A key question for every on-sight job opportunity is whether or not the candidate has a reliable source of transportation, and for good reason. If they don’t have a good way to get to work, then they’ll inevitably miss more work than they should.
Depending on their coworkers to get them there doesn’t count as a reliable source of transportation, either, pointed out the “Am I the A**hole?” (AITAH) subReddit.
Redditor Low-Working-4904’s coworker was currently without transportation because of the price of the repairs, and they were happy enough to offer her an occasional ride to work.
But when she asked to borrow their car for entire week, arguing that they could “go without,” the Original Poster (OP) was surprised by how much the rest of the office took her side.
They asked the sub:
“AITAH for refusing to lend my coworker my car because she doesn’t have one?”
The OP’s worker couldn’t afford reliable transportation.
“I work with someone who’s recently been struggling to get to work because her car broke down and she can’t afford to repair it right now.”
“She started asking coworkers for rides, and while I’ve driven her home a couple of times, I made it clear I couldn’t do it regularly because my schedule is unpredictable.”
The OP was surprised by what their coworker requested next.
“A few days ago, she asked if she could borrow my car ‘just for the week’ until she figured out her transportation situation.”
“I politely told her no because I’m not comfortable lending out my car, especially to someone who doesn’t have insurance that would cover any accidents.”
“She got upset and said I was being unhelpful and selfish.”
“She pointed out that I rarely use my car on the weekends and that I could afford to ‘go without’ for a bit.”
The coworker even got the rest of the office involved.
“Now, she’s started making comments at work about how I ‘have no empathy’ and how hard it is for her to get by without a car.”
“A few coworkers even suggested I should’ve just let her borrow it for a couple of days to help her out.”
“I’m starting to wonder if I’m being unreasonable or too rigid in my decision.”
“AITAH?”
Fellow Redditors weighed in:
- NTA: Not the A**hole
- YTA: You’re the A**hole
- ESH: Everybody Sucks Here
- NAH: No A**holes Here
Some reassured the OP that loaning their car would be too much of a liability.
“Has she not heard of Enterprise or Budget Rent-a-car?”
“Don’t lend it… That’s just asking for trouble… You will be on the hook for any accident she may have.”
“Just look into liability laws. She gets in an accident and does property damage as the registered owner you are liable. If someone is injured you are liable. You will be the one sued. If you can’t afford to pay they will garnish your wages.”
“The people you work with that say do it are ridiculous. Tell them to give her their cars or rent her one if they want her to have one so much.” – MaryAnne0601
“Hahahaha, NTA! All those other coworkers are welcome to offer THEIR vehicles! It’s like loaning out your house for the week or a pair of shoes. No matter how ‘well’ they take care of it, it’s never going to be the same.”
“She will put miles on it; she will add wear and tear; if she has kids, then they absolutely will mess it up; not to mention the risk of her getting into an accident.”
“Would she even be covered or would your car be covered for any damages? No. Loaning someone, especially a random acquaintance your vehicle (which is tied to your livelihood as you drive to work) for any length of time is a BAD idea and a huge liability.”
“Tell her to knock it off with the poor-me crap because no one in their right mind would loan a random coworker their car for the week, and if she doesn’t, then get management/HR involved. It may be best to actually talk to your manager and HR now in case this does escalate just so they are aware this is an issue.” – Rowana133
“NTA. Your coworkers can loan her their cars if they feel so sorry for her.”
“Never loan a car out. If you give permission for someone to use your car and they don’t give it back, you can’t report it as theft. It’s a civil matter. (Here in Texas. Check your local laws.) This happened to our neighbor’s son. He never got the car back as the person went out of state.”
“Nip this harassment in the bud. If it continues, contact HR.” – MarthaT001
“Anyone who pestered me about this, I’d ask them, ‘Would you lend someone that isn’t family and that you barely know $25,000? Because that’s what you’re asking me to do. If anything happens, my insurance isn’t going to pay me back and I’ll have to buy a new car. I don’t know you and my insurance doesn’t allow it. NO.'” – uhidunno27
“In almost any instance someone needs a cosigner on a loan, that’s a sure sign you should absolutely never cosign a loan for them.”
