Terms of Service

Welcome to Kova! These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Kova mobile application and services. By creating an account or using Kova, you agree to these Terms.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using Kova, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use our services.

2. Eligibility

To use Kova, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract
• Not be prohibited from using our services under applicable law
• Provide accurate and complete information during registration, including your date of birth

We rely on the date of birth you provide to confirm you meet our age requirement. We do not independently verify it. If you provide an inaccurate date of birth, you are responsible for that, not Kova.

3. Account Registration

3.1 Student Accounts

Students must register with a valid university email address and verify their email to access the platform.

3.2 Driver Accounts

Drivers must:

• Be a current student at a school where Kova operates
• Complete the driver verification process
• Provide a valid driver's license
• Provide proof of insurance
• Provide vehicle information, including make, model, and license plate
• Truthfully answer all safety questionnaire questions
• Maintain valid credentials throughout their use of the platform

3.3 Account Security

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
• All activities that occur under your account
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized access

4. Driver Verification and Safety

Kova takes safety seriously. Drivers must:

• Have no history of DUIs
• Have no history of serious accidents
• Have no suspended or revoked licenses
• Have no violent criminal offenses

This information is self reported by the driver during account registration. Kova does not run background checks and does not independently verify what a driver submits. We rely on the truthfulness of each driver's answers, and drivers are solely responsible for the accuracy of the information they provide.

Providing false information during verification may result in immediate account termination and potential legal action.

5. User Conduct

You agree NOT to:

• Provide false or misleading information
• Impersonate another person or entity
• Harass, threaten, or harm other users
• Use the platform for any illegal purpose
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Interfere with the proper functioning of the platform
• Share your account with others
• Use the platform's messaging feature to harass, threaten, or scam other users
• Arrange payment or transactions through the platform in a way that facilitates fraud or violates these Terms

6. Ridesharing Services

6.1 Driver Responsibilities

As a driver, you agree to:

• Maintain a valid driver's license and insurance
• Ensure your vehicle is safe and roadworthy
• Follow all traffic laws and regulations
• Treat passengers with respect and professionalism
• Honor confirmed ride commitments

6.2 Passenger Responsibilities

As a passenger, you agree to:

• Be ready at the agreed pickup location and time
• Treat drivers with respect
• Follow the driver's reasonable rules
• Pay the agreed fare

6.3 Platform Role

Kova is a technology platform that connects riders and drivers. We are not a transportation carrier and do not provide transportation services. Drivers are independent contractors, not employees or agents of Kova.

6.4 Payment Between Riders and Drivers

Kova does not process, guarantee, or mediate payment between riders and drivers. Riders and drivers agree on a price and payment method directly with each other, typically through the platform's messaging feature. Kova is not a party to that agreement and is not responsible for resolving payment disputes between users.

6.5 Location Sharing and Safety Features

Kova tracks your location only while you are on an active, matched ride. That location is visible to the rider and driver on that ride, and either of you may choose to share it with a friend. The app also offers safety features that let you call 911, contact an emergency contact you've added, or share your location directly from the app. If you add an emergency contact, you are responsible for making sure that person has agreed to have their name and phone number shared with Kova.

7. Intellectual Property

All content, features, and functionality of Kova, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, and software, are owned by Kova and protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

You may not:

• Copy, modify, or distribute our content without permission
• Reverse engineer or decompile the app
• Remove any copyright or proprietary notices

8. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

• Kova is provided "AS IS" without warranties of any kind
• We are not liable for any damages arising from your use of the platform
• We are not responsible for the actions of drivers or passengers
• We are not liable for accidents, injuries, or property damage that may occur during rides
• Kova does not provide insurance coverage for rides. Drivers are solely responsible for maintaining valid insurance
• We are not liable for payment disputes between riders and drivers

Users participate in ridesharing at their own risk.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold Kova harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Your use of the platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of another person
• Your provision of false information, including a misrepresented date of birth or false driver safety information

10. Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time if:

• You violate these Terms
• You provide false information
• Your actions pose a safety risk to others
• We are required to do so by law

You may delete your account at any time through the app settings.

11. Modifications to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending you an in-app notification
• Emailing you (for significant changes)

Your continued use of Kova after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

12. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of Kova will be resolved through binding arbitration in Wilmington, Delaware, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association, rather than in court, except where prohibited by law.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles.

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

15. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

Email: help@ridekova.com

16. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Kova regarding your use of our services.