Legal question

@Trace86 (5030)
United States
October 21, 2009 6:49pm CST
We have my 22 year old stepson living with us. He is unemployed and doesn't appear to be looking for work. We have paid his car insurance for the last 3 months. My husband says that if we don't pay it and he gets in an accident and is uninsured that they can come after us because he lives with us. But he is an adult, albeit a slacker one. Are we legally responsible for his actions just because he won't get off his rear and get a job and get out of my house?
1 person likes this
8 responses
@Holv03 (528)
• United States
22 Oct 09
The only reason why they would go after you if is you stepsons car is under your name or your husbands name. If it is then yes you will get in trouble because its basically under your name but there is no rule in the United States that says if he has a car under his name and he gets in an accident the people he lives with get in trouble. The only person who will get in trouble is the person who owns the car legally by that I mean the person who has the car registered on his name. If your name or your husband name is not on the car then you wont get in trouble but if is not and your husband is still paying his car insurance he is just trying to help him and support him. I really think your stepson needs to get up and find a job because the economy is bad but its not that horrible where he can't find a job. I am 22 years old and I have two jobs right now and pay a house, car insurance and a whole bunch of other bills also I go to school full time so he is just probly being lazy.
2 people like this
@Trace86 (5030)
• United States
22 Oct 09
I think he is. He keeps claiming that he is looking for a job, but he is always here. There is a grocery store just down the street that appears to hire just about anyone. He refuses to apply there. I give you snaps for being so self sufficient. I am sure that your family is very proud of you. Keep up the good work!
@coffeebreak (17797)
• United States
22 Oct 09
You might ask your insurance company that question. But... he is 22 - over "legal age". Where he lives has nothing to do with it. If he had an apartment and had an accidnet with no insurance, they wouldn't go after the land lord. Under 18 yes they might come after you, over 18.. probably not, but for sure over 21 they can't come after you....unless he is on your policy... then they might be able to or at least you insurance could cancel you
2 people like this
@earthsong (589)
• United States
22 Oct 09
If the vehicle is in your name you would probably be held liable for an accident if he is at fault for one. If he doesn't have insurance some states will actually make him be at fault, at least partially, even if he doesn't cause the accident because he was driving illegally. But he is far past being a legal adult and they cannot hold the parents of adults liable for an accident just because he lives with you.
1 person likes this
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
22 Oct 09
I agree with the other responders who say that you're not liable unless his car is in your name. You need to give him a deadline and maybe a little more assistance to go with it, but if he doesn't have a job by such & such date, he has to go. People will take advantage of you only as long as you let them.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Oct 09
It will only come back on you if the car is in your name, or he leaves your home intoxicated. It may just be hard for you Hubby to tell him no, but it may be what he needs to get him off the couch and out the door.
@SACHIN2708 (1634)
• India
22 Oct 09
i dont know about rules and legal of your country so i can tell you but i can say that huminity and hospitality is very good thing now he needs ur help so this time help him and after few days make him understand his responsbilities after all he is son weather he is step .there is great power in love
1 person likes this
@max1950 (2306)
• United States
22 Oct 09
as long aS HE'S OF LEGAL AGE OF YOUR STATE I WOULD NOT THINK SO BUT I THINK 21 IS THE LEGAL AGE OF ALL STATES . ID CALL A LAWYER AND ASK TO BE SURE,JUST TELL HIM HE'S TAKING HIS CAR OUT WITHOUT PERMISSION BECAUSE OF NO INSURANCE AND ARE YOU LEGALLY LIABLE, THEN IF HE ASKS YOU IF YOU WANT TO PROCEED WITH AN OPTION ASK FOR HIS EXTENSION AND DONT CALL HIM BACK THIS WAY HE CANT CHARGE YOU. I'D CALL MORGAN AND MORGAN THEIR IN THE YELLOW PAGES.
1 person likes this
@Shellyann36 (11383)
• United States
22 Oct 09
That would depend whose name is the car in? If the vehicle is in his name then it is his responsibility. If it is your vehicle and he is on your insurance policy, I would take away the keys and take him off of the insurance. Then if he drives the car have him arrested for grand theft auto. Sounds as if he needs tough love and his dad is just making matters worse. As long as the vehicle and insurance are in your stepson's name then it does not matter. He is a grown man and no one can hold you legally responsible if anything happens as long as it is all in his name. If it is in your names I would take the keys away and get him taken off of the insurance and tell him he has to straighten up!