What is informal carsharing?
Carsharing is when more than one person uses the same car at different times. Carsharing can be done through Ithaca Carshare, or you can set up a do-it-yourself carsharing arrangement. Many family members share cars, but friends, neighbors, co-workers or others can share cars too. Cars cost a lot, and sit parked most of the time; a carshare can be a great way to share resources.
A Successful Do-it-Yourself Truck-sharing Group
Check out a great story of some friends who created a successful 5-family truck-sharing group, found at a blog entry from 'sew green' (not the local organization).
"The truck, whose name is 'Red Betty' for her lovely coloration, is reserved by co-op members for 1/2 day blocks using a Google calendar. We each have a set of keys. Folks outside the co-op can rent her for $50 for one day, no more than 2 days in advance (so that co-op members get first dibs). The small number of rentals we've had so far have done well to keep our maintenance fund in good shape."
The blog entry includes lots of tips on how to make a car share successful.
Do-it-Yourself Carsharing Tips
Here are some basics for informal car- or truck-sharers to clarify and keep in mind:
MAKE CLEAR AGREEMENTS
Sharing usage: Be clear on who can use the car or truck when, and how the car is reserved. If more than one person wants or needs the car at the same time, how will the conflict be resolved? Come up with a good, clear system of communicating reservations, such as using a google calendar.
Sharing costs: Decide ahead of time how to share expenses of car ownership, use and maintenance, from gas to routine repairs to costs from an emergency or accident. Will all costs be shared, or will some people just pay for per trip or for their own gas?
Sharing maintenance: One person may be in charge of maintenance and repair, or responsibility can be shared. If there are routine maintenance tasks that should be carried out by all drivers, such as checking the oil and tire pressure, it's best to clarify that as well.
INSURANCE
Standard car insurance policies generally account for informal carsharing. However, it's always wise to check your policy to make sure it covers your carsharing situation. With informal carsharing, the car is usually owned and insured by one person. If an accident occurs, it can raise that person's insurance rates, regardless of who was driving. Be sure to consider this scenario when deciding to share a car.
Organizing a Carshare Among a Group
Carsharing among several people involves the same issues as listed above, but may need to be organized differently. For some tips on organizing a carshare among a group, visit Carplus, a UK-based group that promotes responsible car use.