the vehicle. The renter must maintain oil levels and tyre pressure. The renter must at all times comply with laws and traffic regulations. The renter must only drive on paved roads. Use of unpaved public roads leading to public or private (paid access) beaches or national parks is also allowed if these roads are passable and open. Closed roads may never be used. It is prohibited to use alcohol, narcotics or medication during or before the drive that may affect driving ability. If the driver is under the influence of such substances at the time of an incident, the renter is fully liable, and all damage will be charged to the renter.

Article 6a: The renter is liable for damage to the vehicle caused by failure to comply with obligations under the rental agreement. If damage arises from actions or omissions contrary to Article 6, reckless driving, intentional acts or omissions, gross negligence, or if the driver was under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or medication that may impair driving ability, all damage will be charged to the renter. If the car is driven off-road, at least USD 140 for engine cleaning will be charged. The lessor reserves the right to have the insurer investigate suspected violations of this article. If police statements, witness statements, CRS reports or otherwise legally acceptable evidence indicate a breach by the renter, the renter is fully liable for damage to third parties as well as the vehicle.

Article 7: The renter must comply with requests from the lessor to present the car for regular maintenance. Such requests will be made in time to allow the renter to reasonably comply. For rentals of one month or less, the renter is not required to present the vehicle for regular maintenance.

Article 8: Paulina Car Rental’s vehicles are insured through Inter Assure with third-party liability and additional comprehensive coverage, with a maximum third-party liability coverage of ANG 150,000. The renter has been informed and agrees to these insurance terms. A deductible of USD 500 per damage case applies, unless the renter has chosen the reduced deductible option in advance. Damage above ANG 150,000 will be fully recovered from the renter. The renter acknowledges liability for all damage to the vehicle, whether caused by negligence, carelessness, gross negligence or intent. Glass damage, cracked windshields, flat tyres, damage to rims/hubcaps, damaged chassis and interior damage are excluded from coverage and are fully for the renter’s account. Loss or damage to keys and/or remote controls is fully at the renter’s expense with a minimum of USD 150. Damage not covered by the insurer will be fully charged to the renter.

Article 9: The renter is obliged to always lock the car when parked. The vehicle may never be left unattended or unsecured if not locked. The renter is liable for damage resulting from failure to lock the vehicle. No valuables may be left behind, whether visible or not.

Article 10: The renter is liable for all damage resulting from theft as well as any other damage to the vehicle, whether caused by the renter or third parties. In the event of damage, the lessor must always be informed and a damage form completed by Curaçao Road Service (199). The car must not be moved after an accident. If this is not adhered to, all insurance coverage will lapse, and all damage will be fully charged to the renter. In case of theft or loss, the renter will be charged the deductible of USD 500. In case of theft, the renter must hand over the car key to the lessor. If the renter cannot provide the key, the current market value of the car will be charged to the renter. If the total damage is not paid immediately, not only the deductible but also all recovery costs will be charged to the renter.

Article 11: In case of breakdown during the rental period not caused by the renter, Paulina Car Rental will ensure repair of the vehicle within 7 working days. From the moment the emergency number is called, the repair period starts. If repair is not possible, Paulina Car Rental will, if possible, provide a replacement vehicle. The renter is not entitled to a replacement vehicle if the breakdown was caused by violation of Article 6, reckless driving, intentional acts or omissions, gross negligence, or driving under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or medication. If the above solutions are not possible for any reason, Paulina Car Rental will refund the rental fee for each unused day.

Article 12: If the vehicle is returned early, the renter still owes the full agreed rental amount. No refund will be given. If the rental is exceeded without informing Paulina Car Rental, extra hours will be charged proportionally. If the vehicle is not collected on the agreed date, Paulina Car Rental may cancel the contract without refund of the deposit.

Article 13: Paulina Car Rental reserves the right to cancel free of charge under certain circumstances, including but not limited to weather conditions. This will be done if the renter’s safety is at risk, at the sole discretion of the lessor.

Article 14: When signing the rental agreement, the renter pays a security deposit of USD 500, which will be refunded if no damage has occurred. The main driver is responsible for all co-drivers. The deposit may be paid in cash, by credit card, or by bank transfer. The lessor is entitled to deduct any compensation for damage from the deposit. The deductible per damage case is set at USD 500. If the renter chooses the reduced deductible option, the deductible is USD 250 for an additional fee of USD 13 per day. In case of damage, Paulina Car Rental will determine the compensation owed. Any remaining part of the deposit after deduction will be refunded in cash or by bank transfer. If no damage is found, the renter will receive the full deposit back.

Article 15: The renter must take care of the vehicle as a good custodian. The lessor is entitled to repossess the vehicle at any time in case of suspected misuse without refund of the rental fee. For long-term rentals, the renter must have the vehicle washed inside and outside once a month by the lessor. The cost is USD 20 / ANG 35, to be paid by the renter.

Article 16: These General Terms and Conditions are published by Paulina Car Rental in Curaçao. Curaçao law applies to the relationship between renter and lessor. The competent court is the court of Curaçao. Disputes regarding this agreement or related matters will be submitted exclusively to the competent court in Curaçao. Please read these terms carefully before making a reservation.

Driving in Curaçao

The traffic rules in Curaçao are similar to those in the Netherlands… however, tourists have caused so many car accidents in the past that car rental companies have introduced a non-waivable deductible of at least 1,000 XCG (approximately EUR 500).

Why is the number of accidents among tourists so high?

1. Traffic in Curaçao rarely exceeds 60 to 70 km/h. Advice: drive calmly.

2. At a T-junction, traffic going straight always has right of way. Advice: never assume you have right of way, many do not know this rule.

3. A hand waving out of the window can mean: wait, I need to stop, turn, park, brake, reverse, give me space.

4. Merging often lacks logic. Advice: always expect a short merging lane. If you don’t get the chance to merge, stay calm, just stop briefly, nobody minds. Wave your hand out of the window and someone will always let you in.

5. Passing on both the left and right is common, for both fast drivers and regular traffic. Advice: if you drive on a two-lane road, stay in your lane. Drivers behind you will then pass on either side.

6. Be prepared for cars suddenly stopping in the middle of the road because the driver sees a friend, made a wrong turn, or wants to turn around. Stay calm. After a few minutes, they will move again.

7. When braking, brake two or three times so the driver behind you notices. People don’t always pay attention here, they look around more than at the road.

8. Keep extra distance, because sudden braking almost always causes damage here: brake lights don’t always work. Seatbelts on the front seats are a must, they’re safe.

9. Despite standard traffic rules, each roundabout has its own “custom rules.” On one, everyone waits for the cars already on the roundabout; on another, the cars on the roundabout wait for incoming traffic. In case of accidents, however, the actual traffic rules apply.

10. Many drivers do not indicate when changing direction. They often quickly cross without looking, turn around in the road, or enter a one-way street from the wrong side.

11. Thirty percent of road users do not have third-party liability insurance. Had an accident? Always call 199 and wait calmly. Never make private deals with others, these are unreliable. You are a tourist and will leave in a few days anyway.

12. Screeching tyres are normal. The rubber makes squeaking noises on the dry, dusty asphalt when accelerating or especially in corners.

13. During and just after rain showers, roads become very slippery. When it rains, all cars immediately slow down to 20–30 km/h. Be careful!

Now, after reading all of the above, you might conclude that you’d better not drive in Curaçao.
We strongly disagree, because driving in Curaçao is actually much more relaxed and easier than in the Netherlands.
You just need to keep these points in mind and adopt a defensive, relaxed driving style.
Chillin’ on the Antilles – also in the car!

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