Legal Question in Insurance Law in Wisconsin

My 19 year old son is off to college and he sold his car so I asked our insurance agent to drop him from our policy. The agent told me that I should leave him on the policy even though he has no car because if he gets in an accident without insurance I can be held liable. The reasoning is that I declare him as a dependent on my taxes. Is this true? It has always been my understanding that at 18 he is an adult and responsible for himself.


Asked on 8/31/09, 9:04 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

There is no black and white answer for your situation as it depends upon the facts. If your son's residence is with you, then you may be liable for his negligence depending upon certain facts. For example, if you loan him a car or if he drives his car while living with you, there is a possibility that you could be liable under certain theories. I cannot be more specific than that because it depends upon a number of factors; however, the bottom line is that although he is 19, if he is in your residence, you may become liable.

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Answered on 9/05/09, 9:24 am


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