“I think the only exception might be one’s own child, for financing their first vehicle, when they are learning to budget and be fiscally responsible.”
“And even then, the parent should assume they’re going to be paying the loan at some point, but it’s maybe better as a life lesson for the kid than just outright gifting a car with no strings.” – kaloric
Others agreed and said the coworkers could share their cars or fund the coworker’s repairs.
“Tell the nosy coworkers to give their cars up if they care so much.” – Kilala33
“Anyone who presents their snout, use your fakest, sugary sweet voice and thank them for their generosity in lending the coworker THEIR vehicle.” – FaustsAccountant
“Remind your other colleagues that they’re very welcome to lend out their own cars.”
“As soon as they start sputtering and looking for excuses (need my car, it’s really bad in these weather conditions, I have too much to do, etc.), remind them that they do not get to decide what you do with your property if they’re not the first to offer that colleague their cars.” – TerrorAlpaca
“All of your coworkers making snide remarks to you, respond with, ‘My car is none of your business, however, if you are concerned, then loan her your car for a week,’ and walk away. These are coworkers, they are not your friends.” – YallaHammer
“Even if they were first to offer up a car, they don’t get to decide what someone else does with their own property.” – ScarletDarkstar
“Any coworkers chiming in can hand over the keys to their car.”
What the f**k is it with some people and their entitlement? Seriously, what type of mental gymnastics do they perform to justify that they are entitled to use someone else property for a week?”
“I know people like to count other people’s money for them and they are out of line every single time, but now they want to drive other people’s cars for them, too?” – Scorp128
“Who are these people who stand on the sidelines and expect the OPs on this sub to always give some entitled whiner whatever they demand?”
“Like, these coworkers who think OP should take the massive risk of lending their car out. Why don’t THEY offer their cars? Oh, that’s right, it’s so easy to sit there all self-righteous and virtuous, and scold others for not willingly being a doormat.”
“Do not lend your car! It could have devastating consequences for you, and I bet that your co-workers won’t be there for you if that happens. Tell them to lend her their car and ignore them. She should rent a car.”
“Either that or ask them how much they’re willing to contribute to their coworker’s car repair fundraiser. Like seriously, whip out a notebook and everything.”
“NTA.” – Laquila
“I’d just start demanding that the coworkers raise money if they’re so worried about your coworker’s needs.”
“I’d get up in their face about it too. ‘I know we’re all reeeeeeaaaal concerned about her situation, and with Christmas coming… I want to put you down for a hundred-dollar donation to her fund.'”
“Go with a specific and generous figure that people would pay ‘if they truly care.’ Get upset if they try to get by with less. Borrow their high horse and ride it!”
“Besides, if you get enough people actually donating, and she’ll get her car repaired and you’ll be the hero.”
“(Side note: I love how the person collecting the money always gets a million times more credit than everyone else who paid into the fund.)” – Nucf1ash
A few told the OP to report the coworker to Human Resources (HR) if she continued to press the issue.
“Report her to HR for harassment. That should shut her up. And don’t give her another ride.” – Quiet_Village_1425
“It’s one thing to ask, but what is worse is that she didn’t gracefully accept No and then complained to all her coworkers.” – Melodic_Ranger926
“She has already escalated it and has already caused a work environment where you are getting peer-pressured to cave to her demands or risk being branded ‘heartless.'” – NiccoSomeChill
“If they keep pressing this, I’d say, ‘I said no multiple times. This is getting very close to you creating a hostile working environment if I don’t give you my car. If I hear any word of this again, I will be speaking with HR/Supervisor/company owner.'”
“And to all the coworkers telling you to just let her borrow your car, ‘Wait, so you would have no problem lending someone your car for a week? Great, I will go tell her right now that you have offered your car to her.'” – LindonLilBlueBalls
The subReddit was relieved to hear that the OP had turned down the coworker’s request to borrow their car, even when they tried to get the rest of the office involved.
Not only was the coworker not covered by the OP’s insurance, but in the event that anything did happen to the car, since the coworker already couldn’t afford their own needed repairs, they certainly wouldn’t be able to cover the OP’s. It was a no-win situation for the OP, in all reality.