a question about self drive to snowfield with friends

[oonie]

Hi there, knowing that many people use their own car to drive to the snowfield, how would you guys share the responsibility during the driving trip? Especially when dealing with a car accident. Who need to be responsible and who's not? Please share your ideas and thoughts. Thanks.

[carver_hk-ski]

Hi oonie. I ll say if the driver is not paid to do the driving then the excess should be equally spread otherwise the driver should have the option to buy out the excess or bear the excess.

[Mike]

Hi there, knowing that many people use their own car to drive to the snowfield, how would you guys share the responsibility during the driving trip? Especially when dealing with a car accident. Who need to be responsible and who's not? Please share your ideas and thoughts. Thanks.

It depends on how many drivers you have, suggest you change driver every 2 or 3 hours.
I usually only stop for driver change, fill up petrol tank, go to toilet and have a cup of coffee (all during the stop) otherwise just keep going.

What do you mean by dealing with car accident? Your insurance should cover all the drivers. Whoever is driving has to deal with it, he should know what has happened. The driver cannot escape responsibility.

[hy]

oonie,

I guest the responsibility issue is very tricky. Unless it is very specifically decided, I would say the responsibility rests with the car owner. First, it is the owner's legal responsibility to control the car including who is the driver. In case of co-driving, that means the owner agreed all drivers have the skill and knowledge to drive.

Of course, we can say the driver involved in the accident should pay. But what can the owner do if the driver refuses to pay? Even the driver paid the damage, how about the loss of NCB? The claim from another party against the driver and the car owner? It is especially the case if the driver does not have his own insurance and replies on owner's insurance policy.

Why not just rent a car and name all drivers during rental. That will solve the problems once for all.

Just my 2 cents.:)

[Yogi]

Especially when dealing with a car accident. Who need to be responsible and who's not?
Do you mean you run into another car or someone hit you?
If you hit someone, being the driver,of course you are the responsibile person. If you are fully insured, then insurance company will pay for most of the damages (except the excess as stated in your insurance policy).

If someone hit you then the other party is responsible to pay for your loss, but the driver is still has the responsibilty to file the report to the insurance company / car rental company / police.

I guest the responsibility issue is very tricky. Unless it is very specifically decided, I would say the responsibility rests with the car owner. First, it is the owner's legal responsibility to control the car including who is the driver. In case of co-driving, that means the owner agreed all drivers have the skill and knowledge to drive.

Of course, we can say the driver involved in the accident should pay. But what can the owner do if the driver refuses to pay? Even the driver paid the damage, how about the loss of NCB? The claim from another party against the driver and the car owner? It is especially the case if the driver does not have his own insurance and replies on owner's insurance policy.
:)

The car owner is responsible to make sure all the drivers are fully insured to drive his car. If accident does occur , the the car owner being the insurance policy holder has to either claim his insurance or let the insurance company know someone hit him and the damages are to be claimed against the other party's insurance company. If you do not claim your own insurance, no loss to your NCB.

If the other party has no insurance, then he is against the law; if he refuses to pay then report to the police and hire a lawyer to claim for damages in the court.

[Aussieboy]

oonie,

I guest the responsibility issue is very tricky. Unless it is very specifically decided, I would say the responsibility rests with the car owner. First, it is the owner's legal responsibility to control the car including who is the driver. In case of co-driving, that means the owner agreed all drivers have the skill and knowledge to drive.

Of course, we can say the driver involved in the accident should pay. But what can the owner do if the driver refuses to pay? Even the driver paid the damage, how about the loss of NCB? The claim from another party against the driver and the car owner? It is especially the case if the driver does not have his own insurance and replies on owner's insurance policy.

Why not just rent a car and name all drivers during rental. That will solve the problems once for all.


Just my 2 cents.:)



Don't think it would be ok with rental car unless you specify to rental company you are driving up to the snowfield, at least in Australia. I assume other countries will be the same. Even you take up the general insurance from rental company, it doesn't mean it automatically covers any accident above the snow line. or you may need to pay for any wheel damage because improper fitting with your snowchain. you better check the rental insurance policy before you hire the car. otherwise, it could be quite expensive trip if thing goes wrong.