1. Core principles of the community

Being part of Exchange your Van is not just about listing a vehicle. It means making a commitment to the rest of the community. All Members agree to:

• Act with honesty and transparency: don't hide mechanical faults or details about the equipment. If something doesn't work in your van, your exchange partner needs to know.
• Respect the other person's vehicle, time and life: another Member's vehicle is their treasure and often their home. Treat it with the same care you give your own, or more. Respect handover times and each owner's personal circumstances.
• Follow the rules and local law: respect the Platform's terms as well as the overnight parking, parking and traffic rules of every place you visit. Wherever you go, you represent the whole vanlife community.
• Foster a safe and cooperative environment: help make Exchange your Van a place where we all feel safe handing over our keys.
• Equality and respect: treat every Member with the same respect, without distinction of any kind. On the road, we are all equal.
• Neutrality on the platform: don't use Exchange your Van to proselytise or promote political, religious or social agendas. We are here to travel and share vehicles.
• No disguised rentals: Exchange your Van is an exchange platform. Trying to rent your vehicle to other Members for money is strictly forbidden. Other platforms already exist for that.
• Protecting the exchange: don't arrange exchanges with Members outside the Platform. Recording the exchange on Exchange your Van is what activates the guarantees, the points system and mutual protection. If you go outside it, you are not covered.

2. Members' responsibilities

A. Before the exchange

Honest listings and real commitments. Provide truthful, up-to-date information about your campervan or motorhome, with no small print, especially:

• Mechanical condition and location: don't hide that engine warning light that sometimes comes on, or traction problems. Safety comes first.
• Equipment and systems: accurately describe the condition of the leisure battery, heating, water systems, solar panels and safety devices (gas alarms, fire extinguishers).
• Real availability: keep your calendar up to date so you don't waste other drivers' time.
• "Home on Wheels" rules: make it clear whether you allow pets, whether smoking is allowed and whether there are any driving restrictions (for example, low-emission zones).
• Mileage: state in your listing how many kilometres per day are included. If you want to charge for extra kilometres, agree it with the Guest in the chat (see "Money between Members").
• User guide (Van Manual): clearly explain how the vehicle's systems work (emptying water tanks, turning on the gas, control panel) to avoid breakdowns caused by not knowing how things work.
• Wear and damage: the Guest is not liable for natural wear and tear from use, ageing components or pre-existing cosmetic damage. As a Host, don't expect compensation for issues arising from normal use or the age of the vehicle.
• Legal obligations at the destination: tell the Guest about the overnight parking rules where you hand over the vehicle, and about any tourist taxes.

Insurance and deposit.

• If you are a Host, keep a fully comprehensive insurance policy covering occasional drivers in force for as long as your vehicle is listed. Upload the policy and the current receipt, and let Exchange your Van know if the policy changes, is cancelled or expires. Without valid insurance, your vehicle is removed from the Platform.
• Don't hide exclusions in your policy, for example if it doesn't cover other drivers or doesn't cover you outside your country.
• Exchange your Van checks that the policy exists and meets these requirements. It is not an insurer and has no policy of its own for exchanges.
• Each exchange blocks a deposit that is always managed by the Platform. Members never charge or pay deposits to each other.
• How damage, the excess and the deposit are shared is governed by the Terms and Conditions and the Framework Agreement.

Transparent communication.

• Speed: respond promptly to requests. On the road, time is gold.
• Clear expectations: before closing the deal, confirm the number of travellers, the exact dates, the handover and pick-up location, and any costs to be paid between Members (for example, refilling the propane gas).
• Tone: polite, friendly and enthusiastic. We are a community of travellers, not a rental office.

Keeping your word.

