If my 19 year old daughter is babysitting as a summer job and uses a car that I own to drive the children around, what is my potential liability?
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If my 19 year old daughter is babysitting as a summer job and uses a car that I own to drive the children around, what is my potential liability?
She and that car are on my auto insurance policy. I know that if she is in an accident that my insurance will have to pay. If the children are injured and the family wants to sue for more than my insurance covers, can they come after my assets as the owner of the car. My daughter is a student and has no assets to speak of so I am not so concerned if they sued her.
Asked on June 10, 2014 under Personal Injury, Illinois
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
Yes, you are are risk: the owner of a vehicle is liable for any injuries or property damage caused by a person whom he allows to drive his car, if that person were at fault (e.g. negligent, or unreasonably careless) in causing the accident. As you note, if there is personal injury and the family of the injured person(s) sue for more than your policy limits, you would be responsible for the excess.
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