Can I be held responsible for my stepson’s auto accident?

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Can I be held responsible for my stepson’s auto accident?

My stepson is about to get his drivers license and his father will give him a car. The car will be in my stepson’s name and my wife will include him on her insurance policy. Can I be liable if he is at fault in an auto accident? He is living with his mother and me.

Asked on October 10, 2011 under Accident Law, New York

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

Potentially you could be personally liable for damages caused by your stepson if he is in an automobile accident given the right circumstances. For example, if you allow him to drive your vehicle (registered in your name) and he is in an accident you could be held responsible for carelessly allowing him to drive your car.

It is good that the stepson is on your insurance policy for the car that is registered in his name. Make sure that the policy amount for the vehicle is a substantial policy, not a $15,000 auto insurance policy.

Good luck.


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