I probably shouldn't even be asking this.... If I were to help someone out by accepting the title to a vehicle for the sole purpose of attaining vehicle registration and renewal of tag---- what responsibility would I be accepting along with such ownership? I would not insure or drive this vehicle, but as far as I know I would be vulnerable.... or assume, rather, any and all liability for damages arising from accidents or any other type of violations involving this vehicle. I am basically wanting to know WHO is responsible -- the driver --- the owner --- both???? Is this determined depending on State laws. I would like this person to clearly understand WHY I cannot put myself in such a position.
:) As always, I appreciate all answers.
2007-03-04 14:37:27 · 11 answers · asked by Miracle 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
If your name is listed as the registered or legal owner of the vehicle, you have full responsibility for anything regarding that vehicle, legally, you wouldn't have any sort of defense,as to why you allowed someone with a poor driving record to have access to or to drive your vehicle. The person is without a license for a reason, it may not be a reason either of you believe to be true, but for the facts, that person did/did not follow the standard rules of the road, and they aren't supposed to be driving. Failing to obtain insurance laws would come into play, if a wreck happened.........well, let's not get into how many dollars it could cost you, possibly bankrupt you. When you share a title to a car, a deed to a home, you are accepting ownership, when you signed the documents used to title/register the car, you signed that the statements were true. You are irresponsible, but very responsible for anything happening in the future.
2007-03-04 17:05:32 · answer #1 · answered by fisherwoman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Normally, the driver of a vehicle is liable for damages in an accident. But an aggressive personal injury attorney could also go after the owner of a vehicle to pay for some or all of the damages, if the owner was someone else. In fact, the owner could be liable if they allowed the driver to use the car in a negligent manner.
I don't know how you could have title for the vehicle under consideration, and not be required to have an insurance policy on it. That doesn't make sense, and I'm not sure a state's dept of motor vehicles would allow it.
You would need to have some kind of liablility contract with your friend, and make sure that they are fully insured on their own policy every time they drive your vehicle.
The whole things smells fishy - I would not touch this arrangement with a 100 ft pole.
2007-03-04 14:48:35 · answer #2 · answered by Tom-SJ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As the owner of the vehicle, you are absolutely responsible for any & all liability arising out of the use of that vehicle. You said that you will not insure it? If you are the owner of the vehicle, the insurance HAS to be in your name. You CANNOT insure something you DON'T own, so the driver CANNOT insure it. If he does, the policy is void. So, if that is the case & he has an at fault accident, you are on the hook for all damages (to both vehicles and/or other property damage - pole, tree, house) plus all bodily injury. That means, if you have any assets, they are all on the line. Depending on the State, you can either lose your house or you can have liens put against your house (which will have to be paid to get a refinance or when you sell), lose all your savings & investments (I don't know if they can touch retirement) & if that still doesn't cover a court award, then they can attach your wages until the award is paid in full. You could end up paying for this for the REST of your life. Why would someone even ask? Are they that selfish & irresponsible to put you & your life savings on the line for their own gain? I'm sorry, if anyone asked me to do this, they would be out of my life so fast their head would swim. I don't care who they are to me (even a relative).
2007-03-04 22:17:15 · answer #3 · answered by Sue 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The owner is always liable. The owner can chose to sue the driver later on, but that can go either way. I know someone who was selling a car to a women. Before anything was turned over into her name and while she was driving it, she was in an accident.
That person who owned the car was liable. The other driver was playing it up on injury and physical therapy bills and so on. Total bs, but still the owner of the other car is liable.
In this case the owner had insurence, and of course they didn't want to pay up. But they did cover most of it after a long battle.
I wouldn't do it. You are the first one responsable, just like if it was your dog over someone elses house and he bites someone.....your property.
2007-03-04 14:46:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of the time it is the drivers responsibility,,but some states can hold the vehicle owner responsible,,or partialy responsible for the actions of the driver of the car.
It is always best to have a legal agreement made up,,whereby the driver of the vehicle holds you blameless and assumes all responsibility for any actions arising from the operation of the motor vehicle.
2007-03-04 14:44:13 · answer #5 · answered by Thunder 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would absolutely be putting your butt on the line for anything that happens with the car.
Drugs in it? You could be prosecuted. Used to pick up a prostitute? You could have to pay the impound fees and storage.
Kill or seriously injure someone? You will be on the line for the lawsuit and the insurance company could also come back against you and/or void the policy for fraud (if they found out).
If your friend isn't responsible enough to have his/her own registration and insurance, what do you think they would do to help you when your paycheck is being garnished for the rest of your life? Nothing, that's what.
Don't do it, not worth the risk.
2007-03-04 14:42:44 · answer #6 · answered by Gem 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's no black and white answer to this question. Legal Liability is always gray.
As a car owner, if you knowingly give your car to a drunk to drive, you can be held guilty.
If you have prior knowledge of "certain problems" you can be held responsible.
Would you let a mass murder borrow a gun, knowing the person was a mass murderer?
Bottom line is you become an accomplish.
2007-03-04 14:49:00 · answer #7 · answered by jamferris 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In some states, the owner of the car is completely responsible for damage in any accident. Yes, it depends which state.
http://www.4carinsurancequotes.com/claims.htm
2007-03-04 16:10:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-12-05 06:17:26 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you cannot get registration for a car that is not insured. if you have the car registered, you are responsible for insuring it. you can't do one and not the other.
2007-03-04 14:46:35 · answer #10 · answered by morequestions 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