Terms of Service

Last Updated: October 14, 2026

Welcome to Monterey Bay Auto Rentals LLC ("MBAutoRentals," "we," "us," or "our"). By renting a vehicle from us or using our website, you agree to the following terms and conditions. Please read them carefully. Every rental is also governed by the Car Rental Agreement you sign before pickup. If these Terms conflict with your Rental Agreement, the Rental Agreement controls.

1. Rental Eligibility & Authorized Drivers

The renter and every additional driver must:

  • Be at least 25 years of age
  • Hold a valid driver's license that has been held for at least one year
  • Provide a valid credit or debit card in the renter's name
  • Provide proof of insurance that covers rental vehicles, purchase optional coverage through us, or accept full responsibility (see Section 8)

Only the renter and additional drivers listed on the Rental Agreement, or approved by us in writing, may drive the vehicle. The renter is responsible for every authorized driver's compliance with these Terms and the Rental Agreement.

2. Reservations & Payment

  • Reservations can be made by phone or through the reservation request form on our website
  • Daily, weekly, and monthly rentals are available, with rates starting at $60/day
  • Full payment for the rental period (or for the first payment period on weekly or monthly rentals) is due before the vehicle is released
  • We accept major credit cards and debit cards
  • A refundable security deposit may be held. It will be refunded after the vehicle is returned in satisfactory condition, less any amounts owed
  • Cancellations made 24+ hours before pickup receive a full refund
  • Cancellations within 24 hours of pickup may be subject to a cancellation fee

3. Weekly & Monthly Payments, Late Fees & Default

  • Recurring payments are due in full by 6:00 PM (local time) on each scheduled due date. Payments not received by then are late
  • We may approve an extension of up to two (2) calendar days past the due date. A late fee of $50 applies for each day the balance remains unpaid during the extension
  • If the full balance, including late fees, is not paid by the end of the extension, the renter is in default and the rental may be terminated immediately
  • On default, the renter must immediately return the vehicle. We may recover the vehicle without further notice, using GPS location, immobilization devices, or third-party recovery services, where permitted by law

4. Rental Period, Extensions & Late Returns

  • The rental ends on the return date and time in your Rental Agreement unless we approve an extension in writing (text or email is fine) before the scheduled return time
  • Vehicles returned late without an approved extension are charged the daily rate for each day or partial day they are late

5. Delivery & Pick-Up Service

  • Delivery and pick-up service is available within 15 miles of Monterey
  • A $55 fee applies for delivery and pick-up service
  • Delivery times are subject to availability and must be scheduled in advance
  • The renter must be present with valid identification at time of delivery

6. Vehicle Use

Vehicles may only be used for lawful purposes and in compliance with all traffic laws. Vehicles may NOT be used:

  • For any illegal purpose or activity, or to transport hazardous materials
  • To tow or push another vehicle or trailer
  • For racing, speed testing, or reckless driving
  • To carry passengers or goods for hire, including rideshare (Uber, Lyft), taxi, or delivery apps
  • Off-road or on unpaved roads
  • By anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • With more passengers than the vehicle has seatbelts
  • For any other commercial purpose without our prior written consent

Travel area. Vehicles may be driven within California. Please tell us in advance and get our approval before driving outside California; additional fees may apply. Vehicles may not be taken into Mexico.

No smoking. Smoking and vaping are not allowed in any vehicle. A $150 cleaning fee will be charged for any violation.

7. Mileage, Fuel & Return Condition

  • Each rental includes 200 miles per day. Miles driven beyond the included allowance are charged at $0.30 per mile
  • Vehicles are provided with a full tank of fuel and must be returned with a full tank. If the vehicle is returned with less fuel, a refueling charge will apply
  • The vehicle must be returned in the same condition it was received, with the interior reasonably clean. Excessive cleaning fees may apply
  • Existing damage is recorded in photos at pickup. Please point out any damage that isn't recorded before driving away
  • Any damage must be reported to us immediately

8. Insurance & Coverage

Rentals do not include insurance coverage. Our insurance on each vehicle is for registration, road compliance, and protection of our asset only; it does not provide liability coverage to renters, passengers, or third parties. Before pickup, you must choose one of these options:

  • Option A: Use your own insurance. Provide proof of an auto insurance policy that covers rental vehicles. You are responsible for any losses your insurance does not pay
  • Option B: Purchase optional coverage through us. Coverage for damage to the vehicle, liability, and/or supplemental liability is available for a daily fee. It is provided by a third-party insurer under its own terms, limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Anything that coverage does not pay remains your responsibility
  • Option C: No insurance. You accept full responsibility for any loss of or damage to the vehicle (up to its fair market value, as permitted by California law) and for any injury, property damage, or other claims arising from your use of the vehicle. You alone are responsible for meeting California's insurance requirements for drivers

Optional coverage through us is not required to rent a vehicle. It may duplicate coverage you already have through your own auto insurance or credit card, so please check with your insurer before you decide. Pricing for optional coverage is provided in your Rental Agreement.

