[Tweety Bird]

I just rented several golf carts and the owner asked to have it filled up with gas before he picks them up. We had rented several times from him and he never requested us to fill it up when returning them before. What is the general procedure regarding this? This will be a real hassle for me since the gas station is several miles away. Should I just give him money for the gas?

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Probably something best worked out directly with him. Maybe he'd take the cash in lieu of the fuel.

However, if the gas station's only a couple miles away, the cart won't use much gas on the way back to your place for pickup. They get 40-45 mpg.

Bill

[ljones190]

We just run over to Colony Plaza to fill up the day before the scheduled pick up of the cart, our rental company is not too picky about being 100% full, for instance I played golf the day after filling the tank. We always need something from the food store so its no big deal to take the cart.

[Tom Hannon]

When I rented the first time in TV I paid my golf cart guy (Jim Followell) a few extra bucks. The reason was being unfamiliar with the area I didn't know where the gas station was. The next visit I bought a new golf cart from The Village Golf Store and they gave me a loaner to use (free) until my cart was ready for pickup- I by then knew where the gas station was and I put $5 in. Not sure if I returned the cart with more gas than when I was given it but whatever.

[redwitch]

It's pretty standard to return the cart with at least as much gas as was in when originally rented (think car rental -- same policy), especially during high rental season. If you rented previously during non-high season, I'm sure it is much less of an issue or, maybe, a lesson was taught the hard way with someone leaving the cart almost empty.

Imagine having to fill up the carts every time they are rented. Can be difficult, especially if it is a pickup, clean the cart up and deliver it to another renter ASAP. At the very least, I would offer some extra cash on top of the price of the gas itself. It really is hard to keep up with demand during this season and time is a major issue for most of those who rent carts.

[Irish Rover]

Every time I've rented a cart, the policy has been to return it full. They are always full when I pick them up or they are delivered.

[l2ridehd]

My rentals come with a cart. It is full when the person arrives and I expect it full when they are finished. States this in the golf cart contract which is an addendum to the rental contract. I had someone who returned it empty. I charged them for the fuel and my time to go get it and deducted from the security deposit. And I will never rent to them again. I understand if someone fills the cart and then runs to the store or something, that will happen. But to return it empty is just not the right thing to do. We usually have about 24 hours between renters. During that time you need to clean the home, wash sheets and towels, sweep the garage, verify inventory, check several other things and make sure the place neat and clean, everything works and is ready for your next renter to arrive. Having to go get the cart filled with gas is not part of that schedule.

[getdul981]

Originally Posted by l2ridehd

Having to go get the cart filled with gas is not part of that schedule.

This is probably why many rentals come with electric carts.

[l2ridehd]

Actually most rentals come with gas carts. There are rental agents who will not rent a home with electric carts. To many problems. A lot of it has nothing to do with the cart but more about people not familiar with adding water, making sure they charge every night, trying to travel to far and general care of the electric cart. Gas they seem to understand that you need gas to go.

[Tweety Bird]

I thank you all for your input. I am ready to haul each cart to the nearest gas station in Colony. Do a round trip and then come back for the second one.

[Talk Host]

I'm curious what kind of insurance there is with rentals from private individuals. If there is a defect in the equipment and it causes an accident, who is responsible? (if the brakes give out or the steering malfunctions) If you wreck it who pays?

There is always special insurance for vehicles that are rentals, I wonder if private individuals buy such insurance. It's pretty expensive.

[Bob45]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

I'm curious what kind of insurance there is with rentals from private individuals. If there is a defect in the equipment and it causes an accident, who is responsible? (if the brakes give out or the steering malfunctions) If you wreck it who pays?

There is always special insurance for vehicles that are rentals, I wonder if private individuals buy such insurance. It's pretty expensive.

My policy states that if I give permission to drive the cart they are covered.
Bob

[nitehawk]

Originally Posted by Bob45

My policy states that if I give permission to drive the cart they are covered.
Bob

But if you rent or get paid for the use of your cart - I think its a different ballgame. If you rent you are in business and all the responsibilities - taxes, etc. What is the carts are exceed the 19mph who is responsible

[l2ridehd]

This is a subject you need to cover with your insurance agent to make sure you understand your coverage. Mine are covered and as stated above you should have a signed agreement in place with the driver/drivers identified which included their responsibility and liability. I also bought the ****aid coverage and upped the limit on my umbrella policy. Your are never protected against negligence on your part and it is a right that you can't sign away.

[Indy-Guy]

Several years ago when I first purchased in The Villages I rented my home out and my Insurance agent told me to include the cart as permission to use in the rental agreement of the home and be sure and not do a seperate rental agreement on the cart. If I were to rent the cart seperate it would not be covered under my cart policy either on the cart or libality.