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Terms of Service

Effective Date: April 1, 2026  ·  Last Updated: April 2026

Please read these Terms of Service carefully before using the AutoMate platform. These Terms govern your access to and use of our services as both a Customer and Service Worker.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT BY AGREEING TO THESE TERMS YOU ARE WAIVING YOUR RIGHT TO SEEK RELIEF IN A COURT OF LAW AND WAIVING YOUR RIGHT TO HAVE A JURY TRIAL ON YOUR CLAIMS. PLEASE READ THESE TERMS OF SERVICE CAREFULLY AS THEY CONTAIN PROVISIONS THAT GOVERN HOW YOU CAN BRING CLAIMS AND/OR LAWSUITS BETWEEN YOU AND AUTOMATE, INCLUDING THE ARBITRATION AGREEMENT IN SECTION 13 BELOW. THE ARBITRATION AGREEMENT REQUIRES YOU TO RESOLVE ALL DISPUTES WITH AUTOMATE ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND, WITH LIMITED EXCEPTIONS, THROUGH FINAL AND BINDING ARBITRATION. BY AGREEING TO THESE TERMS OF SERVICE, YOU EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL OF THEM AND HAVE TAKEN TIME TO CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES OF THIS IMPORTANT DECISION.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the AutoMate platform (available at automatemates.com and any associated mobile applications), you ("User") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). These Terms form a legally binding agreement between you and AutoMate ("Company," "we," "us," or "our"). If you do not agree to these Terms in their entirety, you must not access or use the Platform. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes become effective upon posting to the Platform. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. We will make reasonable efforts to notify registered users of material changes via email or in-app notification. These Terms apply to all users of the Platform, including individuals who browse as guests, registered Customers, and registered Service Workers (each as defined below).

2. Definitions

For purposes of these Terms, the following definitions apply: "Platform" means the AutoMate website, mobile application, and all related services, tools, and features offered by the Company. "Customer" means any individual who registers on the Platform to request automotive services. "Service Worker" or "Worker" means any individual who registers on the Platform to offer and perform automotive services. "Services" means the automotive tasks facilitated through the Platform, including but not limited to: battery jumps, tire changes, vehicle lockout assistance, fuel delivery, oil changes, wiper blade replacement, air filter replacement, battery replacement, diagnostics, pre-purchase inspections, brake service, and any other services the Company makes available from time to time. "Service Request" means a Customer's submission of a request for a specific Service through the Platform. "Job" means a confirmed Service Request that has been matched with and accepted by a Service Worker. "Service Fee" means the amount charged to the Customer for a completed Service. "Worker Earnings" means the portion of the Service Fee paid to the Service Worker following completion of a Job. "Platform Fee" means the portion of the Service Fee retained by the Company for facilitating the transaction. "Independent Contractor" means the relationship designation applicable to all Service Workers, as further described in Section 8.

3. Eligibility & Account Registration

To create an account and use the Platform you must: (a) Be at least 18 years of age; (b) Have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts in your jurisdiction; (c) Not be barred from receiving services under applicable law; (d) Provide accurate, complete, and current registration information; (e) Maintain the accuracy of your registration information. Account Security. You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account at contact@automatemates.com. We are not liable for losses resulting from unauthorized account access that occurs through no fault of ours. One Account Per Person. You may maintain only one account. Duplicate accounts may be suspended or permanently terminated without notice. Customer-Specific Requirements. Customers must provide a valid service address and a payment method accepted by the Platform. Worker-Specific Requirements. Workers must additionally: (i) complete the verification process for each Service they wish to offer, including passing applicable knowledge quizzes, tool checks, and video demonstration requirements; (ii) possess and maintain in good working condition all tools and equipment required to perform verified Services; (iii) maintain a valid government-issued photo ID; (iv) consent to identity verification and background screening as required by the Company; (v) maintain any licenses, certifications, or permits legally required in their jurisdiction for the specific Services they offer; (vi) carry and maintain at minimum the legally required levels of automobile liability insurance while traveling to and from Jobs. The Company reserves the right to deny, suspend, or revoke account registration at its sole discretion, with or without cause, subject to applicable law.

