"Neighbor" post question... Insurance and exercise

[path1]

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

[toedtoes]

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.

[kevinbti]

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

[sdianel_-acct_c]

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

[darsben]

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.