I’ve written before about the conundrum of receiving payment for share rides or charging to ship other people’s horses. In a nutshell, if you receive payment for the use of your trailer, you become a commercial hauler in the eyes of the insurance industry. You may void your insurance entirely — a real problem if there’s an accident.
Loaning out your trailer has similar ramifications. It’s all fine until it isn’t. And then it really can be a problem.
If you decide you want to loan or rent your trailer, you should consider investing in a Horse Trailer Use Agreement or Horse Trailer Rental Agreement from Equine Legal Solutions. It may seem like overkill but it’s always better to have all the contingencies spelled out — and understood — before there’s a problem.
Designed for horse trailer owners who desire to lend or rent their trailers to someone else, these forms will protect the horse trailer owner in the event that something happens when another party is using the trailer. Both forms include clauses that require the user/renter to accept responsibility for any damage that occurs during their use/rental of the trailer, as well as the user/renter having adequate insurance and driver’s license/endorsements for towing the trailer. Also included are checklists to ensure inspection of the trailer before use, tasks required before the trailer is returned, and a list of contents. The rental agreement includes deposit and payment information.
The new equine legal forms can be purchased for $39.99 each, or together in a package for the discounted price of $74.99.
This is an interesting thing to think about. I’ve never considered loaning my trailer out. I’ve hauled for people before as a favor or because logistically it worked out, but no one other than my hubby and I have ever pulled our trailer. hmmmmm…it makes me uncomfortable just thinking about it. I really love my trailer.
I don’t loan my trailer out but I know plenty of people who do — I think many of them don’t realize the ramifications if there is an accident. Even if the person driving is willing to fix any damage, if someone is hurt, the insurance companies may well come after the owner (you).
I will take people with me if I’m going to an event/hunt but I never charge them and I only take horses that I know travel well.
Very interesting! Some things for me to think about whenever I finally get a trailer 🙂