Money Moral Dilemma: Am I paying too much for holiday car breakdown?

davemac2014

I borrowed my niece's car to drive round New Zealand. She bought comprehensive insurance (insurance is not compulsory in New Zealand) and breakdown cover. I paid for these. The car needed brakepads, an air filter and a new tyre while I was using it. I paid for these. It got a parking ticket while I was using it. I wouldn't have dreamed of asking her to pay for any of these expenses. After all she had been kind enough to lend me the car in the first place and it wasn't her fault that it developed a few faults.
So, No you don't refund your friends for a cost that had nothing to do with you. If you had been in the car you would not have sustained this cost. If they had had the foresight to buy breakdown cover they would not have had this additional cost but they would have had the cost of the cover. They should be grateful to you, not expecting you to contribute to their costs. Unless they suggest that they contribute to the cost of the vehicle don't give them a penny.

JeremyCH

Hmmmm, on balance it was your car and clearly there was a problem with it. Whilst I apprecaite the cost you've gone to to get it repaired ultimately it is your car so I think a £50 contribution towards the tow is only fair - a friend of mine had a similar situation and his 'friends' refused to pay a penny towards the costs and he had to fork out the lot so I would suggest looking at it the other way around and count yourself lucky that your friends have offered to contribute towards the costs

Pyxis

1. Did you ask if any of them had breakdown cover before agreeing to lend the car? If not, then perhaps you share some of the responsibility.
2. Was it something like running out of oil? If so, perhaps your responsibility again.
3. Was it something like the cam belt breaking? If I bought an old car for £700 and it had a cam belt, the first thing I'd do is change it. So, if yes, perhaps your responsibility again.
4. Was the driver doing anything to precipitate the breakdown? There are two witnesses to how he/she was driving. If so, then perhaps not your responsibility.

If NO to all questions, then IMO the friends asking you for just £50 is very reasonable.

This is the sort of situation that could easily blow up into full scale resentment and make enemies out of friends, causing bitterness for years, so if they are very good friends, £50 is a very small price to pay for keeping that friendship. Pay it.

ohit

Should have had breakdown cover - it's just another insurance policy, and cheap than paying 200+

ruthb2008

But for the fact that they decided to go home early, they would not have broken down in your car.

At the end of the day you were doing them a favour and its cost you enough as it is. Would it have cost them £100 for transport home had you not offered the use of your car?

Personally, I wouldnt pay them anything.... but maybe I'm just stubborn....

paul_k

If you loan out your car and it breaks down,how on earth can you blame the drivers.
You should pay all,but if they are good friends and seeing how they had the use of the car,perhaps they may consider helping out
over the costs.
lesson learnt ? you should have agreed beforehand that they would have to pay for any costs if a breakdown etc and then you would have had a contract.
Thats life !

nczm

I'm not sure why you let your friends drive home your clearly knackered car if only you were properly insured. They sound like good friends to be helping you fix your mistake - def pay the money

Witless

nczm wrote: »

I'm not sure why you let your friends drive home your clearly knackered car if only you were properly insured. They sound like good friends to be helping you fix your mistake - def pay the money

... and gratefully accept their combined contribution of £525.00 towards your £700.00 loss.

tallgirld

If I was in that situation I would contribute.

Fair enough it wouldn't have cost you anything if you had been driving but you chose to let them drive the old banger.

It's only £50 so just swallow it. Next time do not let anyone drive your car.

meknowalot-51

You can all learn by this,your friends chose to drive home in your car so they should take full responsibility for the tow home.To ask you for anything for this is a bit of a cheek.Next time someone is thoughtfull enough to lend them a car they had better make sure someone in the vehicle has breakdown cover.As for you,in future spend a few thousand on a decent second hand car or this will most likely happen again.