if another driver is in an accident in my car, can i be sued?
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if another driver is in an accident in my car, can i be sued?
a friend can’t afford mva fines to get tags for his car. Can I put his car in my name & on my insurance? If he’s in an accident, will it affect me/my rates or will it all be on him? What could happen to me if he gets a ticket or in an accident? Will my rates increase on my other cars?
Asked on May 14, 2009 under Insurance Law, Maryland
Answers:
L.M., Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 15 years ago | Contributor
I would not suggest doing this. To register the car in your name, the title must be in your name, so you have to "buy" the car from your friend before you register it. You would have to add it to your insurance policy and the premium would be your responsibility. If he has an accident, it could absolutely affect your rates if the accident was his fault. You could also be sued as the registered owner of the vehicle, especially because you're the one with the insurance. Most moving violations would be his responsibility, but parking tickets are tied to the vehicle, not the driver, so if he wants to stick you with them, they're yours. Are you planning to tell your insurance company that you will not be the main driver? You may need to add him as an additional insured on your policy which could also increase your rates depending on his driving record. I would advise against this entire plan.
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