RecoBuddy Terms of Use

1. About these Terms

These Terms of Use govern access to and use of RecoBuddy, including:

• the RecoBuddy mobile application;
• the RecoBuddy website;
• the RecoBuddy Business platform;
• dashboards and account areas;
• job posting and quotation tools;
• messaging;
• payment and payout functionality;
• tracking and status tools;
• invoices and transaction records;
• provider profiles;
• reviews and ratings; and
• any other services, features or functionality made available by RecoBuddy.

By creating an account, accessing RecoBuddy, posting or quoting for a job, accepting a quote, making or receiving payment, or otherwise using the platform, you agree to these Terms.

These Terms should be read together with RecoBuddy’s:

• Privacy Policy;
• Cookie Policy;
• Commission & Payment Terms;
• Cancellation Policy;
• Refund Policy;
• Provider or Driver Agreement, where applicable;
• Business Account Terms, where applicable; and
• any additional terms presented for a specific feature, promotion or service.

If specific terms apply to a particular service or transaction, those specific terms will take priority to the extent of any inconsistency.

2. About RecoBuddy

RecoBuddy Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales.

Company number: 17033260

Registered office: 4th Floor, Silverstream House, 45 Fitzroy Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 6EB

Website: www.recobuddy.co.uk
Email: admin@recobuddy.co.uk

ICO registration number: ZC151461

In these Terms:

“RecoBuddy”, “we”, “us” or “our” means RecoBuddy Ltd.

3. RecoBuddy is a Marketplace

RecoBuddy is a technology marketplace that connects customers and businesses requiring vehicle recovery, vehicle transport or related vehicle movement services with independent providers.

Unless RecoBuddy expressly states otherwise in writing:

• RecoBuddy does not itself provide vehicle recovery or transport services;
• RecoBuddy does not normally employ the providers who perform jobs;
• providers operate independently;
• providers decide whether to quote for jobs;
• providers generally set their own prices; and
• the provider selected by the customer is responsible for carrying out the transport or recovery service.

RecoBuddy provides technology and related platform services including job posting, provider discovery, quotes, communication tools, payment facilitation, booking management, tracking functionality, records, invoices and customer support.

The fact that a payment, invoice, receipt, message, tracking update or booking confirmation is generated through RecoBuddy does not mean that RecoBuddy performed the underlying recovery or transport service.

4. Contract Between Customer and Provider

When a customer accepts a provider’s quote and the booking is confirmed, a contract for the underlying transport or recovery service is normally formed between:

the customer or business requesting the service, and
the independent provider whose quote was accepted.

RecoBuddy facilitates that transaction but is not normally a party to the underlying transport contract.

The accepted provider is responsible for performing the service in accordance with:

• the accepted quote;
• the job information;
• any properly agreed additional conditions;
• applicable law;
• applicable insurance requirements; and
• these Terms.

RecoBuddy remains responsible for the platform services that RecoBuddy itself provides.

5. Who May Use RecoBuddy

You must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering into a contract to create an account or make a booking.

Businesses may create accounts through an authorised employee, director, owner or representative.

You must not create an account using false information, impersonate another person or business, or use RecoBuddy for fraudulent or unlawful purposes.

6. Account Types

RecoBuddy may provide different account types, including:

Customer Accounts

For individuals arranging vehicle transport or recovery.

Provider Accounts

For independent drivers, recovery operators, transport providers and transport businesses seeking work.

Business Accounts

For dealerships, traders, garages, bodyshops, auctions, fleets, leasing businesses, insurers and other organisations managing vehicle movements.

Different features, fees, verification requirements and commercial terms may apply to different account types.

7. Account Information

You must provide accurate, complete and current information.

You are responsible for keeping information such as your:

• name;
• business details;
• address;
• telephone number;
• email;
• vehicle information;
• insurance information;
• licences;
• payment information; and
• other account details

up to date.

You must not allow another person to use your account unless permitted through an authorised RecoBuddy team or business-account feature.

You are responsible for activity carried out through your account where that activity results from your failure to protect your login credentials.

8. Business Accounts and Team Access

Business customers may be able to invite employees or authorised users to access a RecoBuddy Business account.

