What are the reasons for not lending out private cars?
3 Answers
After lending out a car, the owner assumes joint liability. In case of an accident, the owner will be held responsible. The following are situations where the owner is at fault after lending the car: 1. Knowing the vehicle has defects but still lending it out: The owner needs to bear joint liability. The defects here mainly refer to issues with the power system, braking system, etc., which can significantly affect the normal operation of the vehicle. 2. Knowing the borrower is under the influence of alcohol or drugs but still lending the car: This refers to the borrower being intoxicated or on drugs at the time of lending. In such cases, the owner needs to bear joint liability. If the borrower consumes alcohol or drugs after the car has been lent, it is no longer the owner's responsibility. 3. Lending the car to someone without a driver's license: Or to someone whose license does not match the vehicle type, the owner will also bear joint liability.
I always insist on not lending out my private car, mainly due to safety concerns. You know, if a friend gets into an accident while driving, the responsibility could entirely fall on me, and the insurance company might not cover it because the car owner is liable. Others have different driving habits—sudden braking or high-speed cornering can damage tires and brake systems. I've seen a neighbor return a borrowed car with completely worn-out brake pads, costing hundreds to repair. I also worry about traffic violations—friends might not be familiar with speed limits or road signs, and tickets would come directly to me, creating a hassle to resolve. For the safety of myself and others, I'd rather say no to lending and suggest they rent a car instead—it's much more worry-free.
From an economic perspective, not lending your car is the most hassle-free option. Car insurance policies often exclude damages that occur while the vehicle is borrowed, leaving you to cover costly repairs out of pocket. If the borrower forgets to refill the windshield washer fluid or top up the fuel, you'll end up paying for it. Scheduling conflicts can also arise—like when your weekend road trip plans get derailed because the borrower returns the car late. Additionally, frequent lending accelerates wear and tear on your asset, whether it’s engine strain or interior misuse, driving up maintenance costs. I once lent my car to a coworker who damaged the AC system, resulting in a four-figure repair bill. A firm 'no' saves you unnecessary expenses and headaches.