• Zero unjustified cancellations: don't cancel an exchange because a better plan came up.
• Force majeure: serious vehicle breakdown, illness, accident, death, damage caused by third parties, extreme weather or legal or administrative problems that prevent the vehicle from being driven. Always with supporting documents.
• Consequences of cancelling: those set out in the Cancellation Policy (credit refunds, compensation, warnings and suspensions).
• Binding exchanges: reciprocal exchanges are sacred. If you have already travelled in another Member's vehicle, you must lend yours as agreed. If you have to cancel after travelling first:
  • Suggest new dates to the other Member. If they accept, there is no compensation.
  • If you can't agree and it isn't force majeure, the Swap becomes a VanPoints exchange. You pay the other Member for the nights you enjoyed, according to the Platform's valuation table.
  • If your balance isn't enough, it goes negative and you can't make new exchanges until you cover it, for example by lending your vehicle.
  • If it's documented force majeure, there is no compensation, but you are still required to reschedule.
  • The deposit plays no part in this compensation.
• Exclusive use: the vehicle must be fully at the Guest's disposal. Third parties may not be present and the vehicle may not be shared during the exchange, unless explicitly agreed in advance.

Money between Members.

• Exchange your Van does not charge, manage or mediate payments between Members. If you agree on a cost (cleaning, extra kilometres, supplies), you agree it before the exchange in the Platform chat and pay it directly between yourselves.
• It can only cover a real expense, never the use of the vehicle. Anything not recorded in the chat cannot be claimed.
• After the exchange, any extra cleaning charge must be backed by a receipt or invoice.
• You can't charge for bedding, kitchenware or made-up "management fees". Asking for money for anything else is forbidden.
• Exchange your Van does not claim or collect these amounts. If someone fails to honour what was agreed in the chat, it may be considered breaking their word (section 4).

Community integrity.

• Everything inside Exchange your Van: the whole exchange is recorded on the Platform, including agreements made in the chat.
• No workarounds: don't send Members to other websites or private arrangements. Taking the exchange outside Exchange your Van leaves you with no cover, no VanPoints and out of the community.

Respect for privacy.

• Don't ask for sensitive personal data that isn't strictly necessary.
• Identity and driving licence checks are done by Exchange your Van. Members don't ask each other for documents, unless local law requires travellers to be registered.

B. During the exchange

Sticking to the travel agreement.

• Full respect for what was agreed: strictly comply with the dates, number of travellers, presence of pets and agreed level of cleanliness.
• Punctuality and logistics: respect handover and return times. Return all keys, alarm remotes, vehicle documents and overnight-area or service cards as agreed.
• Borders: if you want to take the vehicle out of the country, agree it with the Host on the Platform beforehand. The policy may not cover the vehicle outside certain countries, and leaving without permission is a breach.

Drivers and occupants.

• Only the Member who holds the account that booked the exchange may drive, with a valid driving licence.
• Another driver may only drive with the Host's prior authorisation on the Platform, with a verified licence and if the policy covers them.
• The account holder must be present throughout the exchange and the trip. Bookings for third parties are not allowed. If your cousin wants a van, they can open their own account and verify their profile.
• The Host must know how many occupants there are and who is driving. Companions' details are not requested, unless local law requires them to be registered.

Rules for using the campervan or motorhome. Follow the Host's "Van Manual" to the letter, especially:

• Smoke: respect the smoking ban if one has been set. The smell of tobacco in such a small space is almost impossible to get rid of.
• Pets: only if the Host has allowed them. Make sure they don't damage the upholstery or furniture.
• Technical use: follow the instructions for the cooker, the parking heater, the power inverter and emptying the black and grey water tanks.
• Purpose of the trip: the vehicle may not be used for unauthorised events, house moves, commercial filming or any activity other than touring.

Caring for the "Home on Wheels". Treat the vehicle as if it were your own, or better:

• Interior integrity: don't force locks or damage the furniture or appliances in the living area.
• No DIY: don't make emergency repairs yourself, or modifications or holes, without the Host's express consent.
• Radical honesty: if you break something or notice a strange noise from the engine, report it immediately. Transparency stops a small problem from turning into a major breakdown.
• Responsible use of resources: be sensible with energy (batteries) and water.
• Digital content: don't use the Host's personal accounts without permission (Netflix, Spotify on the radio) or download illegal content using the vehicle's connection.
• Technical safety: don't disable safety systems, gas alarms, GPS trackers or battery isolators without permission.

Accidents and incidents.

• Accident: get people to safety, call the emergency services or the police if needed, fill in the accident report form with a sketch and the other vehicle's number plate, and tell the Host and Exchange your Van straight away.
• Damage and incidents: report them to Exchange your Van no later than 24 hours after the exchange ends, and immediately if they are serious or the vehicle can't be driven. Provide photos or video and a chronological description.

