Let's say we borrow an RV...

Sounds like a great way to ruin a friendship.

I think we are all paying for insurance that covers any other driver we care to lend to. I wonder if there is a way to opt out of this and get a lower insurance price?

PastorCharlie wrote:
Not all states accept foreign drivers licensee. Some states have no-fault insurance. Some states require underinsured and uninsured insurance. Different state require different amount of coverage. Liability insurance does not cover the vehicle being driven. Proper driver licensee and proper insurance coverage are the main concerns to protect both the vehicle being driven and others on the road. One size shoe does not fit all feet.

Last I heard International driver's licenses were accepted nationwide. The treaty(?) is signed on the Federal level.
Whether a state is no fault or not, insurance would cover the rules and regulations of every state same as for American citizens.

I've overseas friends who come here and drive on a regular basis once they leave NYC.

CA Traveler wrote:

PastorCharlie wrote:
Not all states accept foreign drivers licensee. Some states have no-fault insurance. Some states require underinsured and uninsured insurance. Different state require different amount of coverage. Liability insurance does not cover the vehicle being driven. Proper driver licensee and proper insurance coverage are the main concerns to protect both the vehicle being driven and others on the road. One size shoe does not fit all feet.

What about an international drivers license? Is that accepted by all states?

Wouldn't the insurance be based on the state the rig is registered in?

https://www.ncdps.gov/Index2.cfm?a=000003,000014,000935,000944

http://studentlegalservices.web.unc.edu/legal-resources/legal-topics-index-2/driving-legally-in-nc/

stetwood wrote:
No one has made any comments of any kind of agreement with your friend. Get a written agreement with them detailing such things as who pays for reconditioning the RV, and other rental terms that probably could be found in rental contracts that could be modified for RV. Having this written out will keep you friends.

Actually, I did 4 posts up... ;)

But it's worth repeating. An RV can be a very expensive "tool" to borrow with lots of things that can go wrong for a great variety of reasons. Take a few preliminary precautions and you can prevent a lot of issues later.

No one has made any comments of any kind of agreement with your friend. Get a written agreement with them detailing such things as who pays for reconditioning the RV, and other rental terms that probably could be found in rental contracts that could be modified for RV. Having this written out will keep you friends.

spoon059 wrote:
They are both right. Its not illegal to drive someone else's car, but there could be circumstances where it is in your favor to produce a piece of paper that explains it is a legal and voluntary rental or loan. Either way, have fun. It sounds like it could be a great trip!

X-3

Years ago I called a friend in Chicago and asked if I could stay with them because I wanted to extend a business trip (that was paying my airfare). He said yes, but there was a catch. They were going to their summer home that weekend. I went anyway.

When I arrived and let myself in, I found a nicely typed and signed letter authorizing me to be in his house and to ride his motorcycle. Made me feel welcome and secure if my presence caused any neighbors to call the police. He was an attorney by profession and was great about covering the details.

What a neat opportunity you have, I hope you take advantage of it. You'll see great sights and meet wonderful people.

If a notarized piece of paper would instantly absolve you of any further investigation by the police if you were driving a vehicle you were not the registered owner of, all car thieves would have one. Driving a vehicle loaned to you is common, and in America you aren't going to be stopped and questioned by the police unless you are doing something suspicious or illegal (regardless of what some people with a real police phobia will post). If it all comes together, enjoy your trip, the US is a great country to explore.

I would have the letter authorizing you to drive the vehicle. Check with your insurance and their insurance - some companies cover anyone driving the vehicle, others cover only those named in the contract. I would also establish an agreement between me and the RV owner to identify certain responsibilities.

There's an old saying "don't do business with friends or family". I find this to fall into that area. If something goes wrong, it could end up ruining the friendship. A simple "oops, I backed into a post" or "I got a ticket" is easy; but what if something else went wrong. What if the generator/power inverter goes bad? What if the engine block cracks? Things like this aren't so easy to assign blame or determine the root cause, and it could turn into a fight about who's responsible to pay.

While it might be making things more convoluted, RVs can cost big bucks and problems can mean a lot of money at stake - and disagreements about money do ruin friendships.