Job Discussion Forums

[daveymac]

i know this is a bit off-topic but i have a rather interesting scenario that i'd like to solicit some advice. a few weeks ago, i bought a motorcycle from another foreigner here....i have not yet transferred ownership of the vehicle as i am awaiting my ARC to be processed by my school.

a couple days ago, i was unfortunately involved in an accident with a vehicle. i was not hurt but my bike sustained significant damage. however, the taiwanese woman involved paid for all my bike repairs and was even kind enough to give me money for replacement clothing (i am told things often happen this way to avoid the police getting involved).

so i'm ok and my bike has been fixed. everything should be fine. WRONG!! today she calls me and tells me she needs copies of my motorcycle license and registration because she wants to run the incident through insurance. i obviously have neither at this point, but did not admit that when we spoke so i could buy myself some time and explore my options.

the woman knows where i work (drove me there after incident) and has my name,cellphone, and address so avoiding her and hoping she goes away would not seem to be an option. any advice on helping me make a decision on how to handle this burgeoning situation would be appreciated.

[brian]

The main thing is that you are ok. Things could have turned out far worse, and in the worst case scenario you would just need to pay her back the money and accept that being unlicenced means that you need to wear the costs.

My understanding is that many people don't have car insurance as it is so prohibitively expensive, and I think that this is one reason that things tend to be negotiated on the street. Could it be that she wised up to the fact that you are quite likely not licenced (based upon the premise that many foreigners aren't), and is calling your bluff in the hope of getting her money back?

One suggestion is can the person you bought the bike from help you out. If they are the legal owner and have a licence, couldn't you just use theirs for the paperwork. You could explain the name difference by saying that the name you gave before is just your nickname or something. There is no photo on either the licence or the rego, and if it is just a formality for the paperwork there isn't likely much harm done.

I don't normally give advice on how to do the wrong thing, and sympathize with your situation, particuarly if you weren't at fault.

[Taylor]

Dear Daveymac,

First of all, if the scooter is 50cc, then you don't need a license anyway. My wife (from Taiwan) tells me that you should have "responsibilty" insurance, though.

Second, my wife thinks that the lady would be unable to file on her insurance without a police report.

Third, it is highly unlikely that an insurance company would pay out ANY amount of money just because some shop claimed they did NT$X,000 worth of repairs. (I doubt that any pictures were taken.)

If the lady gave you over $10,000 I can possibly see her concern. Are you sure the shop didn't screw her on the repairs?

By the way, was this lady talking to the staff where you work? Do they know much about your situation?

As a last resort, you could tell the lady that you are buying the motorcycle on an installment plan and the owner does not want to release (or can not find) those papers.

Keep us posted!

Clint
(Lived in Kaohsiung 7+ years)

[brian]

Actually Clint the rules regarding 50cc scooters changed about four months ago. A licence is now required for all motorcycles. Another change, made at the same time, means that car licences no longer double as motorcycle licences - you need a seperate car and motorcycle licence.

[Taylor]

Thanks for the Update!

I have been back in the States since last May, so I should be careful about what I say now!

What if someone just has a AAA International License? Heard anything about those lately?