The account owner or authorised administrator is responsible for:

• deciding who may access the account;
• assigning permissions;
• removing users who no longer require access; and
• ensuring users act on behalf of the business appropriately.

Actions performed by authorised team members may be treated as actions of the business account.

RecoBuddy Business may provide functionality including:

• job management;
• quote comparison;
• live job tracking;
• invoices;
• transaction history;
• saved locations;
• preferred providers;
• team access;
• transport-spend reporting;
• job analytics; and
• other business-management features.

Analytics and reporting may contain estimates, categorisations or data derived from platform activity and should not be treated as professional accounting, tax or financial advice.

9. Posting a Job

Customers and businesses may post vehicle recovery or transport requirements through RecoBuddy.

You must provide accurate information, including where relevant:

• vehicle make and model;
• registration;
• vehicle condition;
• whether the vehicle is running;
• collection location;
• delivery location;
• access restrictions;
• required date or timeframe;
• keys availability;
• vehicle size or weight where relevant;
• special loading requirements; and
• any information reasonably necessary for providers to quote accurately and safely.

You must not deliberately omit information that could materially affect the price, equipment required or ability to complete the job.

10. Provider Quotes

Providers decide whether to quote for jobs.

Providers generally set their own price.

A quote should reflect the provider’s assessment of the job based on the information available, including:

• distance;
• vehicle type and condition;
• loading requirements;
• timing;
• access;
• fuel and operating costs;
• equipment;
• availability;
• legal requirements; and
• RecoBuddy commission or fees payable by the provider.

Submitting a quote does not guarantee that the customer will select that provider.

Customers are free to compare quotes and are not required to accept any quote.

11. Price Transparency

The amount shown to the customer before confirming the booking should represent the amount payable for the accepted quote, subject only to additional charges that are later properly agreed because the job materially differs from the information originally supplied or another legitimate circumstance arises.

Providers must not:

• advertise misleading prices;
• submit artificially low quotes with the intention of increasing them later;
• conceal mandatory charges;
• add undisclosed compulsory fees; or
• ask customers to make an additional payment solely to cover RecoBuddy’s provider commission.

UK consumer rules require clear presentation of total mandatory pricing and restrict drip pricing and misleading pricing practices. GOV.UK

12. Additional Charges

Additional charges may sometimes be necessary, for example where:

• the vehicle details were materially inaccurate;
• the vehicle is not in the stated condition;
• additional equipment becomes necessary;
• collection or delivery access differs materially from what was stated;
• unreasonable waiting time occurs;
• keys are unavailable;
• the customer changes the agreed route or requirements; or
• another unexpected circumstance materially changes the job.

Any additional charge must be reasonable and clearly explained.

Where reasonably possible, the customer must agree to the additional charge through RecoBuddy before the additional work is carried out.

13. Provider Verification

RecoBuddy may require providers to complete verification before quoting for or accepting jobs.

Verification may include some or all of the following:

• identity checks;
• driving licence;
• business information;
• vehicle information;
• V5C documentation;
• MOT information;
• commercial motor insurance;
• Goods in Transit or carrier liability cover;
• Public Liability insurance;
• operator licence where applicable;
• vehicle photographs;
• payment or Stripe verification;
• supporting documents; and
• other information reasonably required by RecoBuddy.

Requirements may differ according to the provider’s vehicle, business model, job type or applicable law.

14. Meaning of “Verified”

Where RecoBuddy describes a provider as “verified”, “approved”, “checked” or similar, this means that the provider has completed the checks required by RecoBuddy at the relevant time.

Verification does not mean that RecoBuddy:

• employs the provider;
• guarantees the provider’s future conduct;
• guarantees the quality of every job;
• guarantees that information will remain valid indefinitely;
• provides the provider’s insurance; or
• accepts responsibility for the provider’s underlying transport service.

Providers remain responsible for maintaining valid and appropriate documentation at all times.

RecoBuddy may conduct further checks or request updated documents.

15. Provider Responsibilities

Providers are independently responsible for ensuring that they are legally and operationally able to perform each job.

