Legal Question in Insurance Law in California

Parental Liability for 18 year old driver?

The insurance company is advising that an 18 year-old driver living at home (even if paying rent) must remain on the parent's policy because we are still responsible for him even if he is in college, working and the car is in his name. It would be cheaper for the 18 year-old to have his own basic liability policy for himself. Is it law that the parents are legally responsible for the 18 year-old driver? I don't get it. The law advises a person is an adult at 18. Why can't he act responsibly and get his own policy? I could understand liablility if a parent allowed drinking or drugs at their home, but not any other reason.


Asked on 8/13/03, 5:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Dieter Zacher Law Offices of Dieter Zacher

Re: Parental Liability for 18 year old driver?

That's ludicrous. They can simply exclude him from your policy, then, they wouldn't have to pay. If he is 18, then, he is an adult. If you have no ownership interest in the vehicle, then, you would have no liability. Are you talking to your agent. If so, commissions could be playing a role in this. There is no reason why he can't pay for his own insurance. Good luck and thanks for inquiring.

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Answered on 8/20/03, 2:57 am


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