If a vehicle is my husband's, but in my name, am I liable if he wrecks?

Question

We bought the pick up after we married, but due to his bad credit, the bank would not put it in his name, only mine. We are seperated, but not divorced, and he is drinking a lot. If he wrecks and hurts someone, am I liable?

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

I am in a similar situation. My husband has no credit a month ago he talked me into purchasing a vehicle after he totaled his own. I rarely drive due to medical reasons. He left angry and threatening to damage the vehicle and I am a nervous wreck. Also I am not even able to make these payments as our agreement was I will make the purchase and he make payments. He is on the insurance as an insured driver. I am so afraid.

Answer 3

If he gets drunk and drives any vehicle he would be the liable party. There is no way you could be held responsible for his actions. I suggest as a matter of safety, that you recover the vehicle and keep it away from him since it is legally yours in the eyes of the bank.

Answer 4

Technically you are both liable.
A.) you are liable because you are the vehicle owner, and
B.) he would be liable bc he caused damage and/or injuries

Best bet would be to make sure the vehicle is insured and you are both listed on the policy. That way everyone is protected thru the insurance

Answer 5

Both are.

The property is yours, therefore you can be sued, too.

However, the moving violation and criminal punishment (if he gets a DUI while involved in a collision) will be punishable to his driving record only.

So, in conclusion, he can be sued as being the driver that caused the damage, and you could be sued as well, because the property is yours.

The only way you would not be held accountable, is if you reported the vehicle stolen, prior to him being in an accident.

The best thing to do is to have him put on the insurance if he is driving your vehicle, OR not let him drive it at all. It's as simple as that; avoid risk by none being taken.

Answer 6

Yes, if it's in your name, you are liable for anything his insurance wouldn't cover. Is it paid for yet? If not, I'm sure the bank required full coverage.

If I were you, I'd get it out of your name. Even if it's still financed, talk to the bank.

Answer 7

Yes. And I think you could be liable in certain states, no matter how the truck is titled or loaned against just because you are married. Marriage creates like a joint asset realm, so if they sued even just him you could lose in that gamble also.

Answer 8

YUP. You are the registered owner of the vehicle and responsible for any damages. I would suggest you get this matter cleared up before something happens. First thing I would do is check with the insurance company and see if he is covered.

Answer 9

Could very well be!

This could vary from State to State and you REALLY need to talk with your local agent.

In most cases - insured is defined in your policy as: 1) Named insured (the name that the policy is in) 2) Spouse and 3) residents of the household.

So...you're STILL married and the insurance is in YOUR name - is he listed as a driver or was he excluded from your policy?

Best thing to do is call your agent and discuss this with him. If he is drinking, you SURE don't want him driving "your" car. You could always have it "re-poed."

Good luck and I hope this helps!

Answer 10

The owner of the car is only liable.(The name in the R.C.book)
Defenitely u will be in problem

Answer 11

To a point. If the insurance has his name listed as an authorized driver, they'll cover it to your insurance limits, andything over that, they can go after him for all he's got, and next in line is you.