Legal

1. Definitions

In these Terms:

• “Account” means a registered user account created on the Platform.
• “Booking” means a confirmed reservation made through the Platform for the hire or use of a Vehicle for a specified period.
• “Booking Fee” means the total amount payable by a Guest for a Booking, including the Vehicle Hire Fee, Nova Rides' fees, applicable taxes, insurance or protection charges, and all other disclosed charges.
• “Guest” means a User who books or hires a Vehicle through the Platform.
• “Host” means a User who owns or has the lawful authority to make a Vehicle available for hire through the Platform.
• “Platform” means the Nova Rides website, mobile application, software, technology, systems, and related services.
• “Platform Fee” means any commission, service fee, or other charge payable to Nova Rides for the use of the Platform.
• “Protection” means any insurance, protection, or similar product made available in connection with a Booking.
• “User” means any person who accesses or uses the Platform, including a Host and/or Guest.
• “Vehicle” means a motor vehicle listed by a Host on the Platform.

References to “You” refer to all Users, including all Hosts and Guests on the Platform.

2. About Nova Rides and the Platform

Nova Rides operates a technology-enabled peer-to-peer vehicle hire marketplace which connects Hosts who make Vehicles available for hire with Guests seeking to hire Vehicles.

Nova Rides provides the technology and related services through which Hosts and Guests may:

• create and manage Accounts;
• list and search for Vehicles;
• communicate with one another;
• make and manage Bookings;
• process payments;
• access verification services; and
• access other services made available through the Platform.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, Nova Rides:

• does not own the Vehicles listed on the Platform;
• does not lease or rent Vehicles to Guests;
• does not operate or drive the Vehicles;
• does not control the manner in which a Host maintains or operates a Vehicle; and
• does not guarantee the conduct, representations, or performance of any Host or Guest.

The Vehicle hire transaction is principally between the Host and Guest. Nova Rides facilitates the transaction and may perform additional services in connection with the Booking as set out in these Terms.

Nothing in these Terms creates a partnership, employment relationship, joint venture, or agency relationship between Nova Rides and any Host or Guest.

3. Acceptance and Electronic Contracting

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between the User (“You”) and Nova Rides.

You may accept these Terms electronically by ticking an acceptance box, clicking “I Agree”, “Accept”, “Create Account”, “Book Now”, “List Vehicle”, or another substantially similar button, or by otherwise using the Platform after being given access to these Terms.

Your electronic acceptance shall have the same effect as a physical signature to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Nova Rides may retain records of your acceptance, including the date, time, and version of the Terms accepted.

These Terms incorporate any policies expressly referred to in them or displayed to you as applicable to your use of the Platform, including the Privacy Notice, Vehicle Requirements, and applicable Protection terms.

4. Eligibility and Account Registration

You must be at least eighteen (18) years old and legally capable of entering into a binding agreement to use the Platform.

You must provide accurate, complete, and current information when creating and maintaining your Account.

You must not:

• impersonate another person;
• create an Account using false information;
• use another person's Account;
• transfer your Account to another person; or
• create multiple Accounts to circumvent restrictions imposed by Nova Rides.

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login details and for activity conducted through your Account.

You must immediately notify Nova Rides if you suspect that your Account has been compromised or accessed without your authorisation.

5. Verification

Nova Rides may require Users to undergo identity, driver's licence, Vehicle, ownership, payment, insurance, or other verification before or during use of the Platform.

A User may be required to provide identification documents, driver's licences, Vehicle registration documents, proof of ownership or authority, photographs, payment information, or other information reasonably required for verification.

Nova Rides may use third-party verification providers where appropriate.

Completion of verification does not constitute a guarantee by Nova Rides that the information provided by a User is completely accurate.

Nova Rides may suspend or withdraw verification where information is inaccurate, incomplete, expired, or otherwise unsatisfactory.

6. Host and Vehicle Requirements

A Host must:

• own the Vehicle or have lawful authority to make it available for hire;
• provide accurate Vehicle information;
• ensure that the Vehicle is properly registered and roadworthy;
• maintain all legally required insurance;
• ensure that the Vehicle is properly maintained and safe for use;
• disclose any material defect or condition affecting the Vehicle;
• provide valid Vehicle documentation when requested;
• comply with all applicable laws and regulatory requirements; and
• comply with Nova Rides' Vehicle eligibility requirements.