4. Nature of the Platform; Company's Role

AutoMate is a technology platform that connects Customers seeking automotive services with independent Service Workers willing to perform such services. The Company does not itself perform automotive services and is not an automotive service provider. Marketplace Only. The Company acts solely as an intermediary marketplace facilitating connections between Customers and Workers. We do not employ Service Workers, guarantee the quality or outcome of any Service, or serve as a party to any agreement between Customers and Workers beyond these Terms. No Control Over Workers. Workers are independent contractors who set their own schedules, choose which Jobs to accept, and independently determine how to perform Services, subject to the quality and safety standards described herein. The Company does not control the means or manner of Workers' service delivery. No Guarantee of Availability. The Company does not guarantee that Workers will be available in any geographic area or within any particular response time, though we use commercially reasonable efforts to provide timely matching. Platform Modifications. We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue the Platform or any features at any time without liability to you, subject to completing any Jobs that are actively in progress at the time of any discontinuation.

5. Services, Pricing & Payment

Service Pricing. Service Fees are determined by the Platform's proprietary algorithm, which takes into account factors including but not limited to: service type, geographic location, distance, time of day, demand levels, and market conditions. Service Fees are displayed to Customers prior to confirming a Service Request. By confirming a Service Request, the Customer agrees to pay the displayed Service Fee. Dynamic Pricing. Service Fees may fluctuate based on real-time demand, supply of available Workers, and other factors. The Company will display any surge or adjusted pricing clearly before the Customer confirms a Service Request. Payment Authorization. By submitting a Service Request, Customers authorize the Company to charge the displayed Service Fee to their selected payment method upon Job completion. The Company uses third-party payment processors and does not store full payment card information. Payment Timing. Customer payment methods are charged upon successful completion of a Job, as confirmed through the Platform. Authorization holds may be placed on payment methods prior to Job completion. Worker Earnings. Workers receive a percentage of each Service Fee as their Worker Earnings. The applicable percentage for each Service type is disclosed in the Worker's account dashboard and applicable Worker policies. Workers' current earnings rate is typically between seventy-five percent (75%) and eighty-five percent (85%) of the Service Fee, though this may vary by service type or market conditions. The Company may adjust earnings percentages with thirty (30) days advance written notice to affected Workers. Payment to Workers. Worker Earnings are transferred to Workers via the payment method selected in their account (such as direct deposit or supported payment services) on a schedule communicated through the Platform. Workers are responsible for all applicable taxes on their earnings. Taxes. Workers are solely responsible for determining and fulfilling their tax obligations arising from their use of the Platform, including self-employment taxes, income taxes, and any other applicable taxes. The Company may issue applicable tax forms (such as IRS Form 1099-NEC) as required by law. Customer Refund Policy. Refund eligibility is determined at the Company's sole discretion and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Requests for refunds must be submitted through the Platform's support channels within forty-eight (48) hours of Job completion. Approved refunds are generally processed within five (5) to ten (10) business days. No Cash Transactions. All payments must be processed through the Platform. Direct cash payments or off-platform transactions between Customers and Workers are prohibited and may result in account suspension.

6. Service Worker Obligations & Conduct

By registering as a Service Worker, you agree to the following: Accurate Verification. You will honestly and accurately complete all verification steps. Misrepresentation during verification is grounds for immediate permanent account termination. Only Offer Verified Services. You will only accept Jobs for Services for which you have successfully completed the Platform's verification requirements. Professional Conduct. You will treat Customers, their vehicles, and their property with care and respect at all times. Timely Response. Upon accepting a Job, you will proceed promptly to the Customer's location and perform the Service within the estimated timeframe communicated through the Platform. Safety Standards. You will perform all Services in a safe manner consistent with industry standards. You will not perform any Service if doing so would be unsafe to yourself, the Customer, or third parties. Vehicle & Equipment. You will arrive with all tools and equipment necessary to perform the Service. You are solely responsible for ensuring your equipment is in safe working condition. Accurate Job Reporting. You will accurately report Job status, including acceptance, en route, arrival, and completion, through the Platform in real time. No Solicitation Off-Platform. You will not solicit or accept payment from Customers outside the Platform for Services facilitated through the Platform, nor attempt to divert Customers to any competing platform or direct business arrangement. Non-Circumvention. You will not attempt to circumvent the Platform's fee structure, including by establishing direct business relationships with Customers met through the Platform for a period of twelve (12) months following your last Job with that Customer. Insurance. You will maintain valid automobile insurance at or above the minimum legally required levels in your jurisdiction while using the Platform. Compliance with Law. You will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances in connection with your use of the Platform and performance of Services. Confidentiality. You will maintain the confidentiality of Customer information accessed through the Platform and use it solely for the purpose of completing Jobs.

