Terms & Conditions

1. About Ventu

Ventu provides a digital platform that allows travelers to browse, book, and pay for vehicles listed by local Hosts in Costa Rica.

Ventu may assist with identity verification, license verification, payment processing, booking communication, documentation, dispute coordination, claims support, and platform enforcement.

Ventu does not own the vehicles listed on the platform unless expressly stated. Each Host is responsible for the legal ownership or authorization, condition, maintenance, documentation, and delivery of their vehicle.

Ventu may make platform decisions based on available evidence, but Ventu does not replace insurance providers, courts, police, traffic authorities, mechanics, government agencies, or other official decision-makers.

2. Eligibility to Use Ventu

To rent or drive a vehicle through Ventu, the renter and any additional driver must:

Be legally allowed to drive in Costa Rica.
Hold a valid driver’s license.
Provide accurate personal information.
Complete identity and/or license verification when required.
Meet the minimum age and documentation requirements established by Ventu, the Host, insurance provider, or applicable law.
Use a valid payment method accepted by Ventu.
Comply with these Terms and all applicable laws.

Ventu may deny, cancel, suspend, or restrict access to the platform if a user provides false information, fails verification, violates these Terms, creates a safety concern, or presents a payment, fraud, insurance, or legal risk.

3. Additional Drivers

Only drivers approved by Ventu before the trip may operate the vehicle.

The renter is responsible for ensuring that any additional driver complies with these Terms, has a valid driver’s license, and has completed any required verification.

If an unauthorized driver operates the vehicle, insurance or protection coverage may not apply, and the renter may be held responsible for any resulting damage, loss, claim, cost, or penalty.

4. Bookings and Reservations

A booking is confirmed only when payment has been successfully completed, required verification has been approved, and Ventu confirms the reservation.

Ventu listings are based on vehicle information provided by Hosts. While Ventu may review listings, the Host is responsible for ensuring that vehicle details, photos, availability, features, delivery options, and pricing information are accurate.

When a renter books a specific listed vehicle, the renter is booking that vehicle, not only a general vehicle category, unless otherwise clearly stated.

If the booked vehicle becomes unavailable due to accident, mechanical issue, Host cancellation, platform safety concern, or another reason, Ventu will attempt to help find a replacement vehicle. The renter may accept or decline the proposed replacement. If no suitable replacement is available, Ventu may issue a refund according to the applicable policy and circumstances.

Ventu is not responsible for indirect costs caused by vehicle unavailability, including missed flights, hotels, tours, meals, lost vacation time, or other third-party expenses, except where required by law or expressly approved by Ventu.

5. Pricing, Fees, and Payments

The renter agrees to pay all amounts shown during checkout and any additional amounts owed under these Terms.

Charges may include, depending on the reservation:

Rental price.
Ventu service fees.
Insurance or protection charges.
Delivery or pickup fees.
Taxes or government charges, where applicable.
Security deposits or card authorizations.
Late return fees.
Cleaning fees.
Refueling fees.
Toll charges.
Traffic tickets or parking fines.
Towing or roadside assistance fees.
Damage costs.
Deductibles.
Inspection fees.
Administrative fees.
Loss of use.
Other costs related to the reservation or vehicle.

All payments must be processed through Ventu unless Ventu gives written approval for a different process.

Hosts and renters may not request, offer, or accept off-platform payments, deposits, reimbursements, extensions, or side agreements related to a Ventu reservation.

6. Security Deposits and Payment Holds

Ventu may require a security deposit, card authorization, or payment hold before or during a reservation.

The deposit or hold may be used to cover amounts owed by the renter, including but not limited to damage, deductibles, tickets, tolls, late returns, cleaning, refueling, missing items, towing, inspection fees, administrative costs, or other charges allowed under these Terms.

If no additional charges apply, Ventu will release or refund the deposit according to the applicable payment processor timeline. The release date may depend on the renter’s bank, card issuer, or payment provider.

Payment processing fees may be non-refundable where charged by the payment processor.

7. Vehicle Delivery and Pickup

The renter and Host must coordinate delivery and return according to the confirmed reservation details.

