Horsebox sharing arrangement

[newfy]

Hello all!

I have a 3.5t horsebox that I use max 1 time per week. I am weighing up pros/cons of getting a sharer for the box to help contribute towards the costs and keep the vehicle running regularly.

I have read some comments about needing an operational license and business insurance if you are the one driving the box and transporting other people’s horses. Is there any type of business insurance needed if they use the box themselves, or is it just a case of adding them on as personal use insurance ?

Also considering fee options - monthly fee or pay per use.

Would be putting some sort of contract in place to ensure they accept liability for any damage internally / externally caused either by their driving or their horse.

Any help / feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[IrishMilo]

You'll need a specific self-drive insurance policy. If you have a standard insurance policy and accept any type of payment for its use I believe you will invalidate your insurance.

 

[Abacus]

Unless you really need the money I would be very wary. If they have an accident it will affect your no-claims bonus unless you can get them to take out their own policy on it. And in that case it might also be off the road which would be annoying for you (both of these did happen to me, just after lending my little lorry to someone who forgot to put the ramp up properly). Be clear on what making them accept liability means - they have to pay the full cost of any repairs? If they damage someone else's vehicle it would still end up going through your insurance.

You can get insurance for 'hire and reward' (look at KBIS or Antony Evans), no idea if it's more expensive than a personal policy. You might be able to add them to your personal policy and accept money towards maintenance but not make a profit - again check this though!

 

[ihatework]

You’ll need specific hire insurance if you are doing a pay per use/monthly fee - that’s a business arrangement.

 

[Melody Grey]

I can see that being frought with difficulties to be honest. Not sure if this would work in your situation, but I imagine each investing 50:50 in the purchase, ownership and running would be legally less problematic? I appreciate you already own the box though in this instance.

 

[newfy]

Hmm ok thanks everyone - seems more complicated than it is perhaps worth!

Its not that I really need the money as such, more that the vehicles tend to run into problems if they are not being used frequently so thought it might be worth looking into!

 

[Melody Grey]

Hmm ok thanks everyone - seems more complicated than it is perhaps worth!

Its not that I really need the money as such, more that the vehicles tend to run into problems if they are not being used frequently so thought it might be worth looking into!

I think you’d have less problems in taking the box to the supermarket for an extra run out to pick up your shopping once a week to keep it ticking over.