7. Customer Obligations & Conduct

By registering as a Customer, you agree to the following: Accurate Requests. You will provide accurate information when submitting Service Requests, including a correct service address and description of the issue. Safe Environment. You will ensure that the location where the Service is to be performed is safe and accessible for the Worker. Presence or Authorization. You will be present at the service location when the Worker arrives, or ensure that an authorized adult is present. You will not request Services to be performed on vehicles or property you do not own or have authority over. Respectful Treatment. You will treat Service Workers with respect and professionalism at all times. Payment Obligation. You will maintain a valid, funded payment method on file and agree to pay the Service Fee for any confirmed Job. No Off-Platform Solicitation. You will not solicit Workers to perform services outside the Platform for services facilitated through the Platform. Accurate Feedback. You will provide honest and accurate ratings and feedback regarding completed Services. Prohibited Uses. You will not use the Platform to: (i) request services you do not genuinely intend to pay for; (ii) use the Platform as a means to locate and contact Workers for off-platform business; (iii) submit false or misleading Service Requests.

8. Independent Contractor Relationship

Workers Are Independent Contractors. Service Workers using the Platform are independent contractors and not employees, agents, partners, or joint venturers of the Company. Nothing in these Terms or otherwise shall be construed to create an employment, agency, or joint venture relationship between the Company and any Worker. No Benefits or Protections. Workers are not entitled to any benefits provided to employees, including without limitation health insurance, retirement benefits, workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, or paid leave. Workers are solely responsible for their own tax obligations and insurance needs. Worker Autonomy. Workers retain full discretion to: (i) set their own working hours; (ii) accept or decline any Job; (iii) work for other platforms or clients; (iv) determine the specific manner and means of performing Services, subject to Platform quality standards. No Minimum Work Guarantee. The Company does not guarantee any minimum number of Jobs, earnings, or service territory to any Worker. Company's Limited Role. The Company's relationship with Workers is limited to operating the Platform through which Workers find and accept Jobs. The Company does not supervise, direct, or control Workers' day-to-day activities.

9. Prohibited Conduct

All users are prohibited from: (a) Using the Platform for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any applicable laws or regulations; (b) Fraudulent activity of any kind, including submitting false reviews, false Service Requests, or providing false verification information; (c) Harassing, threatening, abusing, or discriminating against other users, Workers, or Company personnel; (d) Interfering with or disrupting the integrity or performance of the Platform; (e) Attempting to gain unauthorized access to any portion of the Platform, other accounts, or related systems; (f) Using automated scripts, bots, or other automated means to access or interact with the Platform; (g) Circumventing the Platform's payment systems or engaging in any form of payment fraud; (h) Soliciting personal information from other users for purposes unrelated to using the Platform; (i) Posting or transmitting any content that is defamatory, obscene, or otherwise objectionable; (j) Reverse engineering, decompiling, or otherwise attempting to extract source code from the Platform; (k) Using the Platform to collect data for competitive intelligence purposes; (l) Engaging in any conduct that could damage the reputation of the Company or the Platform. Violation of these prohibitions may result in immediate account termination and may expose you to civil or criminal liability.

