Can my license be suspended and can I be held responsible if someone used my car but didn’t have insurance and had an accident?
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Can my license be suspended and can I be held responsible if someone used my car but didn’t have insurance and had an accident?
My girlfriend was driving my car. I told her she could as long as she had insurance on it. She said she did but she didn’t. She was driving my car one day and wrecked into a garage. I was out of state when this happened. When I came back home, I got arrested and went to prison so I filed a police report when I got out that she didn’t have permission to take my vehicle because she didn’t have insurance. And they are trying to tell me I am responsible and that my license will be suspended. Can they suspended my license and do I have to pay even though I told her if she didn’t have insurance she couldn’t drive the car?
Asked on April 19, 2017 under Accident Law, Ohio
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately, you are liable for the accident because you are the registered owner of the vehicle even though you were not present when the accident occurred. Since there wasn't insurance, you are liable for the property damage (cost of repairs to the garage);however, you can recover the amount of a court judgment against you by suing your girlfriend for negligence since she caused the accident. Your lawsuit against her can also seek to recover damages for the cost of repairs to your car.
Your driver's license can be suspended for not having insurance; however, it can be reinstated upon providing proof of insurance.
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