This includes responsibility for:

• appropriate insurance;
• driving entitlement;
• vehicle roadworthiness;
• MOT requirements;
• operator licensing where applicable;
• towing and vehicle weight restrictions;
• equipment;
• load security;
• employment obligations;
• tax;
• licences and permits;
• working-time obligations;
• road traffic law;
• staff and subcontractors; and
• any other legal requirements applying to their business.

A provider must not quote for or accept a job they are not properly insured, licensed, equipped or competent to perform.

16. Independent Provider Status

Providers use RecoBuddy as independent businesses or self-employed service providers unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing.

Nothing in these Terms creates:

• an employment relationship;
• worker status;
• a partnership;
• a joint venture; or
• a general agency relationship

between RecoBuddy and a provider.

Providers generally decide:

• whether to use RecoBuddy;
• which jobs to quote for;
• their quoted price;
• when they are available; and
• how they conduct their independent business, subject to platform standards and applicable law.

17. Provider Conduct

Providers must:

• behave professionally;
• communicate clearly;
• attend when agreed;
• treat customers and their property respectfully;
• exercise appropriate care with vehicles;
• provide accurate status updates;
• use suitable equipment;
• complete jobs safely and lawfully;
• provide evidence of collection or delivery where required; and
• cooperate reasonably with RecoBuddy support.

Repeated complaints, cancellations, misconduct or failures may result in account restrictions or removal.

18. Payments

Payments may be processed through Stripe or another payment provider selected by RecoBuddy.

RecoBuddy currently uses Stripe to support marketplace payments and provider payouts. Stripe Connect is specifically designed for platforms and marketplaces and can provide connected-account onboarding, verification and payout functionality. Stripe

By using payment functionality, you may also be required to accept the relevant payment provider’s terms.

RecoBuddy does not store full card details where these are handled directly by the payment processor.

19. Customer Fees

Unless expressly stated otherwise before booking, standard customers pay the quote they choose to accept.

RecoBuddy does not currently add a separate customer-side:

• platform fee;
• booking fee;
• service fee; or
• commission

on top of the accepted provider quote.

This may differ where a separate written business arrangement applies.

20. Provider Commission

RecoBuddy may charge providers a commission or platform fee for jobs completed through RecoBuddy.

The applicable commission may depend on:

• provider type;
• account agreement;
• promotional arrangements;
• job type;
• commercial agreement; or
• other terms displayed to the provider.

The applicable fee or commission should be made available to the provider before it becomes binding.

Providers remain responsible for factoring RecoBuddy’s commission into the price they choose to quote.

21. Provider Payouts

Provider payouts are subject to:

• successful customer payment;
• completion of applicable payment verification;
• job status;
• payment-provider processing;
• refunds;
• disputes;
• chargebacks;
• fraud or safety checks;
• account restrictions; and
• RecoBuddy’s Commission & Payment Terms.

RecoBuddy does not guarantee that banks or payment processors will transfer money instantly.

22. Stripe Connected Accounts

Providers may be required to create or connect a Stripe account.

Stripe may require identity, business, banking, sanctions or compliance checks before enabling payment functionality.

Providers are responsible for supplying accurate information to Stripe.

Depending on the Stripe Connect arrangement used by RecoBuddy, Stripe may have a direct contractual relationship with the provider as a connected account. Stripe Support

23. Cancellations and Refunds

Cancellations and refunds are subject to RecoBuddy’s Cancellation Policy, Refund Policy and Commission & Payment Terms.

Factors that may be relevant include:

• who cancelled;
• when cancellation occurred;
• whether the provider had already travelled;
• whether capacity had been reserved;
• whether collection had commenced;
• inaccurate information;
• failure to attend;
• vehicle availability;
• access problems; and
• costs reasonably incurred.

Cancellation charges must be reasonable and lawful.

Terms that impose excessive cancellation charges or automatically retain disproportionate prepayments may be unfair under UK consumer law. GOV.UK

For consumer bookings involving transport of goods for a specific date or period, statutory cooling-off rights may not apply in the same way as ordinary distance-service contracts. Regulation 28 of the Consumer Contracts Regulations specifically excludes certain contracts for transport of goods where there is a specific date or period of performance. Nothing in these Terms removes any statutory right that applies to a particular booking. Legislation.gov.uk

24. Off-Platform Arrangements

Jobs introduced through RecoBuddy must remain on RecoBuddy unless RecoBuddy expressly authorises otherwise.