10. Ratings, Reviews & Quality Standards

Rating System. The Platform includes a mutual rating system through which Customers may rate Workers and Workers may rate Customers following Job completion. Ratings are intended to help maintain service quality and safety across the Platform. Honest Ratings. All users agree to provide honest, fair, and accurate ratings and reviews based on their genuine experience. Attempting to manipulate the rating system, including by submitting false reviews or coercing others to submit ratings, is prohibited. Worker Quality Standards. Workers whose ratings fall below the minimum threshold established by the Company (as communicated in Worker policies) may be subject to account review, temporary suspension, or permanent deactivation. Customer Conduct Ratings. Customers whose conduct ratings indicate patterns of disrespect, unsafe environments, or policy violations may be suspended from the Platform. Dispute of Ratings. Users may contact support to report ratings they believe were submitted in bad faith or in violation of these Terms. The Company's determination regarding disputed ratings is final.

11. Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES. THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE PLATFORM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR SECURE, OR THAT DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED. NO WARRANTY REGARDING WORKERS. THE COMPANY DOES NOT WARRANT, ENDORSE, GUARANTEE, OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY SERVICE OFFERED OR PERFORMED BY A WORKER THROUGH THE PLATFORM. THE COMPANY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE QUALITY, SAFETY, LEGALITY, OR ACCURACY OF ANY SERVICES PERFORMED BY WORKERS. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE COMPANY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE PLATFORM, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. AGGREGATE LIABILITY CAP. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE COMPANY'S TOTAL CUMULATIVE LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF: (A) THE TOTAL SERVICE FEES YOU PAID IN THE SIX (6) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM; OR (B) ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100). ESSENTIAL BASIS. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY IN THIS SECTION ARE AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN YOU AND THE COMPANY, AND THE COMPANY WOULD NOT HAVE ENTERED INTO THIS AGREEMENT WITHOUT SUCH LIMITATIONS. State-Specific Rights. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties or limitation of liability for certain types of damages. In such jurisdictions, the Company's liability will be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

12. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Company and its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, licensors, and service providers from and against any and all actions, claims, demands, losses, liabilities, costs, damages, judgments, awards, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or relating to: (a) Your use of the Platform or services or goods obtained through your use of the Platform; (b) Your breach or violation of any of these Terms; (c) Your performance of or failure to properly perform any Service (in the case of Workers); (d) The Company's use of any content, materials, or information you submit to the Platform ("User Content"); (e) Your violation of any applicable law or regulation; (f) Your violation of the rights of any third party, including other users and Service Workers; (g) Any claim by a third party arising from Services you performed or requested through the Platform; (h) Any misrepresentation made by you. The Company reserves the right to assume exclusive control of the defense of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by you, in which event you will cooperate fully with the Company in connection with such defense.

