"Neighbor" post question... Insurance and exercise

Don’t you love “neighbor” posts? After reading a “neighbor” post of what the supposedly “Neighbor” did, you realize it wasn’t the “neighbor” but the poster that actually goofed something up..

Well this post is really is a “Neighbor” post. Let me explain…

One of our neighbors, became a widower about a year ago and recently had a minor stoke a couple months ago. He has been told he can’t drive at all. His Class A or any other vehicle till he has more re-hab (if ever again IMO) anyway after his wife passed he has not used OR started (their) his Class A, maybe a 35 footer. RV has not moved maybe 6 months or more in his steep driveway.

He has a daughter in San Diego (long way from Seattle) so no help there. He has very little contact with the outside world, especially since his wife passed. Wives clothes still in RV and he can’t bring himself to take them out. Also made me really think about my own situation.

I’m retired and time to help him.. He called his insurance agent (no call back yet) about somebody else driving his RV. He doesn’t “do computers” so I’m posting a "Neighbor" post here to maybe get some answers of what others think. I don’t want to work on any of his maint stuff but thinking about taking his RV for hour drive and then have and dealer “winterize” his RV would not be out of line.. Which the “winterize” could be for long time (IMO) I wouldn’t mind driving his RV once a month or 2 till he gets back into it, if he can. But not going to do anything that involves anything mechanical (change oil, filters, etc).

Our talk boiled down to 2 questions.

Question 1… His driveway is step, I would say less step than 4/12 pitch roof but still pretty steep. Is it alright to run gen at that angle? Gen is Onan, looks bigger than my Microquiet 3500 in my small class C. We Don’t want to run gen if not it’s not getting oiled properly because of his driveway angle. We booth agree on that point. He used to run gen going down the road to exercise engine and gen due to the steepness.

Question 2…If I drove it around to exercise other parts (motor, trans etc) or anywhere on a public road is there any liability put upon me?

Thanks

RV Lifestyle

darsben
Explorer II
Sep 16, 2014
Question 2;
Yes there can be a liability upon you in case of accident. If you are negligent in any manner and cause the accident then you could be held liable. If you are driving the MH and it has a defect that can be shown you knew or should have known about then you can be liable. An extreme example of this theory is; You drive the MH down the highway with a wheel missing and crash into something. Even though the defect was the cause of the accident the fact you should have known the wheel was missing would make you liable. A more practical example would be spongy brakes.

I would also have some sort of written agreement with the owner. This would prevent next of kin from getting squirrely abut you trying to "steal" the MH.
sdianel_-acct_c
Explorer
Sep 16, 2014
From the State Farm Insurance website:
Because the policy terms and state laws can vary widely, always contact your insurance agent before loaning out your car—or any other motor vehicle, such as a motorcycle, boat, jet ski, snowmobile, ATV or RV. - See more at: http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/insurance/auto-1/when-someone-else-drives-your-car/#sthash.HFj3kb0i.dpuf
kevinbti
Explorer
Sep 16, 2014
As adjuster, I would ask your neighbor to put you down as an additional driver under his policy Get written permission to use the vehicle Insurance would then follow the motorhome and give you some distance from liablity
toedtoes
Explorer III
Sep 17, 2014
Insurance companies have varying rules about "other drivers":

1. The vehicle owner's insurance covers any person who drives the insured vehicle;
2. The driver's insurance covers any vehicle that driver drives;
3. The vehicle owner's insurance ONLY covers those identified as an "additional driver" on the policy;
4. The driver's insurance specifically excludes driving any vehicle except the insured vehicle.

It varies dependent upon the insurance company, the driver's driving record, etc. (for example, a high risk driver may have a clause that denies coverage if the driver is driving anything other than the vehicle(s) on the policy)

Have him contact his insurance and ask about coverage if you are driving his motorhome; contact your insurance and ask about coverage if you are driving his motorhome. Then make a decision together based on the results.

I would start talking to him about potentially selling the RV. Even if he has rehab and is cleared for driving, is he going to want to travel in that RV with the memories (not to mention his wife's belongings)? Maybe suggest that he sell the class A and then, once he is back to driving, he could look at a class B or small class C?

My Dad had a hard time with the thought that he would not be driving again, but with some well-placed suggestions, he realized that downsizing his vehicle made more sense than keeping his 3500 diesel truck & 36' 5er. He actually enjoyed buying a "new toy". In the end, he never drove that new toy, but he didn't have that "I'm never going to drive again" depression at giving up the truck & RV.
travelzoo
Explorer
Sep 17, 2014
Seems it gets more difficult everyday just to be a good neighbor. I have health issues that at times keep me from doing a lot of the outdoor yard chores. My neighbor has asked me several times if he can help out by mowing or doing yard chores for me. You have to love a neighbor like that. I ask my insurance agent about him helping me like that and what if he hurt himself while doing so. My agent said to just have him give me a bill and pay him, even if he uses my equipment. So I asked my attorney friend the same thing. His answer was there is no way to do it and be 100% safe in doing it. Why does it have to be so hard to just help a neighbor or let them help you?
Paul_Clancy
Explorer
Sep 17, 2014
Because of the litigious society that stems from the lack of admission of fault.
msredneck84
Explorer
Sep 17, 2014
The insurance normally follows vehicle. Each state has different policy language.
If the neighbor did not have insurance then your automobile policy would come into play.
The state legislature governs policy language and the state insurance commissioner enforces the insurance laws of the state. By the way you can call your insurance commissioner for any questions you have. That is what they are there for.
This is the way it is where I live anyway.
dmeck
Explorer
Sep 17, 2014
As far as the generator goes it might have a low oil switch that won't let it run if it's not getting enough oil.
blangen
Explorer
Sep 17, 2014
Unfortunately, even assuming the insurance obstacles can be overcome, there is a fairly large can of worms just waiting to be opened. Maybe you're going down the road and something (anything... and there is a LONG list of possibilities) breaks. His memory is that whatever it is was working last time he drove. You could EASILY wind up in a less than pleasant relationship with your neighbor... and his family. I'm really sorry to have to say this. It's really sad. But this is, more likely than not, the reality.

Edit: I'm assuming he won't be going with you on these drives because, if he's having trouble with the clothing, he probably isn't much more comfortable being in the rig. If he goes with you, and he's of sound mind (yep, another can of worms), maybe that somewhat tempers what I said previously. It's sad. I know. And I feel for him... and you. You're trying to be a good guy. But this is, these days, more difficult than just helping a neighbor.
spud1957
Explorer
Sep 17, 2014
I asked this specific question to my agent about letting someone not living in my household drive my vehicle. She said in the event the driver CAUSES an accident, I have complete coverage BUT the fault of the accident will be marked against me (6 years) if/and any related rate increases would be against me.

These would be Canadian insurance regulations.

S