Would You Lend Your Car To A Friend? See What Our Poll Revealed!

While many are willing to lend their cars to friends, we provide essential tips to consider before handing over the keys.

Friendships are all about trust, loyalty, and sharing life's ups and downs. But what about sharing something as personal and valuable as your car?  Would you lend it to your best friend without a second thought? This got us thinking, so we posed the question to our Instagram followers. The responses we received reaffirmed our belief in the strength of friendships, although not everyone seems comfortable with the idea of handing over the keys to their prized possession. Read on to know more...

The Poll Results

Basically, our poll’s question was simple: “Would you lend your car to your best friend?" It had three options to choose from, as you can see in the image here.

Of the overall responses, 46% indicated they could lend their car to a best friend, while 32% disagreed and 22% expressed uncertainty.

Though about half of the people are ready to hand over their cars to their friends, there are some factors to be kept in mind before lending.

8 factors to keep in mind before lending a car to your friend

• Check your insurance policy. When you give permission to your friend to drive your car, they become a "permissive driver." Generally, your insurance covers accidents involving permissive drivers; yet, the coverage may differ depending on the driver's age and licence status. However, if your friend frequently drives your car, we advise adding their names to your car's insurance policy.

• Before letting your friend drive your car, be sure their driver's licence is valid. According to the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, driving without a legal licence could result in fines, court action, and insurance issues.

• Discuss the responsibility for driving-related damage and handling fines beforehand. Seriously, don’t skip this step! In India, people often avoid these discussions in the spirit of “yaari dosti” (friendship), but addressing these terms openly can prevent conflicts and miscommunication.

• Discuss the destination your friend plans to take your car to, as well as any driving restrictions, such as avoiding off-road areas, speeding, snacking inside the car, etc. Defining your car's usage will help you plan ahead and know when your car will be back home.

• Before your friend drives your car, check for any existing damage. Take pictures from all angles to keep a record of any pre-existing dents or scratches. This, too, may seem unnecessary and excessive, but it ensures peace of mind for both parties and prevents misunderstandings later.

• Keep the important documents, such as insurance records, emergency contact details, registration certificate and PUC in the glove box. Having these records handy will help your friend if they are stopped by a traffic police officer. Additionally, providing emergency contact numbers ensures your friend has the necessary information in case of a breakdown or accident. 

• Have an open conversation about fuel expenses and vehicle cleanliness. Decide whether the car should be returned with a full tank of fuel or if any other arrangements are acceptable.

Note: Remember, since the car is registered in your name, you'll still be liable if your car is involved in accidents, damages, or any legal concern.

Also Read: Underage Driving In India: Fines And Penalties For Minors And Parents Explained

However, if you are like the 32% poll respondents who do not prefer to lend their cars, here are some ideas to help you out without embarrassing the friend.

You might gently bring up family rules. For instance, you may say, “Abba nahin manenge” (just joking) or perhaps, "My father has to take my car to his office.”

Another approach to subtly turn them down is to bring up car-related problems. You could say that the car is unfit for use currently, or requires maintenance. For instance, "I wish I could lend it to you, but it's due for a service and hasn't been running as smoothly lately." 

Entrusting your car to a friend involves more than simply passing the keys. It demands careful evaluation of various factors, including several significant risks. So, how would you react if your friend asked to borrow your car? Share your thoughts in the comments!