I am looking to rent YOUR car please? Hilo/Puna

[DanielP]

Lauren,
You better contact your agent and get it in writing. I had full coverage on the mainland, but my insurance did not cover me in Hawaii.

Dan

[Carey]

There is another thing for those that may look to renting out THEIR car that they have insured for non-commercial purposes.... That act may void the insurance, as leasing the insured vehicle is most likely viewed as a commercial use....So liability issues could go directly to the car owner... and you may be opening yourself up to all of your assets....

ETA: Lauren, Have you looked into the bus system? do you have any questions on the routes ( the maps are marginal at best, but there are a few of us that use it quite frequently that may be of some assist....

[Greg]

USAA: The bestest. I'm covered in anything I drive. I've read the policy. I've discussed it with agents.

[missydog1]

But that's not the point punagirl made, Greg. The question here is not whether Lauren is covered but whether the person renting out the car is taking a big risk because their policy would be hit first. In the example I gave of my friend who loaned her car to her aunt, the aunt had insurance, but the primary coverage was handled by my friend whose car it was. And she ended up with no car after loaning it out for one day.

I think Lauren doesn't understand what she's asking someone to risk. I imagine Carey is right, in addition, and that we who have non-commercial insurance are not supposed to be renting out our cars. This is one of these ideas that sounds all nice and one person helping another that has potential to turn into a total nightmare for everyone involved. We all know that being a good and careful driver is not guarantee that some bad, uninsured, unlicensed driver isn't going to hit you.

I am pretty sure that the policy ON THE VEHICLE covers the medical for driver and passengers. My younger son is dealing with the aftermath of an accident right now. He was driving a company owned vehicle, which he was allowed to drive for all purposes. The primary insurance being applied to this claim, for driver and two passengers, is the policy bought by his boss, the owner of the vehicle. NOT the driver's insurance. Not the insurance of the at fault driver who hit them. That policy covered the vehicle damage, but not the medical, but only because the driver admitted fault. The vehicle, like my friend's vehicle, was totaled out by the insurance company, even though it was rear-ended at a Taco Bell, if you can believe it.

It's enough of a mess. I can only imagine if he had been renting a friend's car through some private agreement.

[TheodoreJay]

My State Farm insurance has an added coverage at a real low cost to have non-owned vehicle coverage including loss of use, collision, theft, everything but my deductible. I'm assuming Lauren has that added to her current policy. Its a good thing for any tourists even just thinking about a rental. Of course it doesn't cover crazy things like 4x4's and recreational vehicles. Also, the added extra glass coverage is nice if a thief decides to break in, the glass is covered w/ no deductible (got my windshiled replaced twide already for free). Not sure what the legal liabilities are to the person renting the car though. Got to be some sort of Rent a Wreck out fit on the island?

[ric]

The insurance aspect aside, would anyone really let someone they found on the internet use their car? I take pretty good car of my cars, drive them gently and expect them to last a really long time. Would you think the average 'renter' to take as good care?

[missydog1]

>>> My State Farm insurance has an added coverage at a real low cost to have non-owned vehicle coverage

That is not the point! That insurance covers the renter's ass. The concern here is the owner of the car. I have been told many times here that the primary rule is that coverage follows the vehicle, meaning the first coverage to be applied on a claim is the coverage on that vehicle, the coverage paid for by the owner of the vehicle. All the other coverage is on top of that. Why do you think it is a real low cost? Because the odds it will pay out are low.

All this theorizing and talking to agents -- if you ever actually file a claim in Hawai'i you will learn how it works. I've had to file one, and my family. For example, the medical bills here are covered by the policy specifically on the vehicle, no matter whose fault. Any other coverage amounts come into play when that runs out.

Also none of this addresses the dilemma of a car owner whose car gets "totaled" by the insurer after a relatively small collision. With the unibody construction and the crumple technology put into cars now, and the high cost of parts and body work, even a collision without injuries can result in a horrific repair bill. The insurer has the right to pay the Blue Book on the car and not repair the car. So if you take care of your car, and it is an older car, the odds are you can't replace it for what they give you for a car that is anywhere near as reliable.

If someone wants to take on all these risks, and feels lucky, fine -- but he/she should know that it could be a real drag if the vehicle is hit.

[Bob Orts]

Renting your car to someone probably is not going to be considered Personal "Non Commercial" Use as stated in most Hawaii policies. Insurance companies have ways to find out if the vehicle was being used for purposes other than what the policy allowes. You could end up with a voided policy when you need it the most.

[Samdooby]

quote:

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Originally posted by Greg

USAA: The bestest. I'm covered in anything I drive. I've read the policy. I've discussed it with agents.

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X 2...

[David M]

X 3... but then not everyone qualifies either

David

Ninole Resident