13. Dispute Resolution & Arbitration

BINDING ARBITRATION NOTICE. BY AGREEING TO THESE TERMS, YOU AGREE THAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO RESOLVE ANY CLAIM AND/OR LAWSUIT THAT YOU MAY HAVE AGAINST AUTOMATE ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS IN BINDING ARBITRATION, AND NOT AS A CLASS, COLLECTIVE, COORDINATED, CONSOLIDATED, MASS, AND/OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION. YOU AND THE COMPANY ARE EACH WAIVING YOUR RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL. THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT SURVIVES AFTER YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH AUTOMATE ENDS. 13(a). Agreement to Binding Arbitration. You and the Company agree that any dispute, claim, lawsuit, or controversy in any way arising between you and AutoMate — including disputes arising out of or relating to (i) these Terms or prior versions of these Terms, or their existence, breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation, scope, waiver, or validity; (ii) your access to or use of the Platform at any time; (iii) incidents or accidents resulting in personal injury or death that you allege occurred in connection with your use of the Platform; and (iv) your relationship with the Company — will be settled by binding individual arbitration, and not in a court of law. The parties mutually agree to arbitrate all disputes regardless of whether the dispute occurred or accrued before or after the date you agreed to these Terms. This Arbitration Agreement survives termination of your account or relationship with the Company. 13(b). Class Action Waiver. ANY AND ALL DISPUTES, CLAIMS, OR CONTROVERSIES BETWEEN THE PARTIES SHALL BE RESOLVED ONLY IN INDIVIDUAL ARBITRATION. THE PARTIES EXPRESSLY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE ANY DISPUTE BROUGHT, HEARD, ADMINISTERED, RESOLVED, OR ARBITRATED AS A CLASS, COLLECTIVE, COORDINATED, CONSOLIDATED, AND/OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION. Neither an arbitrator nor an arbitration provider shall have any authority to hear, arbitrate, or administer any class, collective, or representative action, or to award relief to anyone but the individual in arbitration. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Class Action Waiver does not prevent you or the Company from participating in a classwide or representative settlement of claims. If there is a final judicial determination that any portion of this Class Action Waiver is unenforceable, any class or representative claims subject to that determination shall proceed in a court of competent jurisdiction, but all remaining individual claims shall proceed in arbitration. 13(c). Mass Action Waiver. ANY AND ALL DISPUTES, CLAIMS, OR CONTROVERSIES BETWEEN THE PARTIES SHALL BE RESOLVED ONLY IN INDIVIDUAL ARBITRATION. THE PARTIES EXPRESSLY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE ANY DISPUTE BROUGHT, HEARD, OR ARBITRATED AS A MASS ACTION. A "Mass Action" includes, but is not limited to, instances in which you or the Company are represented by a law firm or collection of law firms that has filed fifty (50) or more arbitration demands of a substantially similar nature against the other party within one hundred eighty (180) days of the arbitration demand filed on your or the Company's behalf. This Mass Action Waiver does not prevent you or the Company from participating in a mass settlement of claims. If a final judicial determination finds any portion of this Mass Action Waiver unenforceable, that portion shall be severed, and all remaining provisions shall continue in full force. 13(d). Delegation. Only an arbitrator, and not any federal, state, or local court or agency, shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute arising out of or relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, or formation of this Arbitration Agreement, including any claim that all or part of this Agreement is void or voidable, or any defense to arbitration including waiver, delay, laches, or estoppel. However, only a court of competent jurisdiction — not an arbitrator — shall have exclusive authority to resolve any disputes concerning the Class Action Waiver and Mass Action Waiver, including any claim that all or part of those waivers is unenforceable, unconscionable, illegal, void, or voidable. 13(e). Application to Third Parties. This Arbitration Agreement is binding upon, and includes claims brought by or against any third parties, including your guests, household members, heirs, estate, beneficiaries, and assigns, where their underlying claims arise out of or relate to your use of the Platform or their use of the Platform at your invitation. 13(f). Exceptions to Arbitration. This Arbitration Agreement does not require arbitration of: (i) individual claims brought in small claims court, so long as the matter remains in such court and advances only on an individual basis; (ii) individual claims of sexual assault or sexual harassment occurring in connection with your use of the Platform; and/or (iii) claims for injunctive or other equitable relief to prevent actual or threatened infringement, misappropriation, or violation of a party's copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, patents, or other intellectual property rights. Such claims may be brought only on an individual basis and may not be brought as a class, collective, coordinated, consolidated, mass, or representative action. 