Temporary car-sharing insurance: what you need to know
Car sharing? Check that your insurance covers shared use, non-regular drivers, and limited durations. Choose a suitable temporary policy to ensure you're covered and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Carsharing, whether peer-to-peer or via a platform, is gaining popularity. But to use or participate in this type of mobility, a thorough understanding of insurance is essential: duration of use, different drivers, loan or rental, and appropriate coverage. In this context, temporary insurance can be the ideal solution to cover a vehicle for occasional carsharing use. This article guides you through the specifics you need to know, how to subscribe, and why KT Tempo can be your ally.
What is car sharing?
Carsharing refers to making a vehicle available for limited periods to users who are not necessarily the owners. It can take several forms:
- Organized car sharing (fleet, station, platform)
- Private rentals via an intermediary platform or without an intermediary
In all cases, the vehicle is driven by a driver other than the holder of the standard contract, which changes the guarantees and the risks.
Why is temporary insurance relevant for car sharing?
- Usage is occasional or limited in time (a few hours to a few days). Standard annual insurance may be disproportionate.
- The driver may be different from the usual owner or insured; the insurance must cover this change.
- The guarantees of the classic contract do not always cover rental to third parties or lending in a car-sharing context.
- Temporary insurance allows you to tailor the coverage according to the actual duration, the use (loan, rental) and the driver, avoiding paying for a year.
Guarantees and specific items to check
Civil liability
Minimum mandatory offer: covers damage caused to third parties by the shared vehicle.
Unusual driver
Check that the renter driver or car-sharing user is covered by the guarantee, including if they are not named in the standard contract.
Vehicle damage / deductible / no-claims bonus/penalty
- In direct car sharing between individuals, an accident can impact the owner's bonus-malus.
- Deductibles and additional deductibles are often higher for shared use.
Profit-making use / limited duration
If the provision is commercial (rental for paid use), check that this use is properly covered.
Duration and use specified
Clearly indicate the duration (hours, days) and the use (occasional car-sharing, loan, rental).
Documents and compliance
- Provision or rental agreement.
- Valid driver's license.
- Quick approach: temporary insurance must be activated before use.
- Check that the geographical area is covered.
Tips for subscribing correctly with KT Tempo
- Define the exact duration of vehicle use.
- Specify the use: car sharing between individuals, short-term rental, occasional loan.
- List the driver(s) likely to use the vehicle.
- Choose a temporary solution that suits the duration of use.
- Obtain the insurance certificate before the vehicle is made available.
- Compare the options: allowed mileage, exclusion of certain uses, extension to paid rental.
Conclusion
Carsharing is a modern mobility solution, but insurance shouldn't be overlooked. Both owners and users must ensure the vehicle is covered for the correct uses, drivers, and durations. Temporary insurance designed for this purpose is often the best solution. With KT Tempo, you can benefit from flexible, fast, and carsharing-specific coverage.