We understand that dealing with unresponsive renters can be stressful. Here’s a guide to help you navigate these situations and protect your equipment.
Unresponsive Renters and Equipment Return:
If a renter fails to return your equipment on time, it’s important to distinguish between theft and ‘voluntary parting.’
Theft: This occurs when the equipment is stolen from the renter.
Voluntary Parting: This happens when a renter does not return the equipment that hasn’t been stolen or lost. Law enforcement and insurance companies often consider this fraud rather than theft, sometimes called 'theft by fraud' or 'false pretenses.'
Coverage Options for Renters:
ShareGrid offers multiple coverage options for renters, most of which cover theft. This ensures protection if the equipment is stolen from the renter.
Handling Voluntary Parting:
No renter's policy covers voluntary parting, as insurance companies do not cover fraudulent activities. Although voluntary parting incidents are extremely rare (less than 0.01% of rentals), it’s understandable to be concerned.
Protecting Your Gear:
To protect against voluntary parting, you may want to consider obtaining "voluntary parting coverage" as part of your insurance plan. Our partner, Athos Insurance, can assist you in obtaining the necessary protection if you require insurance.
The ShareGrid Owner Guarantee provides peace of mind to owners of individual listings rented out up to $20,000 in replacement value. For detailed information on ShareGrid's Owner Guarantee please visit our "Owner Guarantee" support page.
Should You Worry About Voluntary Parting?
ShareGrid takes fraud prevention seriously. We have several security measures in place to protect you:
ID Verification: Renters must upload a government-issued photo ID.
Payment Verification: We verify the validity of the payment card used for the rental.
Phone Verification: We conduct two-step phone verification to ensure renters can be contacted.
Coverage Encouragement: We encourage renters to purchase coverage for the total replacement value of your equipment. We verify if they have third-party insurance directly with the insurance company.
Getting to Know Renters Better:
To feel more comfortable with who is renting your equipment:
Check Work Experience: Review the renter's work experience and links on their ShareGrid profile.
Social Media: Look for mutual friends or connections on social media platforms.
Ask for References: Feel free to ask for references for additional reassurance.
Previous Reviews: Consider renting to individuals with positive reviews on our platform.
Stay in Touch:
Contact our support team if you have concerns about a renter or a specific rental. Remember, you are never obligated to proceed with a rental if you feel uncomfortable.
At ShareGrid, we strive to make your renting experience smooth and secure. Your trust in our community is essential, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Happy renting!