13(g). Governing Law — Federal Arbitration Act. Notwithstanding any other choice of law provision in these Terms, the parties agree and acknowledge that this Arbitration Agreement evidences a transaction involving interstate commerce and that the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 1, et seq. ("FAA"), governs its interpretation and enforcement. It is the intent of the parties to be bound by the FAA for all purposes related to this Arbitration Agreement, and the FAA and applicable arbitration provider rules shall preempt all state laws to the fullest extent permitted by law. All statutes of limitations that would otherwise apply shall apply to any arbitration proceeding. For matters not governed by the FAA, these Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles. 13(h). Pre-Arbitration Dispute Resolution (Required Condition Precedent). Before either party demands arbitration, you and the Company agree to personally meet and confer, via telephone or videoconference, in a good-faith effort to resolve any claim informally. The party initiating a claim must provide written notice to the other party of their intent to initiate an informal dispute resolution conference, which shall occur within sixty (60) days after the other party receives such notice (unless an extension is mutually agreed upon). To notify the Company, write to: AutoMate, Attn: Legal Department, contact@automatemates.com, providing your name, email address associated with your account, phone number, and a description of your claim. Engaging in this informal dispute resolution conference is a condition precedent that must be fulfilled before commencing arbitration. An arbitrator shall dismiss any arbitration demand filed before completion of this process. The statute of limitations and any filing fee deadlines shall be tolled during the informal dispute resolution process. 13(i). Initiating Arbitration. Following completion of the informal dispute resolution process, a party wishing to initiate arbitration must provide the other party with a written demand for arbitration and file the demand with the applicable arbitration provider. A party initiating arbitration against the Company must send the written demand to: AutoMate, Attn: Legal Department, contact@automatemates.com. The arbitration shall be administered by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") under its Consumer Arbitration Rules, as modified by these Terms, available at www.adr.org. If AAA is unavailable or unable to administer the arbitration, the parties shall meet and confer to select a mutually agreeable neutral arbitration provider. If the parties cannot agree, either party may request that a court of competent jurisdiction appoint an arbitration provider pursuant to 9 U.S.C. § 5. 13(j). Arbitrator Qualifications. The arbitrator shall be either (1) a retired judge or (2) an attorney licensed to practice law in the state where the arbitration is conducted with experience in the law underlying the dispute. The arbitrator shall be selected from the applicable arbitration provider's roster. If the parties cannot agree on an arbitrator after a good-faith meet and confer effort, the arbitration provider shall appoint the arbitrator in accordance with its rules. 13(k). Arbitration Location. Unless you and the Company agree otherwise, if you reside in the United States, the arbitration will be conducted in the county where you reside. If you do not reside in the United States, arbitration will be conducted in the county where the dispute arises. Your right to a hearing will be determined by the applicable arbitration provider's rules. 13(l). Arbitration Fees. Your responsibility to pay any filing, administrative, and arbitrator fees will be as set forth in the applicable arbitration provider's rules and shall not exceed the amount you would be required to pay if you filed a claim in court. The Company will pay fees in excess of those you would pay to file in court for arbitrations you initiate. If you have a gross monthly income of less than three hundred percent (300%) of the federal poverty guidelines, you may be entitled to a waiver of arbitration fees and costs, exclusive of arbitrator fees, by submitting a declaration under oath providing your monthly income and the number of persons in your household. 13(m). Offers of Judgment. At least ten (10) days before the date set for the arbitration hearing, any party may serve a written offer on the other party to allow judgment on specified terms. If the offer is accepted, it shall be submitted to the arbitrator, who shall enter judgment accordingly. If the offer is not accepted prior to the arbitration hearing or within thirty (30) days after it is made (whichever occurs first), it shall be deemed withdrawn. If a party fails to obtain a more favorable award than an offer it rejected, that party shall not recover their post-offer costs and shall pay the offering party's costs from the time of the offer. 13(n). Arbitrator's Decision. The arbitrator will render an award within the timeframe specified in the applicable arbitration provider's rules. Judgment on the arbitration award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. The arbitrator may award declaratory or injunctive relief only in favor of the individual party and only to the extent necessary to provide relief warranted by that party's individual claim. An arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding on all parties. The arbitrator is not bound by decisions reached in separate arbitrations. 13(o). Severability and Survival of Arbitration Agreement. If any portion of this Arbitration Agreement is found to be unenforceable or unlawful for any reason: (i) the unenforceable or unlawful provision shall be severed from these Terms; (ii) severance shall have no impact on the remainder of the Arbitration Agreement or the parties' ability to compel arbitration of any remaining claims on an individual basis; and (iii) to the extent any claims must therefore proceed on a class, collective, or representative basis, such claims must be litigated in a civil court of competent jurisdiction and not in arbitration, but any individual arbitrable claims shall proceed in arbitration, with any remaining non-arbitrable claims stayed in court pending completion of arbitration. This Arbitration Agreement shall survive termination of these Terms or your relationship with the Company. 13(p). Stay of Litigation Pending Appeal. In the event of any appeal from a court's denial of a motion to compel arbitration under this Arbitration Agreement, all litigation of the claims at issue in the appeal will be stayed pending resolution of the appeal. 13(q). Venue for Non-Arbitrated Claims. For any disputes not subject to arbitration under this Section, you agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of state or federal courts located in Delaware.

