Terms of Use

Legal terms and conditions for using the Herdy carpooling platform

Last updated: December 2024

1. Acceptance of Terms

By downloading, installing, accessing, or using the Herdy mobile application or website (the "Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use our Service.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Herdy regarding your use of our carpooling platform.

2. Description of Service

Herdy is a carpooling platform that connects drivers and passengers for shared transportation. Our Service allows users to:

  • Find and book rides with other users
  • Offer rides to fellow community members
  • Share transportation costs fairly
  • Connect with verified community members
  • Access safety features and support

Herdy acts as an intermediary platform and is not a transportation company. We do not provide transportation services directly.

3. User Eligibility

To use Herdy, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have the legal capacity to enter into contracts
  • Comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws

4. User Registration and Accounts

You must create an account to use Herdy. You agree to:

  • Provide accurate, current, and complete information
  • Maintain and update your account information
  • Keep your login credentials confidential
  • Be responsible for all activity under your account
  • Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access

We reserve the right to verify your identity and may require additional documentation for safety and security purposes.

5. User Responsibilities

All Users

  • Treat all community members with respect and courtesy
  • Provide accurate information about rides and availability
  • Communicate clearly and promptly with other users
  • Follow safety guidelines and recommendations
  • Report any safety concerns or inappropriate behavior

Drivers

  • Ensure vehicle is safe, clean, and roadworthy
  • Follow all traffic laws and drive safely
  • Not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Maintain appropriate vehicle insurance coverage

Passengers

  • Be punctual for scheduled rides
  • Respect the driver's vehicle and rules
  • Contribute fairly to ride costs as agreed
  • Follow safety instructions from drivers

6. Ridesharing Rules

Herdy facilitates cost-sharing for rides, not commercial transportation services. Key principles:

  • Drivers may only seek reimbursement for actual costs (fuel, tolls, maintenance)
  • Drivers cannot profit from providing rides
  • All ride arrangements are made directly between users
  • Payment has been made before the trip

7. Payments and Fees

All payment transactions between passengers and drivers are processed through Herdy's platform using Stripe, our third-party payment processor. By using our service, you agree to the following payment terms:

Payment Processing

  • All ride payments must be made through Herdy's platform
  • Payments are processed securely by Stripe, Inc.
  • You must provide valid payment method information
  • Cash payments or direct transactions outside the platform are prohibited
  • Payment authorization occurs when you book a ride

Herdy Service Fees

  • Herdy charges a service fee on every transaction
  • Service fees are automatically deducted from each payment
  • Current fee structure will be clearly displayed before booking
  • Fees may vary based on ride distance, demand, or promotional offers
  • Fee changes will be communicated with reasonable advance notice

Payment Responsibilities

  • Passengers are charged when rides has been approved by the driver
  • Drivers receive payment minus Herdy's service fee when rides are completed successfully
  • Payment disputes must be reported within 24 hours
  • Refunds are processed according to our refund policy

Refunds and Cancellations

  • Cancellation fees may apply based on timing and circumstances
  • Refunds are processed through the original payment method
  • Processing time for refunds may take 5-10 business days
  • Herdy service fees are generally non-refundable

8. Safety and Insurance

Important: Users participate in carpooling at their own risk. Herdy does not provide insurance coverage for rides arranged through our platform.

  • Drivers must maintain appropriate vehicle insurance
  • Users should verify insurance coverage before participating
  • Report safety concerns immediately through our platform
  • Follow all safety recommendations and guidelines

9. Prohibited Uses

Users are prohibited from:

  • Using the Service for commercial transportation purposes
  • Harassing, threatening, or discriminating against other users
  • Providing false or misleading information
  • Using the platform for illegal activities
  • Attempting to circumvent safety or security measures
  • Violating any applicable laws or regulations
  • Creating multiple accounts or fake profiles

10. Intellectual Property

The Herdy app, website, and all related content are protected by intellectual property laws. You agree not to:

  • Copy, modify, or distribute our content without permission
  • Reverse engineer or attempt to extract source code
  • Use our trademarks, logos, or branding without authorization
  • Create derivative works based on our platform

11. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Please review our Privacy Policy to understand how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

12. Disclaimers

Disclaimer: Herdy provides the platform "as is" without warranties of any kind.

We do not warrant that the Service will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free from viruses or other harmful components. We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

13. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Herdy shall not be liable for:

  • Any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
  • Accidents, injuries, or damages occurring during rides
  • Actions or omissions of other users
  • Loss of data or interruption of service
  • Any damages exceeding the fees paid to Herdy

14. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time for:

  • Violation of these Terms of Use
  • Fraudulent or illegal activity
  • Safety concerns or inappropriate behavior
  • Extended periods of inactivity

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us or using account settings in the app.

15. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of significant changes via email or app notification. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

16. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Use, please contact us:

Email Support

legal@herdy.com

General Inquiries

info@herdy.com