Fines, tolls and charges. Those incurred during the exchange are paid by the Guest. The procedure is as follows:

• Fines: if a fine arrives for the exchange period, the Host uploads it to the Platform and requests the exchange certificate. Exchange your Van checks that the date and time fall within the exchange and issues the certificate with the Guest's identification details, solely so that the Host can identify them to the authorities. The Guest is notified when it is issued. With that certificate, the Host identifies the Guest as the driver and the fine is reissued in their name.
• Tolls and charges: if they arrive in the Host's name and can't be reissued, the Host claims them from the Guest with the invoice and the certificate, and the Guest pays them directly.
• Exchange your Van does not advance, collect or claim these amounts. If the Guest doesn't pay, they are in breach of this Code.
• By accepting the Framework Agreement, the Guest authorises Exchange your Van to provide their identification details for this sole purpose.

Cleaning and safety.

• Handover: the Host hands over the vehicle clean, disinfected and with its levels (oil, water, tyre pressure) checked.
• Return: the Guest returns the vehicle equally clean. This includes emptying the grey water tank and the chemical toilet, unless otherwise agreed, and leaving the fuel at the agreed level.

Respect for the surroundings and neighbours. As a Member of Exchange your Van, you agree to:

• Responsible overnight stays: not make excessive noise or put out awnings or chairs where it isn't allowed.
• Proper parking: not park in prohibited places or where you get in the way of other vehicles.
• Respect for the environment: zero illegal dumping. Leave every place better than you found it.

Security and surveillance.

• Transparency about cameras: the Host discloses any recording device or GPS.
• Guest privacy: cameras recording the inside of the living area (bed, bathroom, lounge) are forbidden while the Guest is using the vehicle. Interior surveillance must be switched off during the exchange.
• Exterior cameras and dashcams: their use is legitimate for road safety, but the Guest must know they exist.

C. After the exchange

Return and check-out. The adventure ends when the vehicle is back in its owner's hands in perfect condition.

• Keys and equipment: return all keys, alarm remotes, service-area cards and extra equipment (tables, chairs, levelling ramps) at the agreed place and time.
• Check-out procedure: follow the checklist the Host gives you (for example, closing the gas valves, switching off the control panel, engaging the battery isolator).

Cleaning and tidying up. We are not a rental service with an industrial cleaning team. We are owners helping each other.

• Spick and span: leave the living area clean and tidy. Even if you have paid extra for cleaning, hand the vehicle back in a reasonably hygienic condition.
• Waste: take away all your rubbish, leftover food and personal belongings.

Reviews and reputation. Once the rating system is live (planned for 2027), your profile will live on your reputation.

• Honest, constructive feedback: leave a genuine review of your experience to help other Members decide. Be respectful, even if there was a technical setback.
• No toxicity: don't post false, offensive or defamatory comments. Reviews are not a tool for extortion or retaliation.
• System integrity: don't ask for or offer fake reviews to inflate profiles.

Absolute respect for privacy. What happens on the road stays on the road, if the owner wants it that way.

• Data confidentiality: don't share or publish the Host's real name, phone number or private address without their explicit permission.
• Images and social media: don't post photos showing the number plate, the pick-up address or the inside of the Host's home without their consent.
• Sensitive content: when sharing your trip, make sure it doesn't accidentally reveal the owner's personal information (documents on view, family photos on the dashboard).

Good practice (recommendations, not binding). Help new Members and share tips about your area. Leave every place better than you found it.

3. What meeting the terms of an exchange means

At Exchange your Van, a successful exchange isn't just one where the vehicle comes back in one piece. It's one where both Members have acted as travel companions. Respecting the terms means:

• Sticking to the agreement: complying with everything agreed on the Platform (handover dates and times, number of authorised travellers, pet policy and agreed cleaning or supply costs).
• Good faith and active communication: if anything unexpected happens (a mechanical problem, a delay, accidental damage), communicating it clearly and quickly to find a solution together.
• Reliability and respect for the vehicle: you are handling someone else's property. Look after it, respect speed limits and follow the technical instructions to avoid breakdowns caused by misuse.
• Legal compliance: respecting the community rules and the local traffic, camping and public safety laws of the country you are travelling through.