A Host shall not list a Vehicle where the Host is prohibited by law, contract, financing arrangement, insurance terms, or any other legal restriction from making the Vehicle available for hire. Nova Rides may reject, suspend, or remove a Vehicle listing where the Vehicle or listing does not meet applicable requirements or presents a material safety, legal, or reputational risk.

7. Vehicle Listings

Hosts are responsible for ensuring that all information contained in their listings is accurate, complete, and not misleading.

A listing may include the Vehicle's:

• year, make, and model;
• registration details;
• mileage;
• photographs;
• condition;
• availability;
• Vehicle Hire Fee;
• permitted use; and
• applicable restrictions.

Nova Rides may review, modify, suspend, or remove a listing where it reasonably considers this necessary to protect Users, comply with applicable law, or maintain the integrity of the Platform.

8. Bookings

A Guest may request a Booking by selecting an available Vehicle and completing the Booking process.

A Booking becomes confirmed when the Platform indicates that the Booking has been accepted or confirmed and all applicable payment and verification requirements have been satisfied.

The Booking details shall specify, where applicable:

• the Vehicle;
• Host and Guest;
• booking period;
• collection and return arrangements;
• Vehicle Hire Fee;
• Platform Fees;
• applicable Protection and insurance;
• security deposit;
• mileage or usage restrictions; and
• other applicable charges or conditions.

The Booking details, together with these Terms and applicable policies, constitute the terms governing all Bookings made via the Platform.

9. Fees and Payments

Guests shall pay the Booking Fee displayed on the Platform at the time of Booking, as applicable.

The Booking Fee may include:

• the Vehicle Hire Fee;
• Nova Rides' Platform Fee;
• insurance or Protection charges;
• applicable taxes; and
• other charges disclosed before the Booking is confirmed.

Nova Rides may collect payments from Guests and remit applicable amounts to Hosts after deducting fees, refunds, adjustments, and other amounts properly payable to Nova Rides.

Host earnings shall be paid in accordance with the payment schedule communicated by Nova Rides.

Nova Rides may use third-party payment processors.

A User authorises Nova Rides and its payment service providers to process charges properly arising under these Terms and an applicable Booking.

10. Security Deposits and Additional Charges

Nova Rides may require a Guest to provide a security deposit or payment authorisation before a Booking.

Subject to applicable law and the applicable Booking terms, the security deposit may be applied towards amounts properly payable by the Guest, including:

• damage to a Vehicle attributable to the Guest;
• loss of Vehicle accessories;
• late return charges;
• cleaning charges arising from unreasonable use;
• tolls and parking charges;
• traffic fines or penalties attributable to the Guest; and
• other disclosed charges arising from the Guest's breach of these Terms.

Nova Rides shall not make a deduction from a security deposit arbitrarily and may require supporting evidence before applying a charge.

Where a charge is disputed, Nova Rides may investigate the matter and may request evidence from the Host and Guest before making a determination or facilitating an insurance claim.

11. Cancellations and Refunds

Bookings may be cancelled in accordance with the cancellation terms displayed at the time of Booking.

The applicable cancellation terms shall take into account the timing and reason for cancellation and whether the cancellation was made by the Guest, Host, or Nova Rides.

A Host shall not cancel a confirmed Booking without a reasonable justification. Repeated or unjustified Host cancellations may result in cancellation charges, removal of listings, suspension, or termination.

Nova Rides may cancel a Booking where reasonably necessary because:

• payment has failed;
• verification requirements have not been satisfied;
• the Vehicle is unavailable or unsuitable;
• a safety concern exists;
• fraud or unlawful activity is suspected;
• required Protection or insurance is unavailable; or
• cancellation is necessary to comply with law or protect Users or Nova Rides.

Refunds shall be made in accordance with the applicable cancellation policy and applicable Nigerian consumer laws.

12. User Responsibilities

Every User shall:

• comply with these Terms and applicable law;
• provide accurate information;
• cooperate with reasonable verification procedures;
• use the Platform lawfully;
• respect other Users;
• promptly report material safety or security issues;
• cooperate with reasonable investigations; and
• refrain from conduct that may compromise the safety, security, or integrity of the Platform.

