Am I responsible for an accident Grandson had in my car?

[dmccalip]

What is the name of your state - Washington

My grandson was involved in an accident while driving my uninsured car. We had had full coverage insurance on it for 11 years but was giving the car to him - insurance expired 6 days prior to accident - my insurance company refused coverage for the accident.

The other parties insurance company never contacted us after my insurance company denied coverage. Now, a collection agency is naming me in trying to collect for the accident.

Am I responsible for this debt in any way since I was not in the car when the accident occurred?

Thank you
dmccalip

 

[Roo]

Who's name was on the title when the accident occurred?

 

[dmccalip]

Mine and my husband's name was on the title as we had not transferred the title yet.

 

[seniorjudge]

Did you know your grandson was a bad driver before the accident?

 

[dmccalip]

No, he was a good driver. He was on a gravel road - going too fast and lost control. So, this was a big surprise. He just turned 18 - had taken driver's ed. We had not considered him a risk.

 

[moburkes]

Mine and my husband's name was on the title as we had not transferred the title yet.

You were responsible for carrying insurance. Why would you allow your grandson to drive your uninsured vehicle? He is responsible for irresponsible driving, but, as the owners of the vehicle, you were responsible for insuring the vehicle.

 

[ecmst12]

We had not considered him a risk.

That was a HUGE mistake. 18 year old guys (and girls) in their first cars have TONS of accidents, statistically speaking. Taking drivers ed does not make one a good driver.

 

[dmccalip]

Well, it doesn't look like anyone knows the answer to my question. Thank you for your responses.

 

[Or Not]

What is the name of your state - Washington

Am I responsible for this debt in any way since I was not in the car when the accident occurred?

Thank you
dmccalip

The answer, although not what you want to hear, is yes. You (and your husband) are financially responsible (because the vehicle title is/was in your names.)

 

[VeronicaLodge]

Well, it doesn't look like anyone knows the answer to my question. Thank you for your responses.

moburkes answered your question a half hour before you posted this.

in case it isnt clear, yes you are responsible.