What liability do I have if my name is on the title of my mother's vehicle.?

Question

Wyoming and Florida are the subject states. This was done to avoid confusion if something should happen to her. Now she is getting older and I am worried about her causing an accident and getting sued. She does maintain insurance and she is the only driver of the vehicle. Thanks

Her name is on the title also.

I have two completely different answers!! Who is correct??

Answer 1

You need to check to see what the liability laws are in each state...specifically the question you need to ask is this: is liability automatically imputed to the registered owner of the vehicle? In some states it is, in some states it isn't. Which is yours?

If it is automatically imputed, or transferred, onto the legal owner, then yes you would be held legally liable.

The best thing for you to do is this: make darn sure your mom's insurance policy carries the HIGHEST liability coverage available and purchased a PUP policy as well.

Unless you can get your name off the title.

Answer 2

Yes, as an owner of the car you are liable for any damages caused by anyone using the car, as is she. It doesn't matter if the title is "and" or "or" (though that does make it easier to re-title the car in your name alone if she were to pass away).

You can try to get your insurance company to issue a Personal Liability Umbrella to help protect your assets (really, a good idea to have anyway), but the company may or may not issue it since your Mom is also on the title. She may also have to be eligible for the Umbrella.

Talk to your agent, they will tell you your company's rules.

I chose to go another route to avoid liability. I am listed as the lienholder on my Mother's car. That way if she were to have an accident I cannot be sued, yet I still could manage everything for her. I have to sign off on the title releasing the lien before it can be sold...

Good luck!

Answer 3

You are certainly liable for any at fault accident she gets in as an owner of the vehicle. If you have assets to protect, please be sure she has HIGH liability limits. Also, be sure that you are listed as either an additional insured - co-owner or Joint Owner (depends on the company which way you will be listed). You will also get a copy of the policy at every renewal & change & you will also be notified if there is a cancellation notice issued. If you are still concerned about the liability, get an umbrella policy and list the vehicle as an owned vehicle along with your other houses and cars. Your mother's liability will not be covered on your umbrella but your liability will be. They will require a certain limit of liability & will probably want a copy of your mother's policy for their files.

Answer 4

You have absolutely no liability. if her name is also on the title.

Be sure it say mom OR you and not mom AND you. so should something happen to good ol' Mom then you can sell the vehicle without a probate and POA...

Answer 5

Legally, It's your car and you are just loaning it to your mother. Then you are legally responsible for any damage.
I loaned my car to a guy and he wrecked it. I took hin to court and it was too bad, you loaned him the car, you are responsible. BTW, that was the last time I loaned a car to anybody.