Are Parents Responsible for Car Accidents Caused By Their Children? October 1, 2009

Parents are generally not responsible for car accidents caused by their children.   However, there are some circumstances where a parent can become liable.   A child under the age of 18 must have the drivers license application signed by a parent.  If the minor is negligent in the operation of a motor vehicle before reaching 18, the person signing the application is jointly and severally liable with the minor for the minor’s negligence.

If the minor is operating a motor vehicle owned and insured by the parent, liability coverage will extend to both the parent and the minor unless the minor at the time of the accident, the child does not reside with the parent.   Therefore,  if a parent signs the drivers license application on behalf of a minor child who does not live in their household, then the parent can be liable for the negligent acts of the minor and not have any coverage under their automobile insurance policy to pay for it.

Parents should also know that after the child reaches 18 then the parents are no longer responsible for the child’s negligent operation of a motor vehicle unless the parent owns the vehicle or is listed as a co-owner.

So make sure that the parent who lives with the child is the one who signs the application so that if the child causes an accident then at least there will be insurance to cover it.  Also, it is a good practice to make sure that the child owns the vehicle that he or she drives individually and in his or her own name.