Sometimes exchange partners will agree to use each other’s cars during an exchange. It is important to note that cars are not covered under the HomeExchange guarantees, so it's always advisable to approach car-sharing cautiously, and to chat to your exchange partner to come to a clear agreement.
Below are some things our members often discuss when exchanging cars.
Insurance
It may be simple for you to add your exchange partner onto your existing car insurance policy for the duration of the exchange. On other occasions, it may be best for them to acquire temporary insurance for your vehicle.
Insurance policies differ from country to country and person to person. We would recommend that you chat to your existing provider or do some research around insurance providers, to find the best solution.
Even with a valid driving license, some countries may require you to apply for an international driving permit if you are a visitor. Your host may be aware of this requirement, but it is always good to do your own research before the exchange begins.
Set expectations
To avoid any unwanted surprises, it is best to set expectations before swapping cars. Talk with your exchange partner about how much they expect they will be driving, what their total mileage might be across the exchange and if there are any restrictions on how far you would like them to travel in your car. If you want them to stick to your city or region, be sure to let them know this.
From chatting to our members, we know that sometimes exchange partners will send copies of their driving licenses to one another.
Accidents
Our members always set a clear process with one another for how to respond if an accident occurs during the exchange. Key things you need to discuss include:
- How to report an accident to the insurance company.
- Whether your exchange partner will need to pay the deductible on your insurance.
- Whether your exchange partner will pay for any damage directly.
These questions are important, as vehicles are not covered by the HomeExchange guarantees.
How to prepare your vehicle
Treat your car just like your home. Ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and ready for use. Check your tire pressure and fluid levels before the exchange.
Communication
We know some of our members draft a written agreement detailing everything they have discussed with their exchange partner. As our guarantees do not cover car exchanges, and we are unable to mediate if there’s a problem, it can be handy to have everything you have talked about in one simple document, just in case you need to refer back to it.
As with everything related to your exchange, communication is key. If you have any questions or concerns, your exchange partner is the best person to talk to. Make sure you are both on the same page and comfortable with the agreement before the exchange begins.
You can read more about exchanging cars on our blog here.