Terms & Conditions

1. Purpose of the Service

This platform (“the App”) provides a facilitated carpooling service that connects private drivers with passengers who are travelling in the same direction. CrownHop is a private cost-sharing facilitator—not a transport operator, employer of drivers, or vehicle operator.

Although CrownHop does not provide a commercial passenger service, the platform is designed to align with New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) expectations for lawful private cost-sharing, including the standards that apply to Small Passenger Service Licence (SPSL) holders where relevant, by capping contributions, prohibiting commercial or on-demand use, and enforcing account rules. All trips arranged through the App must comply with New Zealand's cost-sharing exemption under the Land Transport Act.

Use of the App is also subject to our separate Liability Waiver, which covers assumption of risk, release of liability, and indemnity. If there is a conflict between these Terms & Conditions and the Liability Waiver, these Terms prevail except where the waiver adds additional assumed-risk language permitted by law.

2. Nature of the Trips

All trips arranged through the App must meet the following conditions:

• The driver must be already travelling to the destination for their own purposes.
• The driver may only receive cost-sharing contributions, not income or profit.
• The App is not a taxi, rideshare, shuttle, or hire-and-reward service.
• Drivers are not “on-demand” and cannot be booked for commercial transport.

For the inherent risks of travelling with other users, see the Liability Waiver (assumption of risk).

3. Cost-sharing Rules

To comply with NZ law, the following rules apply:

4. Driver Requirements

Drivers using the App confirm that:

• They hold a valid NZ driver licence for the class of vehicle used.
• Their vehicle is legally registered and has a current Warrant of Fitness (WoF).
• They are driving their own private vehicle or have permission to use it.
• They are travelling the route for personal reasons, not commercial gain.
• They will not deviate significantly from their intended route to pick up passengers.
• They will not advertise rides for the purpose of generating income.
• They will not exceed the facilitated cost-sharing rate used by the App.

Drivers do not require a P-endorsement or Small Passenger Service Licence only if they comply with these rules.

CrownHop does not vet or guarantee driver competence or vehicle condition—see the Liability Waiver (no guarantee of safety).

5. Passenger Requirements

Passengers agree to:

• Pay only the cost-sharing contribution calculated by the App.
• Understand that drivers are private individuals, not professional drivers.
• Behave respectfully and safely during the trip.
• Not request detours or additional services beyond the agreed route.

Passengers are solely responsible for assessing the suitability of any ride or travel companion—see the Liability Waiver.

6. Vehicle Standards

Drivers must ensure that their vehicle:

• Is legally registered and warranted (WOF).
• Is safe, roadworthy, and suitable for carrying passengers.
• Has appropriate insurance (the App recommends notifying insurers of carpooling use).

CrownHop does not inspect vehicles. For limits on platform liability relating to vehicle safety, see the Liability Waiver.

7. Insurance

The App does not provide insurance. Drivers and passengers acknowledge:

• Private vehicle insurance policies may have conditions regarding passenger transport.
• It is the driver's responsibility to ensure they are covered for carpooling.
• The App is not liable for any insurance disputes.

For release of liability relating to insurance coverage gaps, see the Liability Waiver.

8. Liability & Disclaimer

The App:

• Does not operate as a transport service provider.
• Does not employ or contract drivers.
• Does not guarantee the safety, behaviour, or reliability of users.
• Is not responsible for accidents, delays, cancellations, or disputes between users.

Users participate at their own risk.

Assumption of risk, release of liability, indemnity, and Consumer Guarantees Act carve-outs are set out in the separate Liability Waiver, which forms part of your agreement with CrownHop.

9. Payments

All payments processed through the App:

• Are limited to cost-sharing contributions.
• Are calculated automatically using the facilitated per-kilometre cost-sharing rate.
• Must not exceed the driver's actual costs.
• Are not wages, fares, or commercial income.

The App may charge a platform fee to passengers (not drivers). This fee is separate from the cost-sharing contribution and does not constitute hire or reward for the driver.

Stripe Connect. CrownHop may use Stripe Connect so that passenger card payments can be split between the platform (for example your service or booking fee) and the driver's Stripe connected account (for the reimbursement portion). Drivers who receive payouts complete Stripe's separate onboarding and contract with Stripe for that connected account. CrownHop remains a matching and payments-facilitation layer only; it is not a bank, money transmitter, or transport service. Tax (including GST), reporting, and classification of amounts you receive or pay are your responsibility—seek professional advice where needed.

Payment processing services are provided by Stripe and related banking partners. By using CrownHop payments, you also agree to Stripe's services terms and privacy terms. Charge outcomes, bank transfer timing, payment reversals, and card-network dispute decisions are determined by Stripe, issuers, and acquirers, not CrownHop.

For platform limits on liability for payment processing issues, see the Liability Waiver (payments & indemnity).

9A. Refunds and cancellations

CrownHop's refund and cancellation process is published in the in-app Refunds & Cancellations policy page. Payment reversal timing depends on Stripe, card networks, and issuing banks.

10. Prohibited Conduct

Users must not:

• Use the App to operate a commercial passenger service.
• Charge more than the facilitated cost-sharing amount calculated by the App.
• Misrepresent the purpose of the trip.
• Solicit rides for income.
• Provide “on-demand” transport.
• Circumvent the cost-sharing rules in any way.

Violation may result in account suspension or removal.

CrownHop does not monitor every ride. Users who operate outside these rules (for example by charging above permitted cost-sharing limits, providing on-demand or commercial transport, or misrepresenting trip purpose) do so on their own account. To the maximum extent permitted by New Zealand law, CrownHop is not responsible for a user's breach of these Terms or of applicable transport, tax, or licensing law. CrownHop applies reasonable barriers—including contribution caps, prohibited conduct rules, and account enforcement—but does not supervise individual journeys.

For indemnity if your conduct breaches these rules or harms another user, see the Liability Waiver.

10A. Identity verification

Passengers and drivers must complete Stripe Identity verification (government photo ID such as a passport, national ID card, or driver licence, plus a matching selfie) before booking a ride. Drivers must also complete verification before publishing rides. You may browse available trips without verifying. After successful verification, the gender on your profile is locked for female-only trip integrity; contact CrownHop if you need a correction.

10B. Waitlist referral launch credits

While CrownHop is in waitlist mode, members who have joined the waitlist may invite new people using a personal invite link. Launch credits (up to NZ$20 total) unlock when invited friends are new to CrownHop and complete Stripe identity verification. Credits:

• Have no cash value and cannot be withdrawn, transferred, or redeemed for cash.
• May only reduce CrownHop's service contribution on eligible bookings after service launch — they do not reduce driver cost-share reimbursements.
• Remain pending until CrownHop launches rides, then expire 12 months after the launch date.
• Require the earners themselves to be identity-verified before use at checkout.
• Are void for self-referrals, duplicate accounts, and people already on the waitlist or with an account.

CrownHop may amend or cancel the referral programme and may revoke credits obtained through fraud or abuse.

11. Data & Privacy

The App collects and processes personal information for the purpose of facilitating carpooling. All data is handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. See our Privacy Policy for details.

12. Amendments

The App may update these Terms & Conditions and the Liability Waiver at any time. When we make material changes, you will be prompted to review and accept the updated documents before continuing to use CrownHop. Continued use after acceptance constitutes agreement to the updated terms.

13. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of New Zealand.