The renter must arrive on time, provide required identification, inspect the vehicle, and confirm the vehicle condition before accepting the vehicle.

The Host must deliver the vehicle in a safe, clean, roadworthy condition with the agreed fuel level, required documents, keys, accessories, and any approved extras.

If the renter is late, unavailable, unreachable, or fails to provide required documents, the reservation may be treated as a late pickup or no-show according to Ventu’s policies.

If the Host is late, unavailable, unreachable, or unable to deliver the vehicle, Ventu may assist with communication, replacement options, or refund review.

The renter may not leave the vehicle unattended at return unless Ventu or the Host has approved that return method in writing.

8. Vehicle Condition, Photos, and Inspection

The renter and Host should document the vehicle condition at pickup and return with photos and/or videos.

Documentation may include:

Exterior condition.
Interior condition.
Existing damage.
Fuel level.
Mileage, where applicable.
Tires.
Windshield and windows.
Lights.
Keys.
Accessories.
Vehicle documents.
Any extras included in the booking.

The renter must report any visible issue before driving the vehicle. If the renter accepts the vehicle and begins the trip without reporting visible damage or missing items, Ventu may consider the vehicle accepted in the condition shown in the pickup documentation.

Damage discovered after return may still be reviewed if it appears related to the rental period, even if it was not immediately visible during return.

9. Proper Vehicle Use

The renter agrees to use the vehicle responsibly, safely, and only for its intended purpose as a passenger vehicle.

The renter must comply with all traffic laws, road signs, local restrictions, Host instructions, insurance requirements, and these Terms.

The renter must use reasonable judgment based on the type of vehicle, road conditions, weather, visibility, traffic, and route.

A vehicle having four-wheel drive, high clearance, or other features does not authorize unsafe, reckless, or unsuitable use.

10. Misuse, Negligence, and Prohibited Use

The renter is responsible for any damage, loss, claim, cost, fine, penalty, towing expense, inspection fee, deductible, administrative cost, loss of use, or related expense caused by improper, negligent, reckless, abusive, unauthorized, or prohibited use of the vehicle.

Improper or prohibited use may include, but is not limited to:

Unsafe, careless, or reckless driving.
Driving in conditions unsuitable for the vehicle.
Ignoring road conditions, weather conditions, warning signs, or local restrictions.
Driving on roads, routes, or terrain that are not appropriate for the vehicle.
Continuing to drive after warning lights, unusual noises, overheating, loss of power, fluid loss, tire issues, steering issues, braking issues, impact damage, or any other sign of mechanical or safety concern.
Failing to stop safely and notify Ventu and/or the Host when a problem occurs.
Allowing an unauthorized driver to operate the vehicle.
Driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, fatigue, medication, or any condition that affects safe driving.
Using the vehicle for racing, speed testing, competition, towing, pushing, commercial transport, rideshare services, delivery services, subleasing, illegal activity, or any purpose not approved in the reservation.
Overloading the vehicle beyond safe or legal limits.
Transporting unsafe, illegal, or prohibited items.
Taking the vehicle outside Costa Rica unless expressly approved in writing by Ventu and the Host.
Abandoning the vehicle.
Failing to take reasonable care to prevent theft, damage, loss, or unnecessary risk.

Damage caused by misuse, negligence, reckless behavior, unauthorized use, or violation of these Terms may not be covered by insurance or protection coverage.

In such cases, the renter may be responsible for all related costs.

11. Mechanical Issues and Warning Signs

If the vehicle shows any sign of mechanical or safety trouble, the renter must stop in a safe place as soon as reasonably possible and contact Ventu and/or the Host.

Warning signs may include, but are not limited to:

Dashboard warning lights.
Overheating.
Unusual noises.
Smoke.
Loss of power.
Fluid leaks.
Tire pressure issues.
Braking issues.
Steering issues.
Strong vibrations.
Impact damage.
Any condition that makes the vehicle feel unsafe.

The renter must not continue driving unless instructed to do so by Ventu, the Host, roadside assistance, emergency services, or the insurance provider.

