Results 1 to 8 of 8

Thread: POTENTIAL CAR POOL PROBLEMS

  1. #1
    Gold Member Phil Cooper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Midrand
    Posts
    645
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 170 Times in 118 Posts

    POTENTIAL CAR POOL PROBLEMS

    With the petrol price increasing for the fourth time in 2012 to reach another record high, many motorists may consider forming a car pooling group in an effort to reduce costs associated with daily travelling. However, they could be placing themselves at risk of a motor insurance claim repudiation if they are not aware of the insurance considerations when it comes to car pooling activities.

    If consumers receive money for their car pooling initiative most insurance companies may consider this to be business use, which could cause problems if the policy states the car is only covered for personal use. Some policies stipulate consumers are not allowed to carry fare-paying passengers or use it for trade purposes, so it is vital that consumers check with their insurance providers to see whether they need to adapt their policy accordingly.

    Must register as a taxi operator

    Passengers in a car pool may contribute to the cost of running the vehicle, but there must be no element of profit or monetary gain for the owner. If the driver does make a profit, then they are potentially invalidating their domestic motor insurance policy because anyone who stands to make a profit from any form of transportation with their vehicle, such as a shuttle service, must officially register as a taxi operator. Those who register themselves as a taxi operator will also need to comply with all the regulations that ensue.

    While some of these rules are related to good driving practices, such as having the vehicle tested annually, some are more serious. A taxi operator is required to hold a professional driving permit (PrDP). If a consumer is transporting someone for money and does not have this permit, in addition to their driving licence, then it is highly possible that they will not be paid out in the event of a claim.

    If any consumer's car pooling initiative changes from a lift to and from work into a profitable operation, there is a high risk that the insurer would repudiate an accident claim if they have not been informed of the change in circumstance. The safest way of doing this is on a basis of alternating vehicles, so no money changes hands.

  2. #2
    Diamond Member Citizen X's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    lenasia
    Posts
    3,404
    Thanks
    868
    Thanked 701 Times in 613 Posts
    It's a situation where you damned if you do and you damned if you don't. I think that South Africans should be given a break. Life in and of itself is challenging enough...
    “Ubuntu is the essence of being humane" Desmond Tutu
    Spelling mistakes and/or typographical errors I found in leading publications.
    Click here
    sabbaticus

  3. #3
    Diamond Member AndyD's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Cape Town
    Posts
    4,923
    Thanks
    576
    Thanked 934 Times in 755 Posts
    It's an interesting issue and probably one that is becoming more relevant with the new toll roads as well.

    If as the driver and vehicle owner you request that the passengers club together and pay you money equivalent to the published AA mileage rates for your particular vehicle surely this wouldn't be seen as profitable in the eyes of the law or insurance companies???? Obviously if taken on a day by day basis you might show a small short term profit but over a longer period with servicing and tyre replacement considerations etc I think classing it as a profitable venture would be something of a stretch.

    You say certain policies may forbid it but is there no across the industry guidelines or recommended code on this? I guess where I'm heading is how would the ombudsman approach a verdict if such a case ended up in front of him?
    _______________________________________________

    _______________________________________________

  4. #4
    Suspended
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    1
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    I am using a above ground pool. I am using the chlorine tablets regularly but still there are algae parts in swimming pool. Can anyone help me to get ride of this problem. What should I do?

  5. #5
    Platinum Member pmbguy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    PMB
    Posts
    2,095
    Thanks
    310
    Thanked 254 Times in 230 Posts
    Hi William

    This is a thread is about CAR pooling, not pool maintenance...sooo give google another try
    It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. – Charles Darwin

  6. #6
    Diamond Member Blurock's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Durban
    Posts
    4,151
    Thanks
    758
    Thanked 886 Times in 735 Posts
    Blog Entries
    7
    This is just another example of how bureaucracy kills initiative.

    Everyone is complaining about the congestion on the roads, pollution and noise, but when the people do something for themselves, it is an opportunity for another body to make money out of them.

    I agree that the insurers should be notified, but it cannot be seen as business use if you only travel the same route from home and back every day.
    Excellence is not a skill; its an attitude...

  7. #7
    Diamond Member wynn's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    east london
    Posts
    3,338
    Thanks
    548
    Thanked 625 Times in 524 Posts
    Correct me if I am wrong! but car pooling is where say four people from the same neighborhood who travel to roughly the same working area take turns to drive the others to work, usually a week each.
    There is no charge because whoever's turn it is pays for the fuel, wear n tear, parking etc. for one week when using his own vehicle and rides for free for the following three weeks?

    Where does charging for this come into it and why should it affect my insurance because I am allowed to take passengers in my car provided they are not paying.

    On the other hand if say ten of the same people contribute towards the purchase and running of a taxi and use that to go to and from work, that is a different matter, the advantage is that besides being exempt from 'etolls' the vehicle can be used during working hours to do other tasks eg. taxi, courier, courtesy transport, shuttle etc. to earn a little towards the upkeep.
    "Nobody who has succeeded has not failed along the way"
    Arianna Huffington

    Read the first 10% of my books "Didymus" and "The BEAST of BIKO BRIDGE" for free
    You can also read and download 100% free my short stories "A Real Surprise" and "Pieces of Eight" at
    http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/332256

  8. #8
    Diamond Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Cape Town
    Posts
    6,329
    Thanks
    426
    Thanked 978 Times in 795 Posts
    Quote Originally Posted by pmbguy View Post
    Hi William

    This is a thread is about CAR pooling, not pool maintenance...sooo give google another try
    wha ha ha ha ha....

    So tell me, does your car come with flippers and a snorkel?

Similar Threads

  1. Swimming Pool Legislation
    By Dave S in forum General Regulatory Compliance Forum
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 15-Mar-11, 11:51 AM
  2. Pool Heating
    By daveob in forum Energy and Resource Conservation Forum
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 22-Sep-10, 08:43 AM
  3. Looking for potential Timber buyers
    By foutila in forum General Business Forum
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 27-Jul-08, 09:45 PM
  4. Alternative pool treatments
    By duncan drennan in forum General Chat Forum
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 12-Nov-07, 08:52 PM

Did you like this article? Share it with your favourite social network.

Did you like this article? Share it with your favourite social network.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •