Sharing was suppose to be a good thing!

My parents always told us to share our things.  I must admit we were probably not the BEST sharers growing up but this concept was not foreign to our home.

During the past two years in Massachusetts we have seen a number of new “car sharing” or “ride sharing” enterprises.  Some of these are quite innovative!

My kids are very excited about their potential new “sharers”.  They figured they could exchange some rides for extra cash and let some one use their car while they were out of the city.

Unfortunately I had to break it to them that this was not a good idea.  In Massachusetts the majority of our personal car insurance insurers EXCLUDE coverage for your car when you “rent” your car to another driver through a car sharing service and they definitely exclude coverage when you give rides for a “fee”.

Of course they looked blankly at me and said,  “ Mom, you say no to every thing.  We will check with Dad.”

And if all goes as usual they will check with Dad and he will say, “Ask your Mom”.

When they do come back to me again on this I am going to direct them to the Consumer Alert recently posted by the Division of Insurance.  Click here if you would like to see this for yourself.

Bottom line is if that if  you are considering car-sharing or ride sharing services, please check in with your agent to determine if you car insurance policy will provide you coverage for these innovative transportation options.

Sharing is still really good thing!  Just be careful with your car.