AboutDenise Expertise I am a licensed Property/Casualty agent in the state of Wisconsin, a Certified Insurance Counselor and a Certified Insurance Service Representive, with a 15+ year background in personal insurance underwriting. I am currently working in the Homeowners and Auto field, and was licensed in Life and Health insurance years ago. I can provide input if you will give me a "one paragraph what`s the story", however depending on the situation, do note that as policy forms and endorsements vary by the state, the information may be general and educational in nature.
Expert: Denise Date: 6/26/2008 Subject: neighbor borrows a power saw...
Question Hello,
Although I live in Calif this question might be of interest to anyone anywhere who owns their own home. Hypothetically … what if my neighbor borrows a power saw or a lawn mower and cuts off a foot or somehow hurts himself? What should I do never loan stuff out or buy extra insurance? In this day and age I see that anything can happen.
Please feel free to edit this question any way you need as long as the general idea of doing some one a favor one day and then being punished the next.
Bob
Answer Hi Bob-
I'm not an attorney, but generally speaking, unless you are lending the tool to a minor or someone who doesn't have the capacity to act in the reasonable and prudent manner with the equipment, you shouldn't be held liable. Not to say that they wouldn't try to pull you into a lawsuit, but the negligence is generally on the person using the equipment.
That being said, lending equipment, vehicles ect to others doesn't really make them liable for properly taking care of it. It is your insurance coverage for damage to the item or the vehicle that would respond. "Never a lender nor borrower be" has a certain validity to it. When in doubt, don't let others use your vehicles or equipment. It can save you some aggravation in the long run. Hope this helps. :) Denise