Providers must not ask customers to:

• cancel a RecoBuddy booking;
• pay privately;
• move the transaction off-platform;
• conceal a completed job; or
• otherwise avoid RecoBuddy commission.

Customers must not encourage providers to complete RecoBuddy-originated jobs privately to bypass the platform.

Circumvention may result in:

• removal of platform protection;
• warnings;
• account restrictions;
• provider visibility restrictions;
• suspension;
• payout withholding where legally permitted;
• recovery of platform fees;
• termination; or
• permanent account closure.

25. Communications

RecoBuddy may provide in-app messaging between users and providers.

Users must not use messaging to:

• harass;
• threaten;
• discriminate;
• send unlawful material;
• commit fraud;
• obtain off-platform payment;
• spam; or
• misuse another person’s personal information.

RecoBuddy may review platform communications where reasonably necessary for:

• customer support;
• safety;
• fraud prevention;
• dispute investigation;
• platform compliance;
• anti-circumvention enforcement; or
• legal obligations,

n accordance with the Privacy Policy and applicable data protection law.

26. Live Tracking and Location Data

Where available, RecoBuddy may provide location-based tracking and job-status information.

Tracking information may be dependent on:

• provider device location;
• mobile signal;
• GPS availability;
• device permissions;
• battery;
• internet connectivity; and
• provider status updates.

Tracking is provided as an operational aid and may not always be exact, continuous or available.

Users must not use location information for harassment, surveillance or any unlawful purpose.

27. Collection, Delivery and Proof of Delivery

RecoBuddy may support:

• collection confirmation;
• status updates;
• photographs;
• electronic proof of delivery;
• delivery codes;
• signatures;
• timestamps; and
• location records.

Customers and providers should inspect vehicles where reasonably possible at collection and delivery.

Any suspected loss or damage should be reported as soon as reasonably practicable together with relevant supporting evidence.

Reporting through RecoBuddy does not replace any rights or obligations under the transport contract or applicable insurance policy.

28. Vehicle Damage and Insurance Claims

The provider performing the transport service is responsible for exercising appropriate care over the vehicle while it is in their custody or control.

Where damage is alleged, RecoBuddy may help the parties communicate and may provide relevant platform records.

RecoBuddy is not itself the provider’s insurer and does not guarantee payment of an insurance claim.

Responsibility for damage will depend on the circumstances, applicable law, contractual terms and relevant insurance coverage.

29. Invoices and VAT

RecoBuddy may generate:

• invoices;
• VAT invoices;
• receipts;
• payout statements;
• payment confirmations; and
• transaction summaries

through the platform.

Where the independent provider is the supplier of the transport service, an invoice generated by RecoBuddy may be generated on behalf of that provider.

The invoice should identify the relevant supplier.

VAT must only be charged where legally applicable.

Providers are responsible for ensuring that VAT registration information they provide is accurate.

RecoBuddy does not provide tax advice.

30. Reviews and Ratings

Users may be invited to review providers following genuine platform activity.

Reviews must:

• reflect a genuine experience;
• be honest;
• be relevant;
• not be defamatory or unlawful;
• not contain threats or harassment;
• not contain unnecessary personal information; and
• not be fabricated or manipulated.

Providers must not create or arrange fake reviews.

No person may offer or accept an incentive that is conditional on a review being positive.

RecoBuddy may verify, moderate, reject, label or remove reviews where reasonably necessary to comply with law or maintain the integrity of the review system.

UK consumer protection rules now expressly regulate fake and misleading online reviews, and platforms publishing reviews must take reasonable and proportionate steps to prevent prohibited review practices. GOV.UK

31. User Content

You retain ownership of content you provide, including:

• photographs;
• reviews;
• messages;
• vehicle information;
• documents; and
• profile content.

You grant RecoBuddy a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to host, process, reproduce and display that content only to the extent reasonably necessary to:

• operate RecoBuddy;
• provide platform functionality;
• process bookings;
• resolve disputes;
• prevent fraud;
• provide support;
• enforce these Terms; and
• comply with law.

