Trust & safety

Know exactly where you stand.

Our policies, protections, and contact details in one place — so you always know where you stand.

£150limit
Per rental · automatic
47min
Average email reply
100%
ID-verified users
24/7
Emergency line

Please read carefully: handi is a peer-to-peer software platform and facilitator. We do not own, inspect, or maintain the items listed. handi Protect is a discretionary goodwill scheme — it is not a regulated insurance product and is not underwritten by an insurer. It covers eligible damage to and theft of tools only. It does not cover personal injury, third-party liability, or property damage. Users transact directly with one another at their own risk.

Owner protection

handi Guarantee

Included automatically with every rental

Every rental on handi includes handi Protect — automatic protection against eligible accidental damage and theft, up to £150 per rental, at no extra cost to either party. There is no excess and no add-on to purchase.

What's Covered

up to £150
  • Accidental damage during normal use
  • Dropped or knocked equipment
  • Water damage during use
  • Electrical or mechanical failures
  • Theft from a secured location
  • Theft from a locked vehicle
  • Lost equipment during the rental period
  • Stolen accessories

Where damage or loss exceeds £150, the renter remains liable for the difference.

What's Not Covered

  • Personal injury of any kind
  • Third-party liability or property damage
  • Intentional damage or misuse of equipment
  • Using tools outside their intended purpose
  • Damage while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Theft from unsecured locations
  • Normal wear and tear
  • Cosmetic damage that doesn't affect functionality
  • Damage from failure to follow safety guidelines
  • Using tools without proper training or qualifications
  • Pre-existing damage not reported at pickup
  • Unauthorised modifications to the tool

How to File a Claim

1

Report Immediately

Contact us within 24 hours of the incident. For theft, also file a police report.

2

Provide Details

Send photos, a description of the incident, and any supporting documents.

3

Assessment

Our team reviews the claim and may request additional information if needed.

4

Resolution

Claims are typically processed within 5–10 business days. We'll notify you of the outcome.

Need to file a claim?

Contact us immediately — the sooner you report, the faster we can help.

Cancellations & refunds

Cancellation & Refund Policy

The single authoritative refund rule for all handi rentals.

Renter

Partial Refund

Cancel 48 or more hours before the rental start and the rental cost is returned. The platform service fee and £2.50 booking fee are non-refundable.

No Refund

Cancel within 48 hours of the rental start, no-show at pickup, or cancellation after collection — no refund is issued.

Tool Not As Described

Report within 4 hours of the rental start time if the tool significantly differs from the listing — full refund issued.

Owner & fees

Full Refund to Renter

If an owner cancels at any time, the renter always receives a 100% full refund. Frequent owner cancellations affect their platform rating.

Refund Processing

Approved refunds are processed within 5–10 business days. The £2.50 booking fee is non-refundable on partial refunds.

How Our Fees Work

Owners keep 100% of their listed price — handi never deducts a fee from owner payouts. Renters pay the listing price plus a platform service fee and a fixed £2.50 booking fee. Both are shown clearly before booking — no surprises.

Resolving issues

Dispute Resolution

Most issues between renters and owners are resolved quickly through direct communication. If that doesn't work, handi steps in with a structured escalation process — most issues resolve at step 1.

1

Direct Communication

1–3 days

Message the other party through in-app chat. Most issues resolve here — keep a clear record of all communication.

2

handi Mediation

3–7 days

Our support team reviews the evidence, facilitates communication, and proposes a fair outcome for both parties.

3

Formal Review

7–14 days

A senior handi team member conducts a full review of all documentation, photos, and messages.

4

External Arbitration

30–60 days

For disputes over £2,000, either party may request independent arbitration. handi facilitates this process.

Before raising a dispute: Contact the other party through in-app chat first. Disputes raised without a prior attempt at direct communication may take longer to resolve. Keep all messages in the app — they are the primary evidence we use when mediating.

Identity

Identity Verification

Mandatory · completed once · takes 30–60 seconds

Every handi user — renters and owners alike — must verify their identity before making or accepting their first rental. This is how we keep the community safe and how we make handi Protect possible.

1
~15 sec

Set Up Profile

Create your account and complete your basic profile details.

2
~15 sec

Scan Your ID

Upload a clear photo of an accepted UK identity document.

3
15–30 sec

Face Scan

A quick liveness check to confirm the ID belongs to you.

Accepted Documents

  • UK passport
  • UK driving licence (full or provisional)
  • National identity card
  • Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

Documents must be valid and not expired.

Your Privacy

  • ID photos and face scans are discarded immediately after verification
  • No documents are stored by handi
  • Verification is handled by Onfido, our accredited partner
  • Bank-level encryption throughout
  • Fully compliant with GDPR and UK data protection law
Safety

Tool Safety

Your responsibility as a renter.

Before You Use Any Tool

  • Read the manufacturer's manual or ask the owner for a walkthrough
  • Inspect the tool at handover and document any existing damage
  • Wear appropriate PPE — eye, ear, and hand protection where relevant
  • Ensure you have the skills or qualifications to operate it safely
  • Check local regulations for the type of work you're doing

Emergency

For any life-threatening emergency, call 999 first.

For urgent rental or tool incidents, contact our team:

0800 123 4567

Available 24/7 for emergencies

support@handitoolrental.com
Get in touch

Contact Us

One email · one phone number · real humans.

Get in Touch

Email (all enquiries)
support@handitoolrental.com
Average reply: 47 minutes · 7 days a week
Phone
0800 123 4567
Available 24/7 for emergencies
Registered Address

71-75 Shelton Street
Covent Garden
London, WC2H 9JQ