Who is liable when a teen causes a car accident?

at the point when the teen causes a car accident, or both at the time of licensing and at the time of a car accident. For example, in California, a parent or legal guardian must sign the driver’s license application of any minor (under 18) in their care, and parents or guardians are essentially jointly liable if the minor causes a car accident.

Is a parent legally responsible for a minor’s car accident?

Most states in the U.S. have passed some kind of law that holds a parent or guardian responsible for their minor driver, under a legal concept known as “vicarious liability.” Most states in the U.S. have passed some kind of law that holds a parent or guardian responsible for their minor driver, under a legal concept known as “vicarious liability.”

Is a parent legally liable for a child’s driving under 18?

However, many states also have specific statutes further defining the legal liability of a parent or other adult in that situation. In those states, anyone under the age of 18 must have a “sponsor” in order to obtain a driver’s license.

Is the owner of a stolen car responsible for the crime?

Since the owner of a stolen vehicle has clearly not given permission for their vehicle to be used, they are generally not responsible for the actions of the thief. They owe no duty to the owner of the legally-parked vehicle owned by your insured.

What happens if my adult child drives my car?

If your adult child, or anyone else for that matter, drives your car, the driver is covered by your auto insurance policy. The reason is that car insurance follows the car, not the motorist. This fact has ramifications for you as the owner of the insured car.

Does my car insurance cover a joyriding accident with a teenager?

That’s usually true regardless of whether the teen was licensed or not. Your car insurance will almost certainly not apply if your teen driver’s actions amount to criminal conduct. What’s more, some insurance policies may provide that joyriding accidents will lead to cancellation or nonrenewal of coverage.