I’d say more fool aware than foolproof. My daughter’s car has a capless fuel tank, which is labeled for diesel, but I almost overlooked it while filling up in the early morning before sunrise.
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Then I would quote myself 
There are plenty of opinions on here about this particular situation; what I am taking away from it is this: A homeowner should require a copy of a sitter’s drivers’ license and insurance card prior to handing over the keys to any vehicle.
As a sitter I actually refuse to drive an HO’s car, even if offered, as it makes me too darned nervous. But if I were to drive it I think it is completely fair to ask for copy of DL and insurance card. (My insurance would not pay for a fueling error like this, but that is a different matter)
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Ah, I see what you were referring to. Of course, it would not likely be worthwhile financially to pursue this legally.
It seemed that you maybe thought the siiters being thoughtful enough to flll the tank and then having to pay $300 for towing was payment enough.
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That’s what it seemed to me too.
I think if you have a driving license, you know there are different kinds of fuel not just assume every car runs on gas.
But this was the result of someone’s carelessness not normal wear and tear. That someone admitted it was their mistake, promised to pay for it and then refused to share their insurance details. Not at all normal, in my opinion.
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Just a thought. The sitters filled tank, then paid an unexpected 300. Sounds like they need time to come up with the money for the repair.
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As I explained over, in some countries it is not possible to fill the wrong fuel. In that respect it would then not be of importance whether you know what fuel is needed for that specific vehicle. If the members came from such a country they would need to rely on whatever info they got or didn’t get from the host.
As I explained I would have just paid the bill and moved on. Because all the discussions, time and effort will probably not alter the end result and is therefore a waste of time.
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I thought of that, too but it seems they’re not being very cooperative or responsive.
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I would be willing to waste a bit of time over $600 and potential ongoing increased insurance premiums
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In the US, I doubt insurance would cover operator errors such as this.
This in another example that makes the case for HOs requiring sitter’s complete Identification to at least know who the HO is letting into their home or using their vehicle.
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Just a note… I’ve marked @Twitcher’s post as the solution.
I know the issue described isn’t solved, but I wanted to highlight the link to member disputes should anyone encounter a similar issue in the future.
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If you are in the US, start looking into small claims court. Ths has their info and should be able to disclose it so you can file a case.
On another note, THS should ban that couple from taking any further sits until they pay up. I know ths is not a mediatior but that is wreckless behavior and it shouldn’t be tolerated.
@Jenny
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Perhaps you could suggest that the sitter makes payments (like $50 per month for 12 months). It might be easier for them to do this if they are tight on cash.
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That’s a great idea. I do hope things get resolved amicably! Surprisingly it’s a particular mistake I haven’t made. … yet! I have had different cars needing different stuff and managed to get it right so far.
In Spain there is a voice that tells me which fuel I’ve chosen as I take the nozzle from the pump.. yep it’s very helpful to many! Admittedly it’s in Spanish but pretty obvious in the context what we are dealing with.
Happy motoring! Vamos!
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They have to be served with proof in order to take them to small claims court in the US. If they are travelers it will be hard to get a hold of them. If the PP wins and they don’t pay he has options but must know where they work to attach wages or know their bank account number to have court get funds from it or know if they own any real property to do a lien on the property. I think their best bet is TH telling them their profile will be on hold till they pay up.
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Have you raised a member dispute so that the sitter’s account will be suspended and they will be unable to apply for more sits whilst an investigation is carried out ?
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I do not think THS can give personal info to others unless by court order and such. Has been discussed before, if I remember correctly.
In the same way I don’t think THS would kick someone out of the platform because someone says they owe them money - this is because that would require proof. We only have one side of the story (which is partly why I wondered what hubby said about this situation). The proof would be a verdict or similar.
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The evidence/ proof that THS needs for a Member Dispute investigation in this case could be the text messages between the host and sitter ( date and time stamped ) Where the sitter admits the fault is theirs and promises to pay . Also the invoice from the mechanic for the repair .
If a member dispute is raised , and “evidence “ submitted by one party THS carry out an investigation and the other party is also given the opportunity to present their side of the story and submit their evidence, for example show bank transfers to show that the money owed had been paid to the host . Or text messages where they had been given permission to use the vehicle by the husband.
THS can’t make someone pay but they can remove them from the platform if they have behaved irresponsibly.
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I think that is really a very good idea.
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This is in a way is also related to the THS ‘requirement’ for sitters to pay vet bills, and then claim it back from the HO/PP. It’s the reason I’ve put in my profile that HOs have to make vet payment/groomer arrangements themselves as I will not be prepared to pay these costs up front.
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