14. Intellectual Property

Company IP. The Platform and all content, features, and functionality thereof, including but not limited to software, text, displays, images, video, audio, logos, trademarks, and service marks, are owned by the Company or its licensors and are protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Platform for its intended purpose. User Content. By submitting any content to the Platform (including ratings, reviews, photos, or feedback), you grant the Company a worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, and display such content in connection with operating and promoting the Platform. No Reverse Engineering. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or otherwise attempt to extract the source code of the Platform. Feedback. Any suggestions, ideas, or feedback you provide regarding the Platform ("Feedback") may be used by the Company without restriction or compensation to you.

15. Termination & Account Deactivation

By You. You may close your account at any time through the account settings or by contacting contact@automatemates.com. Termination does not relieve you of obligations for any Jobs confirmed before termination, or any payment obligations then outstanding. By the Company. The Company may suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without cause, and with or without prior notice, including for violation of these Terms, suspected fraud, inactivity, or for operational or legal reasons. In the case of Worker deactivation for cause, we will generally provide notice through the Platform or via email. Effect of Termination. Upon termination: (i) your license to use the Platform ceases; (ii) you must cease all use of the Platform; (iii) any outstanding balances (Customers) or earned but unpaid Worker Earnings (Workers) will be processed in accordance with standard payment procedures. Sections of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination shall survive, including but not limited to Sections 8, 11, 12, 13, and 14.

16. Insurance Disclaimer

Platform Insurance. AutoMate makes no representation or warranty that it will procure, maintain, or provide insurance of any type or amount on your behalf or on behalf of any third party, unless expressly required by applicable law. The Company may, in its sole discretion, choose to purchase or maintain certain insurance coverage related to Services facilitated through the Platform, but is not required to provide or maintain any specific type or amount of coverage unless mandated by law. You expressly agree and acknowledge that AutoMate disclaims any representations about insurance coverage made prior to the effective date of these Terms. You further agree and acknowledge that AutoMate may change, reduce, or cancel any insurance it maintains, if any, at any time without prior notice to you. Worker Insurance Obligation. As stated in Section 6, Service Workers are independently required to maintain valid automobile insurance at or above the minimum legally required levels in their jurisdiction while using the Platform, including while traveling to and from Jobs. Workers are solely responsible for ensuring their own insurance coverage is current, adequate, and in force at all times. The Company assumes no liability for any failure by a Worker to maintain required insurance. No Insurance Representations. Nothing in these Terms or any other communications from the Company shall be construed as a representation that the Company maintains, provides, or guarantees any particular insurance coverage for Customers, Workers, vehicles, property, or any other party. Customers and Workers are encouraged to maintain their own appropriate insurance coverage independent of anything the Company may or may not provide. Third-Party Providers. Workers may be subject to state and local regulations applicable to mobile automotive service providers. Insurance requirements applicable to Workers, including but not limited to requirements to maintain commercial auto liability insurance or personal injury protection, are the sole responsibility of the Worker. Subject to applicable law, AutoMate does not maintain insurance coverage in connection with Services performed by Workers.

17. Miscellaneous

Entire Agreement. These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other policies or agreements incorporated herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and the Company regarding the Platform and supersede all prior agreements. Severability. If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, that provision will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remaining provisions will continue in full force. Waiver. Failure by the Company to enforce any right or provision of these Terms will not be considered a waiver of that right or provision. Assignment. You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. The Company may assign its rights under these Terms without restriction. No Third-Party Beneficiaries. These Terms do not create any third-party beneficiary rights. Force Majeure. The Company shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, government actions, pandemics, or internet outages. Communications. By creating an account, you agree to receive communications from us electronically, including via email and in-app notifications. Contact. Questions about these Terms should be directed to: AutoMate, contact@automatemates.com.

Questions? If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at contact@automatemates.com. We recommend that you retain a copy of these Terms for your records.