Continuing to drive after a warning sign, mechanical issue, visible damage, or unsafe condition may be considered improper use and may increase the renter’s financial responsibility for resulting damage.

12. Accidents, Damage, Theft, and Emergencies

In the event of an accident, damage, theft, traffic stop, emergency, or safety issue, the renter must:

Stop in a safe location.
Contact emergency services if anyone is injured or if required by law.
Notify Ventu and the Host as soon as possible.
Follow instructions from Ventu, the Host, insurance provider, roadside assistance, police, traffic officers, or emergency services.
Take photos and videos when safe to do so.
Obtain relevant information from other drivers, witnesses, authorities, or third parties.
Not admit fault, accept payment, make private agreements, abandon the vehicle, or authorize repairs without approval from Ventu, the Host, or the insurance provider.

Failure to report an accident, damage, theft, or incident promptly may affect insurance coverage and may result in additional renter responsibility.

13. Insurance and Protection Coverage

Insurance or protection coverage may be included or made available with certain reservations. The details of coverage, deductibles, exclusions, and claims handling may vary by vehicle, Host, insurer, and reservation.

The renter is responsible for reviewing the insurance or protection information provided before booking and asking questions before completing the reservation.

Insurance or protection coverage may not apply to:

Misuse.
Negligence.
Reckless driving.
Unauthorized drivers.
Prohibited use.
Driving outside approved areas.
Failure to report an incident.
Continuing to drive after a warning or damage.
Violations of these Terms.
Excluded damages or situations under the applicable policy.

If insurance or protection coverage is denied, limited, or unavailable, the renter may be responsible for all related costs, including repairs, deductibles, towing, inspection fees, administrative costs, and loss of use.

The insurance provider, not Ventu, determines whether a claim is covered under the applicable insurance policy.

14. Roadside Assistance and Towing

If the vehicle becomes disabled, unsafe, or unable to continue, the renter must contact Ventu and/or the Host before arranging towing or repairs, unless emergency circumstances require immediate action.

Unauthorized towing, repairs, abandonment, or movement of the vehicle may result in additional renter responsibility.

Towing or roadside assistance may be covered or charged depending on the cause of the issue, the reservation terms, insurance coverage, and the facts of the case.

If the issue was caused by renter misuse, negligence, unauthorized use, or violation of these Terms, the renter may be responsible for towing, recovery, inspection, repair, administrative, and related costs.

15. Tickets, Tolls, Fines, and Legal Violations

The renter is responsible for all traffic tickets, parking fines, tolls, camera violations, impound fees, legal penalties, and related administrative costs incurred during the rental period.

This responsibility applies even if the notice arrives after the vehicle has been returned.

Ventu may charge the renter’s payment method, apply the deposit, or request payment for any such amounts.

16. Fuel, Charging, Cleaning, Smoking, Pets, and Personal Items

The renter must return the vehicle with the agreed fuel or charge level, unless otherwise stated.

If the vehicle is returned with less fuel or charge than required, the renter may be charged for refueling, recharging, and related administrative costs.

The renter must return the vehicle reasonably clean and free of excessive dirt, mud, sand, stains, odors, trash, or damage.

Smoking or vaping in the vehicle is prohibited unless expressly allowed in the listing.

Pets are not allowed unless expressly approved by the Host and Ventu.

The renter may be charged for cleaning, odor removal, pet cleaning, lost keys, missing accessories, missing documents, or damage to the interior or exterior.

Ventu and the Host are not responsible for personal items left in the vehicle. Ventu may assist with communication, but recovery of lost items is not guaranteed.

17. Late Returns, Extensions, and Early Returns

The renter must return the vehicle at the date, time, and location agreed in the reservation.

If the renter needs more time, the renter must request an extension through Ventu before the scheduled return time. Extensions are not guaranteed and depend on Host approval, vehicle availability, payment, and platform confirmation.

Late returns may result in additional charges.

Returning the vehicle early does not automatically entitle the renter to a refund unless required by the applicable cancellation policy, reservation terms, or approved by Ventu.

18. Cancellations and Refunds

Cancellation and refund terms may vary depending on the reservation, Host policy, platform policy, timing, payment status, verification status, and reason for cancellation.

