Lending out a spare sled. Who's responsible?

[tdbaugha]

I've been trying to lend out my spare sled to some people that want to go snowmobiling but don't have their own/have never gone. Hypothetically speaking, say whoever is riding it hits something and breaks something like the nose cone/front bumper. Who is responsible for replacement?

The person who was riding it?

Or me, since I assumed that risk when I lent it out?

 

[jjkrueg]

Your insurance is responsible if you gave permission. I'd come to an understanding first though in case something happens.

 

[tdbaugha]

There's no insurance on it. If it were to get totaled, then that's my fault for not insuring it. But I'm curious about small things getting broken. For example the said nosecone is about a $100 replacement. I wouldn't be making an insurance claim over $100 even if I had insurance.

 

[zalez]

From a rental company, you as the renter are responsible. I would see this as the same. If you are lending it out, the person borrowing it should be responsible. Get it in writing though. Be very clear to them in the "contract" that they are responsible. Hopefully the borrower is riding with someone that can teach them the basics on how not to hit crap.

 

[coyoteman]

I have an extra sled that gets used just for other people to ride. I keep insurance on it. In the event that it gets crashed by someone else the most out of pocket they would ever have to pay is the $500 deductible I have on it. It has been crashed, under $500 damage several times in that case we get the parts and fix it over a few beers. Nothing better than a good shop project.

 

[hcrider]

wrecked loaner

had a buddy come into town this weekend so i offered to take him riding. he has not been on a snowmbile for 15 years so he jumped at the chance to go. long story short he took out both aarms on left side. i invited him to go so i replaced them. a good ride with long time friend well worth $180 in arms

 

[cateye5312]

There are several other threads on here covering this topic. It's a personal choice. In my case, I subscribe to the theory that " you break it, you buy it". If I borrow something from someone I give it back to them clean, full of gas, and in the same condition that I borrowed it in. I expect the same from anyone who borrows my stuff. Treat it with respect, fix it if you break it and you'll get to use it again. Don't and you won't. It's pretty simple really.

Make sure to tell people up front. For example, my wife's cousin is coming in from Washington to borrow our cabin this weekend. He and his wife have never snowmobiled before so they don't know what to expect. I sent him an email outlining some of the costs of snowmobiling, i.e., what a gallon of oil costs, what gas we use, cost of A-arms, bumpers, windshields, etc., the common stuff. Then I told him how many of these things we broke last year so he knows what our experience has been recently. Now he knows what I expect. Hopefully this will avoid any misunderstandings should he break something.

 

[89sandman]

let them know up front that they aren't taking your sled out for a joy ride and they are responsible for ANY damage done to the sled. if they don't like it they can go rent a sled! see how they handle any damage, an instant charge for parts and labor straight to thier credit card. why should borrowing a friends sled be any different? whatever happened to people taking responsibility for thier own actions?

 

[Vern]

i also go by the you break it you buy it motto so i'd say its the borrowers responsibility to fix stuff they break. if its a fluke deal/equipment failure like a burn down or something t like that then I'd say its your responsibility for lack of upkeep/improper tuning etc.. like stated just make sure both parties are in agreement on the arrangement prior.

 

[Skidoox]

I make them pay for the parts and I put it back together
I tell them You pay for what you break before they get on the sled
I also have insurance on all my sleds

 

[norsepeak]

You break it, you buy it. Had a guy borrow my new Can-am 800 quad a couple years ago and endoed it and rolled down the hill breaking all kinds of stuff. He bought the 1200 in parts and I did all the labor. I hate loaning out my stuff because it seems to come back broken or damage more often than not. I also hate to borrow stuff for the same reason. If given the choice I'd rent rather than borrow. Just my two cents.

 

[christopher]

 

[zebiraross]

If your friend isn't willing to pay for parts he may break, then he has no business borrowing your sled.

 

[Mafesto]

It really doesn't matter what the rules are.....just make sure you & he both agree of how any damage will be handled.....NO SUPRISES!

I don't think I would borrow a sled to someone if I valued the sled more than our friendship.