Any broader marketing use of identifiable user content should be subject to appropriate consent or other lawful basis.

32. Promotions, Discounts and Credits

RecoBuddy may offer:

• promotional discounts;
• referral credits;
• account credits;
• vouchers;
• introductory offers; and
• other promotions.

Promotions may have:

• expiry dates;
• maximum values;
• account limits;
• eligibility rules;
• job restrictions; and
• separate terms.

RecoBuddy may refuse or withdraw a promotion where there is fraud, misuse, duplication, technical error or breach of promotional terms.

Where RecoBuddy funds a customer discount, this does not automatically reduce the provider’s payout unless stated otherwise.

33. Availability of Jobs and Quotes

RecoBuddy does not guarantee:

• that a customer will receive a quote;
• how many quotes will be received;
• that a quote will meet a particular price;
• that a provider will win work;
• that jobs will always be available in a provider’s area; or
• continuous marketplace demand.

Availability depends on factors including location, provider supply, customer demand, timing and job requirements.

34. Platform Availability

RecoBuddy aims to keep its services available but does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation.

The platform may occasionally be unavailable because of:

• maintenance;
• software updates;
• infrastructure failures;
• third-party outages;
• payment-provider issues;
• mobile-network problems;
• cyber incidents; or
• events outside RecoBuddy’s reasonable control.

RecoBuddy may modify, replace, suspend or discontinue platform features where reasonably necessary.

35. Third-Party Services

RecoBuddy may integrate with third parties including:

• Stripe;
• mapping providers;
• analytics providers;
• communications services;
• cloud infrastructure;
• identity or verification providers; and
• other technology partners.

Third-party services may be governed by their own terms and privacy policies.

RecoBuddy is not responsible for third-party services outside its reasonable control.

36. Intellectual Property

RecoBuddy and its licensors own all rights in the RecoBuddy platform, including:

• software;
• design;
• branding;
• logos;
• databases;
• platform content;
• interfaces;
• graphics; and
• proprietary technology.

You may not without permission:

• copy the platform;
• reverse engineer software except where law permits;
• scrape RecoBuddy systematically;
• reproduce RecoBuddy branding;
• create misleading copies;
• access the platform using unauthorised automated tools; or
• exploit RecoBuddy intellectual property commercially.

37. Prohibited Use

You must not use RecoBuddy to:

• commit fraud;
• facilitate stolen vehicles;
• transport property unlawfully;
• impersonate another person;
• provide false documents;
• evade payment;
• manipulate quotes or reviews;
• circumvent RecoBuddy;
• interfere with platform security;
• introduce malware;
• scrape platform data unlawfully;
• harass users;
• discriminate unlawfully;
• engage in dangerous activity; or
• breach applicable law.

RecoBuddy may report suspected criminal activity to appropriate authorities.

38. Suspension and Termination

RecoBuddy may restrict, suspend or terminate an account where reasonably necessary, including where:

• documents expire;
• insurance lapses;
• verification fails;
• fraud is suspected;
• off-platform activity occurs;
• payment obligations remain unpaid;
• safety concerns arise;
• repeated complaints occur;
• jobs are repeatedly abandoned;
• misleading information is supplied;
• these Terms are materially breached; or
• law or a payment provider requires action.

Where appropriate, RecoBuddy may request corrective action before termination.

Immediate suspension may occur where safety, fraud, legal or payment risk requires it.

39. Account Closure

Users may request account closure subject to:

• outstanding bookings;
• payments;
• disputes;
• legal retention requirements;
• fraud-prevention obligations; and
• other legitimate outstanding matters.

Closing an account does not eliminate obligations arising from transactions entered into before closure.

40. Complaints and Disputes

If you have a complaint, contact RecoBuddy through the app, website or:

admin@recobuddy.co.uk

Please provide where available:

• job reference;
• account information;
• date;
• provider/customer details;
• description of the issue; and
• supporting evidence.

RecoBuddy may attempt to facilitate communication between the parties but does not guarantee the outcome of disputes involving independent providers.

41. Platform Records

RecoBuddy may rely on platform records when reviewing disputes, cancellations, payments or account issues.