13. Prohibited Activities

Users shall not use the Platform to:

• commit or facilitate fraud;
• provide false or misleading information;
• manipulate reviews or ratings;
• harass, threaten, or abuse another User;
• unlawfully discriminate against another User;
• access another person's Account;
• collect or misuse another User's personal information;
• interfere with Platform security;
• introduce malicious software;
• scrape or extract Platform data without authorisation;
• circumvent a suspension or termination;
• submit fraudulent accident, damage, or insurance claims;
• manipulate payment systems;
• conduct unlawful transactions; or
• engage in any other conduct prohibited by applicable law.

14. Host Policy

Host's continuing obligations

A Host shall, throughout the period during which a Vehicle is listed:

• maintain the Vehicle in a safe and roadworthy condition;
• maintain all required documentation and insurance;
• keep listing information accurate;
• promptly disclose material changes affecting the Vehicle;
• make the Vehicle available for confirmed Bookings;
• comply with agreed collection and return arrangements; and
• cooperate with Nova Rides and any applicable insurer concerning incidents and claims.

Handover of Vehicle

The Host shall make the Vehicle available in a reasonably clean, safe, and roadworthy condition and shall disclose known material defects. The Host and Guest shall document the Vehicle's condition at handover where required by Nova Rides.

Host cancellation

A Host may cancel a Booking where reasonably necessary, but repeated or unjustified cancellations may result in consequences under the Platform's cancellation policy.

Host earnings

Nova Rides shall facilitate payment of Host earnings after deduction of applicable Platform Fees, refunds, chargebacks, disputed amounts, and other sums properly payable.

Host liability

The Host remains responsible for:

• the lawful ownership or authority to list the Vehicle;
• Vehicle maintenance and roadworthiness;
• undisclosed defects;
• inaccurate listing information; and
• the Host's own acts or omissions.

15. Guest Policy

Guest eligibility

A Guest must satisfy Nova Rides' applicable age, identity, and driver's licence requirements before driving a Vehicle.

Driver's licence

A Guest must hold a valid driver's licence appropriate for the Vehicle and comply with all applicable Nigerian driving requirements.

Additional drivers

Only the Guest and any Additional Driver expressly approved through the Platform may drive the Vehicle. The Guest remains responsible for any Additional Driver permitted by the Guest.

Vehicle use

A Guest shall:

• use the Vehicle responsibly;
• comply with traffic laws;
• take reasonable care of the Vehicle;
• comply with applicable Booking restrictions;
• keep the Vehicle reasonably secure; and
• return the Vehicle in accordance with the Booking.

Prohibited Vehicle use

Unless expressly authorised, a Guest shall not:

• use a Vehicle for racing or speed testing;
• use a Vehicle for dangerous or reckless driving;
• use a Vehicle for unlawful purposes;
• transport illegal goods;
• sub-hire the Vehicle;
• permit an unauthorised person to drive;
• modify or tamper with the Vehicle;
• interfere with tracking or safety equipment;
• use the Vehicle for commercial passenger or goods transportation where not authorised;
• drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; or
• use the Vehicle in a manner prohibited by the applicable insurance policy.

16. Vehicle Inspection and Return

The Guest shall inspect the Vehicle at the commencement of the Booking and report any pre-existing material damage or defect through the Platform. The report shall be detailed and include supporting photographs showing the date and time.

The Guest shall return the Vehicle at the agreed time and location, in the same condition, subject to reasonable wear and tear depending on the period of use. The Guest shall return all keys, documents, accessories, and equipment provided with the Vehicle.

A Guest who fails to return a Vehicle on time shall be responsible for applicable additional charges and reasonable costs arising from the delay.

A Guest shall not retain a Vehicle beyond the Booking period without approval.

17. Fuel, Tolls, Fines, and Operating Costs

Unless otherwise stated in the Booking:

• the Guest is responsible for fuel consumed during the Booking;
• the Guest is responsible for tolls and parking charges arising from the Guest's use;
• the Guest is responsible for traffic fines and penalties attributable to the Guest; and
• the Guest is responsible for other operating charges expressly allocated to the Guest under the Booking.

