A taxi driver rear ended me today and the car is registered in my father's name, is it true what the cop said?

Question

Following the accident, the taxi driver and I went to the police station to file a police report. The taxi driver agreed that it was his fault and agreed to pay for the damages done to my car to bypass dealing through the insurance company because it would jeopardize his job status and insurance rates. The cop told the taxi driver thanks for coming in, but told me to stay back. He told me that since my father's name is on the insurance card and not mine and since I am not 25 yrs. of age, that it would be best to settle it without the insurance company: stating that I am not a registered driver, but I thought that if I am one of the driver's under my father's insurance (State Farm) and specifically my vehicle, it wouldn't matter if only my father's name is registered and considered the owner of the vehicle. I still pay full the full insurance policy under my vehicle, I just use my father's name to cut back on the rates. All comments welcomed, and if the taxi driver decides that the estimate is too high and doesn't pay, what would you recommend I do then?

Answer 1

If you are listed as a driver on the insurance policy, you are legal regardless of how the vehicle is registered. However, if the cab driver offers to pay for full repairs, accept it. Getting the insurance companies or courts involved is not likely to help you.

Answer 2

I have state farm insurance and if you and your father are on the same policy it doesn't matter if the car is only in his name.  my mother and i don't even live together or have a policy together, but when she borrowed my car we asked the agent at state farm and they told me that she was covered.  I don't recommend settling outside of insurance because later on they go and call your insurance company or even their own and tell a whole different story than what really happened.  i hope you have a police report or some kind of statement from the taxi driver.  Good luck!

Answer 3

the cop needs to stick to giving tickets and stay away from giving insurance advice!  call state farm NOW and report it!!!!

Answer 4

sounds like you are committing insurance fraud by insuring the car in your dad's name even though you are the registered owner.

if the taxi decides to use insurance, the insurance company will contact your insurance company.

they may look into if you are actually covered on the vehicle or not.  if your dad is the registered owner and you are not named on the policy, they may drop you and or your dad.

if the taxi decides not to pay, you can report it to your insurance or take the guy to court.

it all depends if you are a covered driver on the policy.

Answer 5

That is a real tough spot right there...

You COULD always try suing, though it's not recommended. I'd suggest that you ask your dad about it if the taxi driver decides not to pay...

Maybe since it's your dad's car the police cop will let him talk to the taxi driver and try to work something out?

Answer 6

If you are a listed driver and rated on that vehicle, then you are fine.  I truly hate how cops give insurance advice at accidents or when they give out tickets!  Did they do the police report?  I would not waste any time.  I would get the estimate and get it to the taxi driver.  Give him like a day to get you the money.  The other thing that you can do is put it through State Farm if you have collision and let them collect from the taxi driver.  And that is only if you trust him enough to pay you.  If not, insist on goiong thtough the insurance company.

Good Luck!

Answer 7

Pal, you need to contact State Farm as soon as possible and file a claim. This cop is feeding you a crock of sh*t and knows NOTHING about insurance. Trust me, this whole situation could turn sour very, very quickly. Let an adjuster handle this for you.

Answer 8

I don't know what business this cop has in giving you legal advice -- that's just crazy, what is he, some kind of insurance expert?

Anybody bangs into my car, their insurance agent is going to get a call I guarantee it.

Insurance companies (the reputable ones, at least) have learned the value of settling claims quickly and thoroughly, who know what kind of shenanigans your taxi driver will pull.

Seriously, you don't know what kind of hassle you are risking, for the benefit of a "professional" driver who apparently can't drive very well.