MOTORING PROBLEMS.

Putaruru Press, Volume V, Issue 176, 17 March 1927, Page 7

MOTORING PROBLEMS.

ABOUT INSURANCE. There are more points in insurance than there are on a porcupine. When a private car is insured as such there are hiany pitfalls for the unwary. How many insured motorists know that if they accept money (in however small sums) from passengers they automatically render their policies null and void? After a pleasant trip into the country a passenger friend may “ hand over something ” towards the expenses. If the money is accepted, the passenger has legally paid for his ride, and the vehicle has not been used “ solely for private purposes.” A prominent Melbourne solicitor quoted the following case the other day: A car insured for private purposes with a firm of underwriters was destroyed by fire in circumstances which suggested intent. The legal mind, unable to frame a police court case of fraud against the owner, despite certain evidence, directed inquiries along very different lines. The outcome of these inquiries was that indemnity was refused by the insurance company on the ground that

some considerable time before the owner had accepted money from passengers. Dealing with the subject of motorist’s liabilities, “The Light Car and Cyclecar ” says: “ A man who owns a car is responsible for the manner in which it is being driven, even when he himself is, for example, walking along the pavement in a neighbouring street. He is responsible, moreover, not only for any damage which the car may do to other vehicles or property, but also -for the safety of the people riding in his car whilst some other party is driving it. This p.hiff is emphasised to show car owners how important it is to take the question of motor insurance as seriously as it deserves. The best and most careful driver in the world cannot afford to be uninsured. Everyone knows the type of man who declares that he will not spend money on insurance because he has never had an accident, and is so good and careful' a driver that he is never likely to have one. He may be, but he should still protect himself against other people who may drive his car.”'