"Renting" to friends? Forums

JohnP

I guess one of the things many vanners have is a 'van that their friends look at, coo over, look at one another quizzically and then gradually and indirectly maybe, ask: "What if we wanted to borrow it for say three weeks? Obviously when you guys weren't using it? Obviously we'd pay...."

Actual commercial rental on a camper is colossal, not what I'd want to charge friends even if my van was new, which it aint. So:

a 1992 Hymer 550S, for three weeks in March, to go to Spain? How much is reasonable to ask? I haven't got a clue and don't want to rip off self or friends.

I know a lot of people would say just - don't do it. But is there anyone out there who could help me price it?

H1-GBV

I had similar feelings when I bought my van. My 3 eldest children weren't interested on going on the insurance; my youngest son was BUT he was too young so it didn't happen.

On my second trip I snagged the roof on a guttering bolt and took a groove out. I didn't cry but I was tempted. Fortunately the damage was minor and I fixed it for £20 with the help of advice from this site.

If one of my kids had done it, I would have ranted about their carelessness, poor skills etc and there could have been a family rift. My wife and I decided there was no way ANYONE was going to borrow it from then on! Perhaps you're more laid back about mere possessions - good luck!

TinaGlenn

After getting our new Van this June a workmate came over to look at it and offered us £300 a week to rent it...... I had no difficulty saying no, albeit gently. Even if I could have rented it to him (and his 3 kids + wife) I dont think my insurance would have covered any damage he might have done.

Tina

SandJ · Specs DB Admin

Sorry, my answer would be, NO.
Then the wife would say, but they are..........
I would point out a few things and then she would reply NO.
Sorry if this is not the answer you want Shocked

If you must go ahead then my advise is, check rental prices and the deduct?
Insurance would be an issue I think!

Steve

gaspode · Moderator

Hi JohnP

Lending a M/H to friends is a risky procedure and almost guaranteed to end the friendship if anything goes wrong. Renting is another matter entirely and should be approached from a strictly business viewpoint. The minute you accept any reward whatsoever for the use of the M/H you are in breach of the "not for hire or reward" exemption on your insurance, so your insurance is null and void, even though you might have added the driver to your policy. Insuring without this exemption would be wholly uneconomical unless you intended hiring the van on a regular basis.

olley · Campsite DB Admin

hi we used to hire our mitsubishi camper back in 1984, it cost about £1200 to insure it comprehensively and I couldn't drive it on that insurance, i had to have my own, also when abroad theft wasn't covered.

We used to charge £250 a week, after two years we gave it up as 6-8 weeks a year (july-sept) was all we ever managed to hire.

If your going to let a friend borrow it, you have to add them to your insurance, they can't get insured for a vehicle they don't own. so its your no-claims up the swany if they bend it.

Olley

geraldandannie · Moderator

J99Dub

Its a big no with me as well.

I have been asked if I would lend some of our cars (we have a few interesting ones) out and it just isnt worth the possible fall out after.

What do you say to a mate that has carved a 2 inch deep gouge 18 inches long in the rear wing - "oh its all right pal - I'll sort it" er No Wink

solentviews

Mine would be an emphatic no too. My motorhome is 12 years old shows some ravishes of time but I would not lend or hire it to friends or family. It is too valuable to me, and the pleasure I get out of it is immeasurable in terms of cost or possible loss of use to some inadvertent accident.
Ian

Pusser

No from me too. Any hiccup will cause major embarrassment to both parties. Bad enough the missus wanting to drive it. Shocked