A renter may not be eligible for a refund if the renter:

Fails to complete identity or license verification.
Does not provide required documents.
Arrives late or does not show up.
Uses an unauthorized driver.
Violates these Terms.
Cannot legally drive.
Refuses the vehicle without valid reason after it is delivered as described.
Cancels outside the applicable cancellation window.

If a Host cancels or fails to provide the vehicle, Ventu may assist with replacement options or refund review.

Ventu may provide goodwill credits or refunds in specific cases, but doing so does not create an obligation to do the same in future cases.

19. Damage Claims and Dispute Review

If damage, loss, accident, mechanical failure, theft, misuse, or disagreement occurs, Ventu may open a review process.

The renter and Host agree to cooperate with Ventu, insurance providers, mechanics, roadside assistance providers, and relevant authorities.

Ventu may review available evidence, including but not limited to:

Renter statements.
Host statements.
Photos and videos.
Pickup and return documentation.
Inspection reports.
Mechanic assessments.
Insurance evaluations.
Vehicle records.
Trip information.
Messages.
Payment records.
Police or traffic reports.
Roadside assistance records.
Any other relevant documentation.

Based on available information, Ventu may determine whether the issue appears related to normal use, ordinary mechanical failure, accident, misuse, negligence, unauthorized use, or violation of these Terms.

If Ventu determines that charges may apply, Ventu may charge the renter’s payment method, apply the deposit, request additional payment, submit information to the insurance provider, withhold Host payout where appropriate, or take other reasonable action permitted by these Terms and applicable law.

If a renter disagrees with a charge or finding, the renter must contact Ventu and provide supporting information within the timeframe requested by Ventu.

Failure to respond or cooperate may result in Ventu making a decision based on the information available.

20. Host Responsibilities

Hosts are responsible for ensuring that vehicles listed on Ventu are safe, legal, properly maintained, accurately described, and available for confirmed reservations.

Hosts must:

Have legal ownership or authorization to list the vehicle.
Maintain valid vehicle documentation.
Maintain required insurance or protection coverage.
Keep the vehicle in safe and roadworthy condition.
Disclose known mechanical issues, restrictions, or important vehicle details.
Provide accurate listing photos, pricing, availability, and delivery information.
Honor confirmed bookings unless there is a valid reason for cancellation.
Deliver the vehicle clean, safe, and with the agreed fuel level.
Cooperate with Ventu in claims, disputes, and documentation.
Avoid off-platform payments or side agreements.
Treat renters respectfully and professionally.

Ventu may remove listings, suspend Hosts, cancel bookings, withhold payouts, or take other action if a Host violates these Terms, creates a safety concern, provides false information, fails to maintain a vehicle, or harms the trust of the platform.

21. Off-Platform Payments and Communication

All payments, deposits, refunds, extensions, and reservation-related charges must be processed through Ventu unless Ventu gives written approval.

Users may not use Ventu to find each other and then complete the rental outside the platform.

Off-platform transactions reduce safety, trust, insurance coordination, payment protection, documentation, and dispute support.

Ventu may suspend or remove users who attempt to avoid platform payments or complete side deals.

22. Privacy, Verification, and Data Use

Ventu may collect and process information necessary to operate the platform, verify users, process payments, manage bookings, support claims, improve safety, and comply with legal obligations.

This may include:

Name.
Contact information.
Identification documents.
Driver’s license information.
Payment information.
Booking history.
Communication records.
Vehicle photos.
Trip documentation.
Location or delivery information where applicable.
Claim and dispute documentation.

Ventu may share relevant information with Hosts, renters, payment processors, identity verification providers, insurance providers, mechanics, roadside assistance providers, legal advisors, law enforcement, or authorities when necessary to operate the platform, process a reservation, evaluate a claim, enforce these Terms, or comply with the law.

Ventu’s use of personal information is also governed by its Privacy Policy.

23. Reviews and Community Standards

Ventu may allow renters and Hosts to review each other after a reservation.

Reviews must be honest, relevant, respectful, and based on the actual rental experience.

Users may not post false, abusive, discriminatory, threatening, private, retaliatory, or misleading content.

