Community Forums

Kellyjj · 07-06-2021, 06:48 AM

If selling privately, how do I handle letting a buyer drive it? They may say they've driven one but in truth, they may never have.

**NLOVNIT** · 07-07-2021, 11:34 AM

You ask for proof of insurance & go with them on the test drive.

LETMGROW · 07-07-2021, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT

You ask for proof of insurance & go with them on the test drive.

Proof of insurance for what? As the vehicle owner you are the one required to have insurance.

Ljwt330 · 07-07-2021, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LETMGROW

Proof of insurance for what? As the vehicle owner you are the one required to have insurance.

This^^.

Your insurance should cover other licensed drivers. What you need to check is that their license applies to your coach if it is of a size that requires a special classification.

If in doubt, give your agent/insurance company a call.

If you're concerned about the test driver's ability, a ride along in an area with sparse traffic so you can observe his driving skills would be ideal.

jondrew55 · 07-07-2021, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LETMGROW

Proof of insurance for what? As the vehicle owner you are the one required to have insurance.

When I rent a car I have to provide insurance. It may be dependent on state who's insurance pays for an accident during a test ride. I'm sure someone will weigh in here.

As to the test ride itself. What I did was take the unit for a ride with the buyer along in the passenger seat. A short local drive, then a ride on the highway. Then I pulled over close to an entrance ramp and let them take it on the road.

When I bought my first MH, and 80 something Pace Arrow, the owner just said "here, take her out" and threw me the keys. I was afraid to take it out of his driveway, so he backed it out for me and we went for an hour's ride. I don't think I'd do that.

dave&ginny · 07-07-2021, 12:00 PM

I would never let someone drive any RV without me being with them. When I bought my unit new, the dealership was with me when I test drove it.

CRV2 · 07-07-2021, 12:05 PM

I think the best answer would be to call your insurance company and ask them if your policy covers a "test drive" driver. ~CA

Ljwt330 · 07-07-2021, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jondrew55

When I rent a car I have to provide insurance. It may be dependent on state who's insurance pays for an accident during a test ride. I'm sure someone will weigh in here.

As to the test ride itself. What I did was take the unit for a ride with the buyer along in the passenger seat. A short local drive, then a ride on the highway. Then I pulled over close to an entrance ramp and let them take it on the road.

When I bought my first MH, and 80 something Pace Arrow, the owner just said "here, take her out" and threw me the keys. I was afraid to take it out of his driveway, so he backed it out for me and we went for an hour's ride. I don't think I'd do that.

You are correct, the insurance policies will vary state to state, but in nearly every case, the insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver. I don't doubt your experience with a rental car, but it doesn't make sense to me, to require the driver to show insurance, especially if the driver is not a car owner.

What you may be experiencing is the rental company's need to have adequate insurance on their cars which may be covered by the personal insurance policies of drivers. If that is lacking, or inadequate, the rental company may require purchase of insurance from them at an additional cost.

jondrew55 · 07-07-2021, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ljwt330

You are correct, the insurance policies will vary state to state, but in nearly every case, the insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver. I don't doubt your experience with a rental car, but it doesn't make sense to me, to require the driver to show insurance, especially if the driver is not a car owner.

What you may be experiencing is the rental company's need to have insurance on their cars which may be covered by the personal insurance policies of drivers. If that is lacking, or inadequate, the rental company may require purchase of insurance from them at an additional cost.

Also, for what it's worth, I did call my insurance company asking if it would be ok for my son to drive our MH without adding him as another driver. The answer was a bit evasive but they said he would be covered ONLY if it were on an occasional basis. So that tends to support your "Insurance follows the vehicle" statement. But I think this is a bit off track. I'd asked and was shown proof of insurance. If the buyer wants to argue with me about that he would have driven a long way for no test ride. I get to make that rule.

Duster73 · 07-07-2021, 12:34 PM

When I test drove my new to me motorhome, he let me drive it while he sat in the passenger seat. From the storage lot, the main road was not very busy. But I didnt have the opportunity to take it on the express way. I just made sure it was good up to 65 for a minute.

BirchyBoy · 07-07-2021, 12:35 PM

I’ve got some people coming to look at mine this week. I wish I felt like I could trust my judgment on letting them go without me, but I don’t. So, I’ll drive if they never have or will ride along if they have.

Gary RVRoamer · 07-07-2021, 01:19 PM

I'd never let them drive alone. I drive it out and demonstrate as much as practical, then let the prospective buyer take a brief turn at the wheel of his own.

As for insurance, in the USA its the vehicle that is insured, not the driver. However, when you drive somebody else's vehicle, you are also a party to any liability action that may occur as a result of your actions while driving. So yes, asking if the buyer has insurance with "drive other car" privileges is appropriate. Besides, that also covers damage to your coach if he causes it. Better his insurance pays than yours!

Re the rental car scenario, the insurance you purchase is collision and comprehensive that covers damage to the vehicle while in your car. YOU are responsible for that, though typically your own vehicle insurance will pay in your behalf. You can waive purchasing the insurance from the rental company.

Ray,IN · 07-07-2021, 03:03 PM

Whether it is a new CL A MH or a used auto, the dealer photocopied my driver license prior to approving a test drive even though the salesman rode along.

Dutch Star Don · 07-07-2021, 06:02 PM

I rarely sell anything private party, but I don't let anyone take a test drive without me.

If I had a short gasser and they assured me that they had driven a motor home before, I would have to use my best judgement and possibly let them drive. With that said, they wouldn't be driving my 40 DP just on their saying they know how. I would take them for a drive, showing them that everything works and they can drive it when they place their deposit.