Could anyone come back on my parents if I were in an accident since my vehicle registration has their address on it?
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Could anyone come back on my parents if I were in an accident since my vehicle registration has their address on it?
I live a full-time RV traveling lifestyle. I’m the owner of the vehicle and the vehicle is registered in my name but the address on the vehicle registration is my parents’ address. I rarely visit them, so the state inspection on the vehicle is expired. My parents are concerned that if I were to get into an accident that someone could come back on them since the address on the vehicle registration is my their address.
Asked on April 20, 2017 under Accident Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
The fact is that who owns a car versus where they live determines potential liability regrding a car accident. Only the driver and owner (i.e. those on the title or registration) can be liable for an accident. Accordingly, using your parent's address does not make them liable.
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
While your parents' concern is understandable, it is fortunately unfounded: only the driver and owner(s) (i.e. those on registration or title) of a vehicle might be liable for any accidents. You using your parent's address does not make them liable any more than if you rented an apartment or house from someone, that the landlord would be liable simply because you are using the address of real estate he/she owns. Ownership, not residence, determines potential liability.
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