Terms & Conditions
Last updated: June 2026
By creating an account or using Nova Rides, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. Please read them carefully before booking or listing a vehicle.
1. About Nova Rides
Nova Rides (“we”, “us”, “the platform”) operates a peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace in Nigeria. We connect vehicle owners (“hosts”) with people who wish to rent a vehicle (“renters” or “guests”). Nova Rides is not a car rental company, insurer, or transport operator. Hosts and renters enter into a direct rental arrangement; Nova Rides provides the platform, payment processing, verification tools, and support services described here.
2. Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years old and legally able to enter a binding contract. Renters must hold a valid Nigerian driver’s licence (or an accepted international licence where permitted). Hosts must own or have lawful authority to list the vehicle, maintain valid motor insurance as required, and provide accurate listing information. We may refuse, suspend, or terminate any account that does not meet these requirements.
3. Accounts & verification
You are responsible for keeping your login credentials secure and for all activity under your account. Identity and licence verification may be required before booking or listing. Nova Rides may use third-party verification providers (such as YouVerify). False or misleading information may result in immediate suspension.
4. Bookings & trips
A booking is confirmed when accepted by the host (or instantly, where enabled) and payment is successfully collected. Renters must return the vehicle on time, in substantially the same condition, and with the agreed fuel level. Hosts must make the vehicle available as described and maintain roadworthiness and valid documentation. Late returns, fuel shortfall, excess mileage, cleaning, damage, and traffic fines may result in charges from the security deposit (or additional claims) under the fee schedule shown at checkout — typically a percentage of the vehicle's daily rate, except traffic/tolls (exact amount) and larger damage claims via insurance.
5. Payments & fees
Trip payments are collected in Nigerian Naira (NGN) via Paystack or Flutterwave at checkout. Nova Rides charges a platform commission (typically 20% of the rental subtotal). Host earnings are paid out via Flutterwave according to our payout policy. Security deposits are held according to the deposit policy and may be partially or fully retained to cover approved host claims; eligible refunds go to the original payment method.
6. Cancellations & refunds
Cancellation terms depend on who cancels and timing. Guests may cancel free ≥24 hours before trip start (or within 1 hour of booking if the trip starts in under 25 hours). Later guest cancellations receive partial refunds per our published policy. Host or Nova Rides cancellations receive full refunds. Security deposits are held 72 hours after trip completion, then refunded to the original payment method if no approved claims. Refunds are processed via Paystack or Flutterwave and may take 3–10 business days.
7. Insurance
Nova Rides partners with Coronation Insurance for platform-related cover. Hosts remain responsible for maintaining valid vehicle insurance. Guest personal protection through Coronation is mandatory and included in the checkout total for every trip. Insurance terms are governed by the insurer’s policy documents, not these Terms alone.
8. Prohibited conduct
You may not use Nova Rides for illegal activity, sub-letting without permission, racing, off-platform payments, harassment, discrimination, tampering with GPS or tracking devices, or misrepresenting identity or vehicle condition. We may report serious violations to authorities.
9. Disputes
Trip disputes and deposit claims are handled through Nova Rides’ in-app process. Our team may request evidence from both parties. Nova Rides’ decision on platform matters (including deposit release) is binding for use of the platform, without prejudice to your legal rights under Nigerian law.
10. Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Nova Rides is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of the platform, a host’s vehicle, or a renter’s conduct. Our aggregate liability for any claim relating to the platform is limited to the fees Nova Rides earned from the booking giving rise to the claim in the preceding twelve months.
11. Changes & contact
We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance. For questions, contact support via the Help page or support@novarides.com (replace with your live support address).