Ventu may remove or moderate content that violates platform standards.

Users must not harass, threaten, discriminate against, intimidate, or abuse other users, Ventu representatives, Hosts, renters, or third parties.

24. Account Suspension and Platform Enforcement

Ventu may cancel reservations, deny bookings, remove listings, suspend accounts, restrict platform access, withhold payouts, apply deposits, or take other reasonable action if a user:

Violates these Terms.
Provides false or misleading information.
Fails verification.
Creates a safety, insurance, legal, payment, or fraud risk.
Fails to pay amounts owed.
Attempts off-platform transactions.
Harasses or abuses another user.
Damages a vehicle through misuse or negligence.
Files false claims.
Initiates improper chargebacks.
Acts in a way that harms the Ventu community.

25. Chargebacks, Failed Payments, and Collections

The renter remains responsible for legitimate charges related to a reservation, even if a payment fails, is reversed, or is disputed through a card issuer.

If a renter initiates a chargeback for a valid charge, Ventu may provide documentation to the payment processor, suspend the renter’s account, apply deposits, or seek payment through lawful means.

The renter may be responsible for collection costs, legal costs, administrative fees, or other costs permitted by law.

26. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Ventu is not responsible for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or external losses, including but not limited to missed flights, missed tours, hotel costs, transportation alternatives, loss of vacation time, lost income, inconvenience, emotional distress, or third-party expenses.

Ventu does not guarantee weather, road conditions, traffic, travel times, route availability, government decisions, third-party services, Host conduct, renter conduct, or uninterrupted vehicle availability.

Nothing in these Terms limits any rights that cannot be waived under applicable law.

27. Changes to These Terms

Ventu may update these Terms from time to time.

The updated version will be posted on the Ventu website or app with the updated date.

Continued use of Ventu after the updated Terms are posted means the user accepts the updated Terms, unless additional consent is required by law.

28. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of Costa Rica, unless otherwise required by applicable law.

Users agree to first contact Ventu to attempt to resolve any dispute related to a booking, payment, damage claim, refund, Host, renter, or platform issue.

Ventu may attempt to help coordinate a fair resolution, but users retain any rights available under applicable law.

Consumer Data Privacy Policy

At Ventu, we value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Consumer Data Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your data when you use our services. This policy complies with Costa Rican laws, including the Law on Protection of Personal Data (Law No. 8968).

Information We Collect

Personal Information: Name, address, email, phone number, driver's license details, payment information.

Usage Data: Information about how you use our platform, including IP address, browser type, access times, pages viewed, and the referring URL.

Vehicle Information: Details about the vehicles listed or rented, including registration, condition, and location.

How We Use Your Information

To Provide Services: Facilitate vehicle rentals, process payments, and provide customer support.

To Improve Our Services: Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience and improve our platform.

Marketing and Communication: Send promotional materials and updates about our services (with your consent).

Legal Compliance: Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms and conditions.

How We Share Your Information

With Other Users: Limited information shared with Owners and Renters to facilitate rentals (e.g., name, contact details).

Third-Party Service Providers: Payment processors (like Stripe), customer support, and IT service providers, all of whom are bound by strict data protection agreements.

Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect our rights and the safety of others.

Data Security

Encryption: Data transmitted between your browser and our servers is encrypted using SSL.

Access Controls: Personal data access is restricted to authorized personnel only.

Regular Audits: We conduct regular security audits to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

Your Rights

Access and Correction: You can access and update your personal information through your account settings.

Data Deletion: You can request the deletion of your personal data, subject to legal and contractual obligations.

Consent Withdrawal: You can withdraw your consent to data processing at any time, which may affect your ability to use certain services.

Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as necessary to provide our services, comply with legal obligations, and resolve disputes. Afterward, data is securely deleted or anonymized.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Significant changes will be communicated to you via email or through our platform. Continued use of our services implies acceptance of the updated policy.

Compliance with Costa Rican Law

This policy complies with Costa Rican laws, including the Law on Protection of Personal Data (Law No. 8968), ensuring the protection and privacy of your personal information.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please contact us at support@ventucr.com