18. Accidents, Damage, and Theft

A Guest involved in an accident, theft, damage, breakdown, or other material incident involving a Vehicle shall promptly notify Nova Rides and the other relevant party.

Where appropriate, the Guest shall also notify the Police, emergency services, and the applicable insurer.

The Guest shall preserve relevant evidence, including photographs, videos, witness information, and documents.

The Guest shall cooperate fully with Nova Rides and any applicable insurer in investigating and resolving an incident.

The Guest shall not admit liability, settle a claim, or make representations on behalf of Nova Rides or an insurer without authority.

A Guest shall not arrange material repairs without authorisation, except where immediate action is reasonably necessary to protect life or prevent further material damage.

19. Insurance

Where insurance or Protection is made available through Nova Rides, the applicable insurance shall be governed by the relevant policy, certificate, schedule, terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations.

Nova Rides is not the insurer or underwriter of any insurance product unless expressly stated otherwise in a separate written agreement.

The insurer or Insurance Partner is responsible for underwriting and determining insurance claims in accordance with the applicable policy and applicable Nigerian laws.

Insurance does not necessarily cover every loss, accident, damage, or circumstance. Users remain responsible for complying with all policy requirements and exclusions.

A User's failure to comply with applicable insurance requirements may affect the availability of coverage.

Nothing in these Terms prevents a User from pursuing a valid claim against an insurer in accordance with the applicable insurance policy and law.

20. Damage and Claims Process

Where damage or loss is reported, Nova Rides may facilitate the collection and review of information from the Host and Guest.

The Host and Guest shall provide information reasonably required to assess the incident. Nova Rides may request photographs, repair estimates, receipts, police reports, or other supporting documents.

Where the matter falls within an insurance policy, the claim shall be handled in accordance with that policy.

21. Reviews, Ratings, and User Content

Users may submit genuine reviews and ratings following a Booking.

Reviews must not be false, defamatory, threatening, discriminatory, or misleading.

Users retain ownership of content they submit but grant Nova Rides a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to use, reproduce, display, and publish such content for operating, improving, and promoting the Platform.

Nova Rides may remove content that breaches these Terms or applicable law.

22. Personal Data and Privacy

Nova Rides shall process personal data in accordance with its Privacy Policy and applicable Nigerian data protection law, including the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

Nova Rides may process personal data for purposes including:

• account creation and management;
• identity and driver's licence verification;
• Vehicle verification;
• Booking administration;
• payment processing;
• fraud prevention;
• safety and incident management;
• customer support;
• insurance and claims administration;
• compliance with legal obligations; and
• other purposes disclosed in the Privacy Policy.

Nova Rides may share relevant information with Hosts, Guests, payment processors, verification providers, insurers, professional advisers, service providers, regulators, or law enforcement authorities where reasonably necessary for the operation of the Platform or required or permitted by law.

Users shall have the rights available to them under applicable data protection law, subject to lawful limitations.

23. Intellectual Property

All intellectual property rights in the Platform, including its software, branding, logos, designs, databases, and technology, belong to Nova Rides or its licensors.

Users may only use the Platform for its intended purpose and shall not copy, modify, reverse engineer, reproduce, or commercially exploit any part of the Platform without Nova Rides' prior written consent.

24. Suspension and Termination

Nova Rides may suspend or terminate an Account, listing, or Booking where it reasonably believes that:

• these Terms have been breached;
• false or misleading information has been provided;
• fraud is suspected;
• the User or Vehicle presents a safety risk;
• verification requirements have not been satisfied;
• payment obligations have not been met;
• the User has attempted to circumvent the Platform; or
• suspension or termination is reasonably necessary to protect Users, Nova Rides, or the Platform.

Nova Rides may remove a Vehicle listing or cancel a Booking where necessary for safety, legal, insurance, or operational reasons.

Termination shall not affect rights and obligations that accrued before termination or which are intended to survive termination.

25. Nova Rides' Liability

Nova Rides is responsible for providing the Platform services with reasonable care and skill as required by applicable law. Subject to applicable law, Nova Rides is not responsible for losses arising solely from:

• a Host's failure to make a Vehicle available;
• a Guest's misuse of a Vehicle;
• the acts or omissions of another User;
• inaccurate information supplied by a User;
• Vehicle defects or mechanical failures not caused by Nova Rides;
• traffic offences or unlawful conduct of a User; or
• circumstances outside Nova Rides' reasonable control.