4. Serious breaches

To keep the community safe and of high quality, the following conduct may lead to temporary sanctions, permanent expulsion or legal action:

• Repeated breaches or disregard for the rules: repeatedly breaching the Terms and Conditions, the Framework Agreement or this Code.
• Repeated unjustified cancellations and no-shows: each cancellation is handled under the Cancellation Policy. Repeated cancellations, within the limits set by that policy, and no-shows are considered serious breaches. It is especially serious if you are a Host, because you leave another Member without a vehicle.
• Breaking your word: for example, enjoying someone else's vehicle and then refusing to lend yours in a reciprocal agreement, or not paying what was agreed in the chat.
• Disrespect or aggression: any disrespectful, threatening or aggressive behaviour towards another Member or the support team.
• Unauthorised monetisation: asking for money for things that aren't allowed or turning the exchange into a disguised rental.
• Bypassing the platform: taking communications or the record of the exchange outside Exchange your Van to get around the safety system and VanPoints.
• Wrongful occupation: refusing to return the vehicle on the agreed date and time, or refusing to hand it over following a valid and justified request from the Host.
• Unauthorised driving or leaving the country without agreement: letting a third party drive without authorisation or crossing borders without having agreed to it.
• Non-payment of fines, tolls and charges: not paying the amounts owed by the Guest under the procedure in section 2.B.
• Fraudulent use and deception:
  • Subletting third parties' vehicles or carrying out commercial activities.
  • Lying about your identity, ownership of the vehicle or the purpose of the trip.
  • Creating duplicate accounts to avoid previous sanctions.
  • Providing a false or expired policy, or hiding policy exclusions.
• Offences against property: theft or misappropriation of the vehicle's equipment or the owner's personal belongings.
• Privacy violations: publishing images, number plates or personal data of other Members without their express consent.

5. Consequences of non-compliance

At Exchange your Van we don't beat around the bush. Depending on the seriousness, nature and impact of the breach on the community's safety, we may apply one or more of these measures:

• Safety warning: a formal warning to remind you of your obligations. It is the first warning before stronger measures.
• Content removal: immediate removal of abusive, misleading or inappropriate content (chat messages, listing photos, defamatory text).
• Removal from the virtual garage: temporary or permanent removal of your vehicle from the Platform. If your listing doesn't meet the standards of truthfulness, nobody will be able to see it.
• Expulsion from the community: temporary suspension or permanent closure of the account. You lose access to your VanPoints and the exchange network, with no refund of the membership.
• Cancellation of plans: automatic cancellation of the offending Member's future exchanges, to protect everyone else.
• Legal action: reporting to the competent authorities in cases of fraud, theft, misappropriation of the vehicle or serious threats. Exchange your Van will cooperate with the courts when a competent authority requires it or the law allows it, in accordance with the Privacy Policy.

6. Enforcement and cooperation

To keep Exchange your Van a community people can trust, we follow this protocol:

• Personal review: the Exchange your Van team reviews every complaint, incident report and dispute case by case, with the real context of each situation.
• Transparent evidence: during the review we may ask the Members involved for information and evidence (photos of the vehicle's condition, screenshots of the internal chat, proof of expenses or mechanical reports).
• Notice before sanctions: before applying a sanction, we notify you in writing with the reason and the evidence. You have 7 calendar days to respond, or 48 hours if you have an exchange in progress or within the next 7 days.
• Decision: we communicate it to you in writing within a maximum of 10 working days from your response or from the end of the response period.
• Review of the decision: you can request a review in writing within a maximum of 15 calendar days of receiving the decision. We respond within 10 working days and that response closes the internal process. This does not limit your legal rights.
• Interim measures: only in urgent cases (fraud, theft, risk to people) may we suspend the account as an interim measure and notify you at the same time. All other sanctions are applied after the decision.
• Commitment to respond: Members agree to cooperate in good faith and promptly so that any conflict is resolved as fairly and quickly as possible, and the wheels keep turning.