We operate under the protections of the federal Graves Amendment (49 U.S.C. §30106). Regardless of the option chosen, the renter is responsible, to the extent not paid by insurance, for bodily injury and wrongful death claims, property damage claims, traffic citations, parking violations, tolls, impound, towing and storage fees, legal defense costs, judgments, settlements, and any other claim arising from the operation, possession, or use of the vehicle.

9. Damage to the Vehicle & Deductible

  • The renter is responsible for physical damage to or loss of the vehicle during the rental period, as permitted by California law (Civil Code §1939.03), up to the vehicle's fair market value
  • If the vehicle is in an accident and the renter is partly or fully at fault, or damage results from negligence, reckless driving, misuse, unauthorized use, or breach of the Rental Agreement, the renter will pay a non-refundable deductible of $1,000, whether or not an insurance claim is filed
  • In addition to the deductible, the renter is responsible for repair costs above the deductible, towing, storage and impound fees, and related administrative charges, to the extent allowed by California law
  • We may charge the deductible and other amounts owed to the payment method on file
  • If the vehicle is stolen, the renter must report it to the police and to us within 24 hours and return all keys

10. Tickets, Tolls & Violations

The renter is responsible for all traffic violations, parking tickets, red-light and speed camera citations, toll charges, and impound fees incurred during the rental period. If we receive or pay any of these, we may charge the renter for the amount plus any fees charged by the issuing agency.

11. Maintenance, Repairs & Keys

  • For longer rentals, the renter agrees to bring the vehicle for routine maintenance to a location we choose within 48 hours of our request. Routine maintenance is at our expense
  • Please notify us promptly of any warning lights, mechanical issues, malfunctions, or damage. Do not make repairs, alterations, or modifications without our prior written consent
  • If keys are lost, misplaced, or locked inside the vehicle, a $300 fee applies for a replacement key or locksmith service

12. Breakdowns, Accidents & Emergencies

In case of a breakdown or emergency, please contact us immediately at (831) 243-6673. We will provide assistance and, if necessary, arrange for a replacement vehicle or alternative transportation. Any accident must be reported to law enforcement as required by law and to us as soon as possible. Please take photos and collect the other party's information.

13. Vehicle Location Technology (GPS)

Vehicles may be equipped with GPS or other location technology. We access or use location data only as permitted by California Civil Code §1939.23, for example when a vehicle is reported stolen or abandoned, when a vehicle has not been returned after the scheduled return date (after giving any notice the law requires), or in response to a subpoena or search warrant. We may also record the date and time the vehicle leaves and is returned, total mileage driven, and fuel level. We do not use location data to impose fines or surcharges based on how the vehicle is driven.

14. Communications & SMS / Text Messaging Terms

We may contact you by phone and email about your reservation or rental. We only send text messages if you have opted in. If you opt in through the chat widget on our website, you agree to receive text messages from Monterey Bay Auto Rentals LLC about your inquiries and rentals, such as replies to your questions, reservation confirmations, and pick-up and return reminders.

  • Message frequency varies based on your inquiries and reservations.
  • Message and data rates may apply.
  • Reply STOP at any time to unsubscribe. You will receive one final message confirming you have been unsubscribed.
  • Reply HELP for help, or contact us at (831) 243-6673 or [email protected].
  • Consent to receive text messages is not a condition of any purchase or rental.
  • Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
  • Your information is handled according to our Privacy Policy.

15. Indemnification

The renter agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Monterey Bay Auto Rentals LLC and its owners, officers, managers, employees, contractors, agents, successors, and assigns from any and all claims, demands, losses, liabilities, judgments, settlements, attorney fees, costs, and expenses arising out of or relating to the operation or use of the vehicle, any accident involving the vehicle, any injury to persons, any property damage, any violation of law, any insurance claim, or any lawsuit or legal proceeding arising during the rental period.

16. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Monterey Bay Auto Rentals is not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of our vehicles, or for personal property left in a vehicle. Our liability is limited to the rental fees paid.

17. Termination

We may end a rental and recover the vehicle at any time, without prior notice, if the renter fails to comply with these Terms or the Rental Agreement. In that event, rental fees and deposits will not be refunded, to the extent permitted by law.

18. Disputes, Arbitration & Governing Law

These Terms and every rental are governed by the laws of the State of California. If a dispute or damage claim arising from a rental cannot be resolved, it will be submitted to binding arbitration in Monterey County, California, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association, as described in your Rental Agreement. Any dispute not subject to arbitration will be resolved in the state or federal courts located in Monterey County, California.

19. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found invalid or unenforceable, it will be removed and the remaining provisions will stay in full force and effect.

20. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. Changes will be posted on our website and will be effective immediately upon posting.

Questions?

Monterey Bay Auto Rentals LLC
351 San Felipe Rd Ste 101, #1005, Hollister, CA 95023
Phone: (831) 243-6673
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Mon–Sat: 8am–8pm | Sun: 9am–5pm