Is everyone on a car title liable for damages, lawsuits, etc.?

[oohlalaw]

In California, would it be risky to be listed on the car title of a car belonging to someone else? In other words, is everyone on the title liable for any damages, lawsuits, etc. associated with the vehicle? Thanks.

 

[adjusterjack]

In California, would it be risky to be listed on the car title of a car belonging to someone else?

It wouldn't be risky at all if the owners bought enough liability insurance.

other words, is everyone on the title liable for any damages, lawsuits, etc. associated with the vehicle?

Each person on the title is an "owner" and, as such, "is liable and responsible for death or injury to person or property resulting from a negligent or wrongful act or omission in the operation of the motor vehicle, in the business of the owner or otherwise, by any person using or operating the same with the permission, express or implied, of the owner."

That's a direct quote from CA VC17150.

However, VC1751(a) limits the liability of an owner to "fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) for the death of or injury to one person in any one accident and, subject to the limit as to one person, is limited to the amount of thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) for the death of or injury to more than one person in any one accident and is limited to the amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for damage to property of others in any one accident."

Also a quote from the statute:

http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&division=9.&title=&part=&chapter=1.&article=2.

But that's not the end of it. Those limits don't apply to "negligent entrustment" of a motor vehicle which is explained on Page 529 of CA's Jury Instruction manual:

https://www.justia.com/documents/trials-litigation-caci.pdf
So, if you have a reason to be named as an owner on somebody else's vehicle make sure there is proper liability insurance that includes you as one of the Named Insureds.

 

[oohlalaw]

. . .
So, if you have a reason to be named as an owner on somebody else's vehicle make sure there is proper liability insurance that includes you as one of the Named Insureds.

Thanks for the clear and thorough reply!