6 Unspoken Etiquette Rules of Borrowing a Friend's Car

Etiquette is good morals. You need no one to teach you. But they add value and trust in you amongst your friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family. So you have an unspoken duty to learn and do them.Friends are great people to be around you. You have had it said; a friend sticks closer than a brother does. It is true. Be a friend that comes through for your buddies. Then decide always to appreciate friends that help you beyond words. Below are six silent etiquette rules that will change the way you conduct yourself when you borrow your friend's car.

1. Be Polite

When borrowing your friend's car, make sure you let them know when you will return the vehicle. And make sure you have it to them by that deadline (if not sooner). Tell the owner precisely what you intend to do with it and where you intend to go before borrowing it. If any deviation occurs, get permission from the owner. Also, enquire if there are any particular things you need to know about the car before you take it.

2. Have Auto Liability Insurance Coverage

Understanding the types of auto insurance policies is crucial, especially when borrowing a friend’s car. It’s essential to have a valid driver’s license in good standing to minimize the risks associated with lending you the vehicle. Liability insurance is particularly beneficial as it covers you regardless of which vehicle you drive. Many vehicle owners hesitate to lend their cars without insurance coverage; however, with liability insurance, you are protected when driving a friend's car, provided you have a valid license and it is in good standing. For more detailed information on how liability coverage works in various situations, visit Consumer Shield. Besides liability insurance, there are collision and comprehensive insurance types that cover the vehicle no matter who drives it. This means if your friend’s car is equipped with this coverage, you can safely borrow it even without your own insurance.

However, it is good etiquette to carry your own insurance. In the event of an accident, your insurance company will handle the costs of repairing any damages to your friend's car. A Dayton car accident lawyer emphasizes the importance of this coverage, saying, 'I strongly advocate for having auto liability insurance coverage. It offers essential financial protection for both drivers and vehicle owners in the event of accidents causing bodily injury or property damage to others.

3. Take Responsibility

While you are in the car, drive it very carefully. Park safely where the vehicle will not be damaged or scratched. If there is an accident or a scratch, take responsibility and pay to fix the car.

Take good care of your friend's car; keep it clean. Do not smoke in the car. Observe road safety rules. In some countries such as Canada, accidents involving borrowed cars attract more insurance premiums. So if you drive recklessly, you will leave your friend with the burden of extra premiums.

4. Don't Take It On Long Trips

Stick to the purpose of your trip. Long trips will mean more expenses on your part. The risks also increase. So it is safer for you to borrow your friend's car for short trips.

5. Do Not Modify Your Friend's Car

You may have liked a particular vehicle modification that is trending. And since you have the car, you may opt to customize it to your taste. You may think to yourself that since it is fashionable, your friend would like it as well. Furthermore, you are spending money on their car, which you may never ask for a refund. Unfortunately, I suppose you might be wrong. Your friend may probably not like it. 

6. Return It as it was

When you have finished the day's business, it's time to go home, but you need to return the car first. Not so fast, you need to show gratitude to your friend for the car. Your day's business should include a plan on how you will wash and fuel the vehicle.  

1. Take the car to an auto wash facility. Don't mind how clean it was at the time you were picking it. It is not wrong to return it cleaner than you found it. Make sure you remove all your trash from the car.
2. From the car wash facility, go and fuel the car at least to the level you found. Or, if you have the ability, fill the fuel tank. If you change radio frequencies, make sure you change them back. Return seats as they were, to return everything in the condition you found it.
3. Be very thankful when you return the car, and do not dare mention that you filled the tank and washed it. They will notice without you bringing it to their attention.

When you show these unspoken etiquettes to your friend. The chances are that they won't think twice in case you want to borrow their car,

Related Articles:

• Exploring the Benefits of Investing in Classic Cars
• Tips to help care for your Car
• What is a car-derived van?
• The Classiest Cars Money Can Buy