Legal Question in Insurance Law in California

Am I responsible for ex girl friend? Liability

I financed a vehicle for my fianc� we have split up; the vehicle is in my name. I don�t carry insurance for the car because she drives it, she has insurance through Progressive, if she was to get into an accident am I responsible?

Before she left with the car I had her sign a document I drafted stating she is responsible for all legal fees if she was to get into an accident with or without insurance. And also that she agrees to make all future payments till the vehicle is paid in full. She did sign it.

Am I protected if she was to become irresponsible and get into an accident with or without insurance? Would it turn into a 3 party lawsuit?

Do I need to be on the insurance policy with her? The agent said I did not as long as who ever is driving carries insurance for the vehicle.


Asked on 1/12/06, 11:27 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jonathan Stein Law Offices of Jonathan G. Stein

Re: Am I responsible for ex girl friend? Liability

You NEED insurance on the vehicle. The owner of a vehicle can be held responsible for up to $15,000 for injuries sustained by someone driving their vehicle. If she does not have insurance, they will come back to you.

Also, if she lets someone else drive the vehicle, they may not have insurance.

You should call Progressive and have your name added as an "additional insured." The document you drafted probably does not have any legal authority.

You can read more about this at http://www.calpiblog.com/claims/index.html and listen to my podcast at http://www.personalinjurypodcast.com

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Answered on 1/20/06, 11:41 pm


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