Posted on 09/13/2010 2:33:55 PM PDT by texan75010
Vanity Post - I have a question about automobile liability for the state of Texas. I have a step daughter who had her license suspended for a month for a probation violation.
But, she also got a speeding ticket that she has not yet gone to court for. She was driving 70mph in a 45. I do not want her driving any of my vehicles ever again. The auto insurance company tells me I can sign a waiver that absolves them from all liability if she were to ever get behind the wheel of any of my cars.
My question is, if she did take one of my cars and wrecks, could I be held liable for damages she causes? Does it make a difference if she no longer lives with me and my wife?
Bottom line is, if I carry her on my insurance, my rates will go sky high. She is 16 years old, she will be going to live somewhere else in 10 days either juvenile detention or a group home. But she has been sneaking out, stealing keys, so for the next 10 days who knows if she will get her hands on a key and who knows what she will do.
And yes, if I could have her locked up now I would. She was in court today and she will be locked up in 10 days...just how things work.
In the meantime, she stays with us and I just want to make sure I am not liable for any of her bad behavior.
Thanks
You need a lawyer.
Sorry to say. Yes.
She is under 18, living at home. You are or COULD be held liable for anything she does. Driving, wrecks, thefts, anything. Not just the property damages, but any civil suits resulting from any acts.
It may be a long 10 days... assuming of course you have exhausted everything else and she is destructive beyond reasoning.
Agree with all of the above.
Sleep with your keys.
If she takes one of your cars, report it stolen.
Other than that, you may have to check with your attorney on what you can do.
Unfortunately, you are liable if she crawls in one of your cars and then wrecks it. You can sign an exclusion form and exclude her from your policy coverage, but since she is a minor and living in your home, you are S. O. L. if she hurts someone or damages their property. (I am a former Texas insurance agent and this is a common problem)...red
I don’t know about the car insurance. I would say, if you take her off the coverage, and she takes the car, you need to report it as stolen, and prosecute.
But I wanted to say I am sorry for what you are going through, and hopefully they can get her straightened around. She is certainly young enough to mature and gether life back in order. Maybe look into Boys & Girls Town? Good Luck.
Lock your car. Hide your keys. Hang bells on all doors and windows. Hell, hang one on her! Emancipate her a.s.a.p.
Disable the batteries at night. A girl would never know how to fix the car if it didn’t start. May be a hassle but the car would stay put.
Hide the keys and remove a plug wire if she has car stealing type boyfriends.
1. I loaned a car to my son in Nevada a few years ago. I was told that i was liable for any damage that my car did anywhere in the country. I gave him the car.
2. You need to talk with a lawyer soon about your daughter. I think I would give her a car (which she owns) if you can’t control your vehicles. She would have to get the auto insurance.
3. Good Luck
How about just pulling the coil wire on the cars till you want to use them. Or, buy “The Club” if it’s still available.
Definitely disable the vehicles.
Advice from someone who has been there. Drugs ARE involved. Pay a lawyer to find out how you protect yourself and what laws protect you. In my case in Georgia it had a liability limit for minors age 17 living with you. It was $10k. I could afford that so it eased my mind somewhat. Take all the keys you NEED and put them on a chain around your neck or Put her in a lockdown rehab.
But, she also got a speeding ticket that she has not yet gone to court for. She was driving 70mph in a 45. I do not want her driving any of my vehicles ever again. The auto insurance company tells me I can sign a waiver that absolves them from all liability if she were to ever get behind the wheel of any of my cars.
My question is, if she did take one of my cars and wrecks, could I be held liable for damages she causes? Does it make a difference if she no longer lives with me and my wife?
___________________________________________________
I’m a Texan and I’ve looked into this. If she does not live with you - then you do not have to add her as a driver on your policy.
You should NOT let her behind the wheel of any of your vehicles, but if you do - and provided you have good coverage - you will be insured if she wrecks your car,
I’d NOT sign a waiver with your insurance company if I were you. The less they know - the better.
Good luck. You’re gonna need it.
And PS. The kid will be fine. Some day. She’ll grow up and she’ll be all right.
dude you’ll be held responsible even if she steals the car, potentially civily liable if she steals someone elses car. Get a lockbox (combination) and make sure all the keys are put in them whenever they are in the house. Make sure the gps chip is enabled on her cellphone if she has one, and work with your carrier to figure out what tye of traking they let you have access to.
Take most of the suggestions you have been given here. Sign the 515a exclusion but wait 10 days:) In the meantime she and anyone else living in the household or using the car with your permission would be covered.
Thanks for all the good advice!
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