18 Ways to Get Cheaper Car Insurance Quotes

by johncain » Mon Jul 23, 2012 01:24 pm

Many people wonder how to get cheaper car insurance quotes. Car insurance premiums are calculated utilizing a variety of indicators that vary from one insurance company to the next but there are some that are common to most.

Total Comments: 2

Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 07:24 am Post Subject: Uninsured/unlicensed 17yr old stole ex's car-collision

I reside in the state of Oregon & have been parenting a troubled teen since my divorce 6 years ago. My 17 year old son was living with me prior to approx. 3 months ago. At that time, I lost my home and moved in with my fiancé. My son lived with us for a short period of time but was asked to leave due to a physical altercation with my fiancé (in front of younger siblings). At that time, I contacted my ex-husband and asked him if my son could stay with him until he got on his feet and / or turned 18. He agreed to pick him up that evening and my son moved in with him (not a legal guardian, though he has raised him since before he was a year old). My son lived there for approx. a month and a half, maybe 2 months, and was then asked to leave. He then moved in with two coworkers and was living with them for approx. 3 weeks. During this time, he stole my ex-husband's vehicle and was involved in a car accident. My son was arrested and is being held in juvenile custody. My ex-husband's insurance company sent me a letter informing me that they are seeking reimbursement from me for damages to the vehicle in connection with the loss and the deductible. The letter also urges me to refer the letter to my insurance carrier. I contacted my insurance company, initiated a claim & am awaiting a call-back from an adjuster. I have not received any notice from any others but am aware that my son may have hit another vehicle and am expecting that individual may initiate a claim against me. Am I liable? I did not permit my son to obtain a driver's license (he does not have one), I did not give my son permission to take his step-father's car, he was not driving my vehicle and is not on my insurance (he does not have automobile insurance).

Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 06:59 am Post Subject:

This is not a matter for your auto insurance company. If any form of insurance would apply, the most likely would be your homeowners.

But no "first party" insurance covers criminal acts, such as stealing a car. Your ex-husband's insurance company, if he carries collision, will pay to repair his vehicle. Your 17-year-old son is personally liable for the damages he has done to others. As a minor, his parents may be held vicariously liable for his actions.

Both you and your ex-husband (if he is the father of your son) could be sued by the other party for payment of their damages. Your ex-husband could even be more responsible if he left the keys to the vehicle in a place where your son could readily access them. Neither of your auto insurance carriers will cover that loss, and I doubt your homeowner's company will be interested in defending you either.

Your only defense is to tell the same story that you did here, and see if it holds any water with a judge or jury..

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