Why did the windshield installer ask to work in my driveway rather than the street?

November 2, 2004 2:44 PM

I had a windshield installed by a company that comes to your home to do the job. The fellow who showed up to do it asked me if he could move the car from the street (plenty room) to my driveway, which I agreed to.
Next day, my neighbor suggested that they do this in case the fellow gets injured, and since it happened on my driveway, I'd have to pay his medical bills. Anyone knows anything about this possible set up?
posted by semmi to Law & Government (5 answers total)

You say there was plenty of room in the street. Could he stand next to the car and completely not worry about getting hit? Because honestly I wouldn't work on a car in the street.
posted by smackfu at 3:21 PM on November 2, 2004

Response by poster: mackfu: it's a dead quiet cul de suc, but you may be right.
posted by semmi at 3:26 PM on November 2, 2004

Some places it is illegal (city/county bylaw or community covent) to work on a vehicle on a public road.

But like smakfu said if possible I'd work in a driveway whenever possible just 'cause it's safer. Less chance some kid will come along and jiggle your elbow just as your placing the new windshield in.
posted by Mitheral at 6:13 PM on November 2, 2004

I'd say it's probably insurance.

If an accident occurrs on the driveway, it's not considered a "motor vehicle accident" (or whatever they call it where you are) even if it is a car that hits you. It's just a regular "accident" because it's not a city street. That sort of thing can be handled without having to deal with another insurance company (namely, the insurance of the idiot who smacks into the repair guy).

That's my guess. I know there's plenty of really weird stuff that you can / can't do as a business because of insurance. For example, with my insurance I can go on top of someone's roof and install a satellite dish that may/may not cause serious home damage, however, I'm not allowed to fix their computer at home (they have to bring it to my store for repair, leaving it overnight and risking it being stolen in my store, which insurance covers).
posted by shepd at 6:56 PM on November 2, 2004

In BC (all of Canada?) if you hire the neighbourhood kid to mow the lawn, you're supposed to also pay Worker's Compensation insurance in case he chops his toes off. Without Worker's Comp coverage, you'd be personally liable for any injuries sustained on the property.

So I'd say he was looking for insurance coverage.
posted by five fresh fish at 10:24 AM on November 3, 2004