Should You Let Someone Borrow Your Camper?
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Key Takeaways
- There's a lot to learn about RVs for someone just wanting to borrow one for a couple days
- Consider the unique functions of RV appliances like the water pump.
- Consider the difficulty of driving an RV.
- Renting usually involves insurance knowledge.
There are some things to think about when considering whether or not to lend your RV, paid or not. It can be fun and beneficial for everyone involved.
There are many factors at play that can make the process more complicated than just handing over keys and showing someone how everything works. Know what risks are involved before making any decisions about lending out your camper so that everyone has an enjoyable experience.
As someone who knows the learning curve of an RV and how much maintenance they require, I know that loaning it out can be daunting. Friends need a crash course in using one, and renting can also be complicated. Below I'll go over some things to consider about lending out an RV.
Should You Let Someone Borrow Your RV Camper
When you're thinking about lending your RV to someone, you might wonder if it's a good idea. After all, it's one thing if you're going to lend your car to someone and another entirely when that person is driving around in a large motorhome. However, with proper preparations and precautions in place, lending out an RV can be a stress-free way to help out a friend or relative while possibly earning some extra cash on the side.
You can get acquainted with your RV better if you take care of it properly before, during and after its rental period (and any repairs that may be needed).
How To Start Renting Out Your RV
Start by getting the details from your insurance company about what's covered and what's not.
The first step is to get a copy of your insurance policy. If you're not sure where this is, call up your agent and ask for one. It's always a good idea to have the exact wording in front of you before agreeing to anything.
Next, check the fine print on any coverage that applies—make sure it doesn't say anything like "You can't lend or rent out your RV," or "You'll need special insurance coverage if you do."
Finally, if there's something in there about lending out your camper (or renting it), talk things over with an agent at your company—they may know other ways around these limitations than those listed above (for example: maybe they'll cover someone who has already been approved by them).
Don't assume that the driver's personal auto insurance will cover your RV.
Make sure you have insurance coverage for the RV.
Make sure the driver has current licenses and is comfortable driving an RV.
If someone is willing to pay you to rent your RV, make sure you have proper insurance coverage and a solid rental agreement.
You can get insurance through the rental company that handles your RV or individually. If you have a good reason for renting out your RV, it's worth it financially and legally—not just for something like a vacation but also for things like an unexpected family member living in an area where homes are too expensive or if someone needs help getting around after having surgery. It might even be considered charitable work by some organizations.
Make sure that any person who is renting from you has signed an agreement specifying their responsibilities (and yours). They should also be able to show proof of insurance on their vehicle before driving away with yours. This will help protect both parties in case of an accident while using the camper during its rental period.
You may want to consider using a licensed provider who can handle the legal details of renting out your RV so you don't have to worry about them.
If you are considering renting out your RV, the first thing that you should do is make sure that it is insured. In most cases, this will mean adding an endorsement to your current policy and perhaps getting a separate policy through a car rental company.
Once you have ensured that your vehicle is properly covered in case of an accident or theft, it's time to start thinking about the legal aspects of renting out your RV. The first step here is creating a solid rental agreement with clear terms and conditions for both parties. If there are any special requirements or restrictions on the renter's use of the vehicle (like keeping pets in or disallowing smoking), be sure to include them in this agreement as well. You'll also want to make sure that any damage caused by their use of the camper will be covered by their insurance policy—it may not be as comprehensive as yours, so check into whether or not they have sufficient coverage before allowing them access to your camper!
Finally, don't forget about safety concerns: if you're worried about how well someone can drive before handing over keys (or if they don't have their own vehicle), consider asking them if they've had experience driving campers like yours before deciding whether they're trustworthy enough to take care of one while living life on wheels.
Make sure you have the proper insurance coverage. If the borrower does something to cause damage to your RV, you will want to be covered by an insurance policy that covers such damages.
Make sure you have a solid rental agreement in place with your borrower. You may also want to consider hiring an attorney or company specializing in recreational vehicle lending and renting so they can help with drafting up contracts that protect both parties' interests.
Make sure you have the right license before letting someone borrow your RV camper. If this person is going to use it as their permanent residence, then they should apply for an RVer's license instead of a regular driver's license; otherwise, if this person is just borrowing it temporarily or only plans on traveling locally and staying put at night (e.g., going camping), then they can use their regular driver's license instead of getting an RVer's one from another state (which could lead them into trouble).
How To Lend Out An RV
Before lending your RV camper to someone, make sure they are licensed and comfortable driving the vehicle. They should be familiar with the controls, limitations of the vehicle, and how to handle it in different situations. It’s also important that they know how to drive safely and responsibly.
If you plan on leaving your RV at a campsite during their use of it (as opposed to driving together), make sure your friend or relative knows how to park and secure your camper properly.
If you do allow someone to borrow your RV, make sure they understand that they are responsible for its safe return and any damage they cause while they're driving it.
This is especially important if someone is borrowing your RV for an extended period of time. If the person who borrowed your vehicle causes an accident or damages it in any way, then you may be responsible for paying for replacements or repairs to the vehicle. Make sure that the person who is borrowing it understands this before handing over the keys.