A Home Exchange That Includes A Car Exchange
A great many home exchanges include exchange of the family car. It’s an ideal arrangement that will usually save the exchange partners a substantial amount of money in car rental fees.
A member from the UK has contacted me with this question:
We’re in the middle of arranging an exchange with a family from Los Angeles. We’ve indicated in our home exchange offer that we would also like to exchange cars, but this family has a two teenagers who drive and I’m very uncomfortable with the prospect of them let loose on the streets in our car. Can I stipulate that only their parents drive?
Absolutely. Never be afraid to make any stipulations, be they about cars or anything involved in the exchange. Make your requirements absolutely clear during the discussion stages of setting up a home swap, then document them as part of your written Home Exchange Agreement. Make sure the agreement is signed by both parties and that both retain a signed copy.
Actually, it’s likely that your auto insurance company would decline to cover any driver from the USA under the age of 25 anyway, and teenagers almost certainly. Irrespective of an issue with teenagers, make sure you inform your insurance agent of your exchange. Make it absolutely clear that home exchangers count as “guests” in your home, not tenants or renters. In fact, it’s always a good idea to discuss your intention to participate in home exchanges well in advance with your agent. You will then have plenty of time to iron out any issues and enlighten him if he’s never heard of the home exchange concept.