Nova Rides does not guarantee that every Vehicle, Host, or Guest will meet all of a User's expectations.

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability which cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under Nigerian law, including liability arising from fraud or negligence.

26. User Indemnity

To the extent permitted by applicable law, a User shall indemnify Nova Rides against reasonable claims, losses, liabilities, damages, and costs arising directly from:

• the User's material breach of these Terms;
• the User's unlawful, fraudulent, or wilfully negligent conduct;
• the User's misuse of a Vehicle;
• inaccurate information provided by the User;
• infringement of a third party's rights by the User; or
• the User's dealings with another User.

This indemnity shall not apply to the extent that the relevant loss was caused by Nova Rides' negligence, fraud, wilful misconduct, or other liability which cannot lawfully be excluded.

27. Consumer Protection

Nova Rides shall provide material information concerning its services, applicable fees, and material Booking terms in a manner reasonably accessible to Users.

Nothing in these Terms is intended to exclude or restrict a consumer right that cannot lawfully be excluded under Nigerian law.

Any material limitation of liability, indemnity, or other provision which applicable law requires to be specifically brought to the consumer's attention shall be presented to the consumer before the relevant transaction is concluded.

Where any provision of these Terms is inconsistent with a mandatory provision of Nigerian consumer protection law, the mandatory provision shall prevail to the extent of the inconsistency.

28. Disputes Between Hosts and Guests

Hosts and Guests should first attempt to resolve disputes directly and in good faith. Nova Rides may facilitate communication or provide an internal complaints or incident-resolution process.

Nova Rides' involvement in facilitating a dispute does not make Nova Rides a party to the underlying Host-Guest transaction unless expressly agreed otherwise.

Nothing in this clause prevents a Host or Guest from exercising rights available under applicable law.

29. Disputes Between Users and Nova Rides

A dispute between a User and Nova Rides concerning these Terms or the Platform shall first be referred to Nova Rides' customer support or complaints process.

The parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve the dispute within thirty (30) days after a formal complaint is made.

Where the dispute remains unresolved, either party may pursue mediation, arbitration, or court proceedings as permitted by applicable law.

30. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Subject to any mandatory consumer protection or dispute-resolution requirements, the courts of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria shall have jurisdiction over disputes arising between Nova Rides and a User.

31. Amendments

Nova Rides may amend these Terms to reflect changes in:

• applicable law;
• regulatory requirements;
• the Platform;
• Nova Rides' services;
• safety requirements; or
• legitimate business practices.

Where an amendment materially affects a User's rights or obligations, Nova Rides shall provide reasonable notice.

Where applicable law requires fresh consent, Nova Rides shall obtain such consent before the amended Terms become binding.

32. Electronic Communications

Users consent to receiving Platform-related communications electronically, including through email, SMS, in-app notifications, or other communication channels provided to Nova Rides. Such communications may include Booking confirmations, payment information, cancellation notices, safety notices, Account information, and amendments to these Terms.

33. Third-Party Services

The Platform may use third-party providers for payment processing, identity verification, insurance, communications, mapping, technology, and other services. Third-party services may be subject to their own terms and policies.

34. Force Majeure

Nova Rides shall not be liable for delay or failure caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, government action, civil unrest, strikes, telecommunications failures, internet outages, cyber incidents, or failures of third-party service providers.

35. General Provisions

No waiver

Failure to enforce any provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

Severability

If any provision is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect.

Assignment

A User may not assign its rights or obligations under these Terms without Nova Rides' prior written consent.

Nova Rides may assign these Terms in connection with a merger, restructuring, sale of its business, or similar transaction, subject to applicable law.

Entire agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Notice, applicable Booking terms, Cancellation Policy, Protection terms, and other policies expressly incorporated into them, constitute the agreement between the User and Nova Rides concerning use of the Platform.

Survival

Provisions concerning payments, liability, indemnity, intellectual property, disputes, personal data, and any other provisions intended by their nature to survive shall remain effective after termination.

36. Contact and Complaints

Questions, complaints, or notices concerning the Platform may be directed to:

Nova Rides Limited

Email: support@novarides.ng