Legal Question in Insurance Law in California

Domestic Partner Insurance

I am in a same-sex relationship. If my partner gets in a car accident in her vehicle, can the other party attack my monies? What if my partner doesn't have insurance (which I know is illegal)? What if she is driving my car ... will my insurance cover it?


Asked on 11/07/00, 5:30 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

Re: Domestic Partner Insurance

No, they cannot get your money like they would be able to in a marriage situation. As far as your car insurance, you need to read the policy, they are all different.

Read more
Answered on 11/18/00, 12:04 am
Jeffrey Zinder Zinder & Koch

Re: Domestic Partner Insurance

Under the law you are simply roommates. Therefore unless she was performing a service in relationship to an agency, or work for you, the answer in most probably you can not be held responsible. As far as the insurance issues, if she is using you car you must read your policy as they all contain slightly different coverage when it comes to roommates. However as a matter of law you will be liable as the owner for a certain amount of any damages caused by anyone using your car with your permisssion.

Read more
Answered on 11/18/00, 12:22 pm
Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq. The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates

Re: Domestic Partner Insurance

In the State of California, Domestic partners are not legally married and therefore cannot be held liable for the debts or actions of the other. There is an exception and that is that if you had your partner working for you, or doing something for you for money while she was in an accident than you could be held potentially liable. As far as driving your car, you have to check your insurance policy to see if other drivers are covered while driving your car. Ordinarily, especially with low cost insurance they are not!! You should tell your partner that she is facing a significant fine if she is caught driving without insurance, the loss of her drivers license, and if she is in an accident whe will not be entitled to receive any damages accept for medicals, and property, even if she is made a cripple!! Bottom line is that the cost of not having insurance is greater than the cost of having it!!

Read more
Answered on 11/18/00, 4:36 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Insurance Law questions and answers in California