Legal Question in Insurance Law in Minnesota

driver unauthorized by owner had accident

I gave my old car to my step-daughter when she turned 16 with the stipulation that NO ONE else drive the car. Her mom decided to use the car anyways and totalled it. She only has a ''temporary'' license and the plates got pulled off the car. She was not and will not be an authorized driver on my insurance. I recently dropped full coverage also. What is my liability? Will my insurance still have to pay for the other vehicles damage? What can I do legally against the mom for driving without permission? Can I collect damages from her?


Asked on 11/19/07, 12:38 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
J D Haas

Re: driver unauthorized by owner had accident

Did your daughter give permission to use the car to her mother? If so, your insurance company has coverage. If not, it depends upon the circumstances of the mother taking it. Did the mother know that she was not to use the vehicle? If she knew that, then that fact may be important to escape coverage. If she knew that, then you can try to recover directly from her for taking the car without permission or taking the car when she knew she was not supposed to take the car. I hope that I have answered your questions.

I hope that I have helped, answered all of your questions, and that I have provided you with useful information. Please contact me if I have not answered all of your questions.

Please be aware that my answer is not legal advice, it is merely information. You and I have not entered into an attorney/client relationship. The only way that I am legally responsible for your legal rights is if you have signed a written retainer agreement with my law firm.

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Answered on 11/19/07, 8:03 am


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