Records may include:

• account activity;
• job details;
• quotes;
• messages;
• payment records;
• GPS/location data;
• tracking;
• photographs;
• documents;
• timestamps;
• booking records;
• support conversations;
• invoices; and
• provider updates.

Such records are not necessarily conclusive and may be considered alongside other evidence.

42. Consumer Rights

Nothing in these Terms excludes or restricts rights that a consumer has under applicable law.

Consumer contract terms must be fair and transparent, and unfair terms may be unenforceable. GOV.UK

If there is a conflict between these Terms and a mandatory consumer right, the mandatory consumer right will prevail.

43. RecoBuddy’s Liability

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability where it would be unlawful to do so, including liability for:

• death or personal injury caused by negligence;
• fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; or
• any liability that cannot legally be excluded.

RecoBuddy is responsible for losses that are a reasonably foreseeable result of RecoBuddy breaching these Terms or failing to use reasonable care and skill in providing its own platform services.

RecoBuddy is not responsible merely because an independent provider:

• performs a job poorly;
• causes damage;
• arrives late;
• cancels;
• breaches their transport contract; or
• fails to comply with legal obligations,

unless RecoBuddy itself is legally responsible for the relevant loss.

Nothing in this section affects consumer statutory rights.

44. Business Users – Limitation of Liability

If you use RecoBuddy wholly or mainly for business purposes, then, to the fullest extent permitted by law, RecoBuddy will not be liable for:

• loss of profits;
• loss of revenue;
• loss of business;
• loss of contracts;
• loss of anticipated savings;
• loss of goodwill; or
• indirect or consequential loss

arising from use of the platform.

Any financial liability cap applicable to business users should be set out in the relevant Business Account Terms or commercial agreement.

45. User Responsibility for Loss

A user may be responsible for losses reasonably incurred by RecoBuddy as a direct result of:

• fraud;
• deliberate circumvention;
• knowingly false information;
• unlawful conduct;
• chargeback abuse;
• misuse of the platform; or
• material breach of these Terms,

to the extent permitted by law.

46. Data Protection

RecoBuddy processes personal data in accordance with its Privacy Policy and applicable data protection law.

Depending on the features used, data may include:

• identity information;
• contact details;
• vehicle information;
• job details;
• payment-related data;
• location information;
• communications;
• uploaded documents; and
• support records.

Users should read the Privacy Policy before using RecoBuddy.

47. Changes to RecoBuddy

RecoBuddy may add, remove or change features as the platform develops.

This may include changes to:

• account functionality;
• verification;
• payment processes;
• provider features;
• business tools;
• tracking;
• commission structures; and
• user interfaces.

Material contractual or pricing changes will be communicated where reasonably required.

48. Changes to These Terms

RecoBuddy may update these Terms.

Where changes materially affect users’ rights or obligations, RecoBuddy will aim to provide reasonable notice through:

• the app;
• the website;
• email; or
• another appropriate method.

Updated Terms will apply from the stated effective date.

Changes will not normally alter the agreed price or core contractual terms of an already confirmed booking unless required by law, agreed by the parties or reasonably necessary to address fraud or legal compliance.

49. Transfer of Rights

RecoBuddy may transfer its rights and obligations under these Terms as part of:

• a corporate restructuring;
• financing;
• merger;
• acquisition;
• sale of business; or
• transfer to another group company,

provided this does not reduce mandatory consumer protections.

Users may not transfer their account or contractual rights without RecoBuddy’s permission where doing so would materially affect platform operation, except where law permits otherwise.

50. Severability

If any part of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply.

51. No Waiver

If RecoBuddy does not immediately enforce a right under these Terms, that does not mean RecoBuddy has waived that right.

52. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

If you are a consumer living elsewhere in the United Kingdom, you retain any mandatory rights available to you under the law applicable to your place of residence and any applicable right to bring proceedings in your local courts.

Business disputes will ordinarily be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales unless a separate written agreement states otherwise.

53. Contact RecoBuddy

For questions about these Terms:

RecoBuddy Ltd4th Floor, Silverstream House45 Fitzroy StreetFitzroviaLondon W1T 6EB

Email: admin@recobuddy.co.uk

Website: www.recobuddy.co.uk