Can a car be lent to others to drive?
3 Answers
A car can be lent to others to drive. When lending it to others, pay attention to the following aspects: 1. The borrower must possess a valid driver's license and have the ability to drive normally. 2. The borrower must obey traffic rules, refrain from drunk driving, and drive courteously as a responsible driver. 3. The borrower should have good moral character and a strong awareness of laws and regulations, ensuring that driving is not only responsible for themselves but also for the car owner. 4. If the car owner knowingly lends the car to an unlicensed driver and an accident occurs, the owner should also bear external liability and share joint compensation responsibility with the driver.
As a middle-aged car enthusiast who highly values family, I believe lending your car to others requires careful consideration. A car is not just a means of transportation; it's directly tied to the safety of your entire family. If a friend gets into an accident while driving your car, the owner may bear joint liability, insurance might not cover all costs, and hefty repair bills could become a major headache. I've personally witnessed a neighbor lend his car to his son's classmate, resulting in a minor rear-end collision that cost over 5,000 yuan in repairs and several days without the car. Even more troubling, if the accident is severe and involves personal injury, legal responsibility is unavoidable. Helping friends is commendable—like in emergencies such as hospital visits—but alternative solutions should be considered, such as driving them yourself or calling a taxi. Ultimately, unless absolutely necessary, it's better to avoid lending your car altogether. Protecting your car means protecting yourself and your family.
I'm still young at this age and love hanging out with friends, sometimes lending my car to buddies for a joyride. It feels good to help out and strengthen friendships, but if my friends have bad driving habits—like driving aggressively or parking recklessly—the car comes back dirty, and I have to foot the cleaning bill. The real issue is insurance. I've read that insurers typically only cover authorized drivers, so if a friend speeds or gets into an accident, I, as the owner, am liable for damages. I've learned to be smarter now—only lending to truly responsible people and setting clear rules: short distances only, no strangers, and no overloading. Honestly, it's easier to just drive friends around myself. Lending a car is fine, but boundaries must be set to avoid trouble.
