MONEY MORAL DILEMMA: Should Fernando pay for Lewis' service?

Geoff_W

I agree that Fernando should contribute something towards petrol; after all he's benefitting from not having to pay bus fares and getting a quicker, more comfortable journey.

The problem is, that in the first instant, what starts off as a goodwill gesture by Lewis, eventually becomes a bone of contention because nothing was agreed at the beginning, nor offered later.

A few years ago when I was still at work, staff were encouraged to car-share. However, some concerns were raised over insurance cover if it was discovered the driver was accepting payment from a passenger. It could be construed by the insurance company that the driver was operating a taxi service and therefore invalidated his/her 'domestic' policy.

The scheme eventually foundered when one car-share driver was involved in an accident and his passenger sued him for damages!

Geoff

coolpaprika

This is a no contest. Of course he should pay. Not only is he saving time, he's also saving a fair amount of money. His bus fare goes towards maintainance so why shouldn't some of his savings help Lewis out?

taka

I think that Lewis should pay the MOT/maintenance costs as its his car, his responsibility and he would need to pay for this even if Fernando did not get a lift with him. However, I think Fernando definitely should be paying towards petrol costs, especially if Lewis is going out of his way/feeling obligated to always give Fernando a lift that may not be convenient. Lewis could save this money towards the maintenance!

CCCele

Fernando isn't obliged to give him any money. But then, Lewis need not give him a lift any more. He could either formally break off the lift service, or just not pick him up. Then Fernando might see how useful the lift was.

mia79gbr

I feel that Fernando should wither pay half or take the bus from now on. There is nothing in the paragraph to suggest that Fernando helps with petrol costs and if he expects to get a free lifts to work with the driver and car owner paying for everything he's delusional!!

C_Ronaldo

Fernando shouldnt have to pay anything towards the MOT, maybe he should pay something toward petrol costs

GileZ

This one is quite simple, Fernando should have been paying towards petrol, but should pay for nothing more.

If you were in a taxi and it broke down then you wouldn't be expected to pay for the repairs, just the fare. The fact that he wasn't contributing towards the car doesn't matter, Fernando wasn't putting extra strain on the tyres which would cause them to wear noticably faster.

I would however, offer to contribte some money towards "petrol costs" which covered at least some of the cost of the repairs/replacements. This is called being a good human being and if someone has helped you out by giving you a lift then you should be contributing something at least.

palman

Lewis should be contributing to petrol, or at least buying Fernando a beer or two. Depends on if fernando detours or has refused a payment. Most people would instinctively give someone a tip, unless payment is made elsewhere, say DIY or lawn mowing etc.

Gordon861

If I was getting the lift I would offer petrol money, and possibly help if it had a major breakdown. Servicing/Insurance are the responsibilty of the owner.

If it was my car I would expect something towards the petrol.

But if the car owner 'demands' payment for the lift at what level does that become a 'hire and reward' deal and thus needing a different level of insurance ?

dahjoh

Fernando should, out of common courtesy, pay Lewis an amount each week for his lifts. Lewis could then put this towards the maintenance costs as he would be paying for his own petrol anyway. If this had not been agreed at the outset then he should not have offered to give lifts regularly. However, I believe both of them should really get the bus and get another car off the roads during the rush hours.