Loaning Out Your Car

If you own a car, the chances are that sooner or later someone will ask to borrow it.

So today we’re going to talk about some of the ramifications of loaning someone a car. Or, maybe you’re the one who needs to borrow a car. Either way, there are thoughts car borrowing which you should consider before you loan your vehicle.

Liability

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If you loan a friend your car, it’s always possible that the driver could be involved in an accident. Who is responsible if your car is wrecked?

The fact is that insurance follows the car, not the driver. So, even if your friend is cited, your insurance is the one that will take the hit in the event of an accident or mishap.

Even worse, you could be named as co-defendant if there are further problems. We just thought you’d want to know.

Things like damage to the car or engine in the event of overheating, dead battery, flat tires and other possible things that can go wrong are also on the owner. You can ask your friend to help with the cost, but ultimately, they’re your responsibility because you allowed the person to drive the car.

Eating and drinking

In all likeliness, the person who borrows your car will eat or drink in it. 83% of all drivers admit that they eat and drink while driving. We noticed that even when people ride in cars as passengers, they frequently leave empty cups and trash in a car.

Don’t be surprised, but if your friend is a smoker (tobacco or otherwise), know that you might get your car back smelling like something’s been burned in it. You should understand they won't be able to detect the odor, so please ask them not to smoke in it if you don't want that.

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Gas usage

When someone uses your car, the subtle thing to do is to tell them, “I use XXXX grade of gasoline in it.”

The subliminal message is that you’d like for them to replace the gas they use. Tell them you want them to fill it up before they bring it back if you think they won’t get the hint.

Scuffs and dirt

Remember, the person who borrows your car is a human being, and sometimes human beings track dirt into places and don’t realize it. They may not see the dust on the car you just washed before they borrowed it.

How to get your car back

When you loan out your car, it’s reasonable to make sure the person who borrows it has a clear awareness of when you need it back. If it’s a loan over a number of days, say, “I am happy to loan it to you, but I will need it back by Friday.”

If it’s only for one day, say, “I will need the car back by 6 PM.”

That way, the person who borrows it understands the perimeters of the loan. You can say, “I will need the car back by Friday. I only use premium grade gas,” This statement lets the person know that you expect it back and the gas replaced. Will they do that? They might.

If you need your car back before the appointed day, or if you have concerns about the way they are treating your car, it’s okay to ask for it back before then, too.

It’s okay to say no

If you don’t want someone to borrow your car, it’s okay to tell them no. You don’t have to offer an excuse or a reason, you can simply say, “I would prefer not to do that.”

If they ask why, you can repeat your answer. The average new car payment is $523 a month. That is reason enough.

If you are in the Phoenix Metro area and want a no-hassle cash offer on an old, wrecked, unwanted, salvage or burned car, SUV, van or truck, give us a call at I Buy Junk Cars 480-771-8290.