Question:

Is it against the law to purchase a car in your name, and give it to someone else to drive?

by  |  earlier

0 LIKES UnLike

I purchased a car for my daughter, due to her not having the credit to put it in her name, but she is driving the car. Is this against the law?

 Tags:

   Report

19 ANSWERS


  1. No, not against the law, but she should have her own insurance policy. That'll protect you and your money if she or someone else ever damages the car.


  2. It's not illegal but she will have to be listed as the primary driver on the insurance.  You can also "gift" the title to her and just change it over to her name.  It won't cost too much.  Each state varies though.  Your local DMV can tell you how to change it over.  It's a very simple process.

    Also, if she's paying you back, you can be listed on the title as "lien holder" until it is paid off.

  3. No, but you either have to have her on your insurance or a policy that allows other drivers (and of her age if young). Also, beware that if your daughter isn't responsible and gets into an accident or allows some one else to drive then you can be held responsible if something happens in or with that car.

    If she or someone gets pulled over for speeding or something than they will be the one to get a ticket and if there is no proof of insurance they will be responsible as well though its not in their name.

    However, if they get into an accident then you could be held responsible as well. And if someone drives the car that doesn't have a license then you can get introuble for that also (unless you didn't know and report the car stolen).

    You should go ahead and check into the specific laws in your area because the rules of the road can be different in each state as far as who is allowed to drive, when and what age.

    But it is not illegal to let her drive a car with its title is in your name. If you want to have her be as responsible as you then you may add her name to the title. And if you want to help her with her credit you can add her name to the loan or contract for the car.

    However, you can releave yourself of any liability if you bought the car out right and want to put it into her name. You can give it to her or sell it to her and then she is 100% responsible. So if the car is already paid for but you already put it in your name she will just have to pay to put it into her name.

    So, its ok but check your local laws to know of what and when can you be held responsible and pass this on to your daughter.

  4. It all depends on where you live and whether she is insured to drive your car. She may need her own policy or written up as a casual driver in which you may pay a premium. In some places, any legally licenced driver can drive as a casual driver but just be forewarned, it is under your policy.

  5. Nop so long as theyr insured ther good 2 go

  6. No, as long as she is covered on the insurance and you have "given" her permission to drive it.

  7. NO, but you have to put her on your insurance for the car as the principal driver of the vehicle. The not insuring properly is where the

    legality comes in. I would also think that you could "gift" the car to her

    for whatever amount the two of you agree on (even $5).  Then, the title could be transferred to her name!

  8. No.  If you purchase a car and put it in someone else's name, it's their car.  It'd be like giving them a gift.

    If the car is still in your name, and your daughter gets in an accident using your car, your insurance can go up.

  9. NOt at all, but there are protections that you need. First you need to make sure she either insures it or you do. If she lives in your home and you insure it you must list her as a driver of the vehicle.

    You must also realize that you open yourself up to a major liabilty issue. If God forbid she were to have a serious accident that involved major injuries or death to another, your home and personal possessions  can be attached if the party were to sue. As the car belongs to you you are legally responsible just as she would be.

    My suggestion would be to "sell" her the car for a set amount, divided up into monthly payments that she can afford (it doesn't have to be what you payed for it if you want to help her out) make sure you write up a bill of sale and transfer the title over to her. Or you can just give her the vehicle as a gift. Either way it releases you from any liability issues that may arise out of an accident.

  10. no but you must put her on the insurance or it is illegal for her to drive  

  11. no but theres alot of problems with it like others are saying she needs to have her own insurance and also if its not paid off already since its in your name if she doesnt pay your screwed and also my grandmother did this for my brother and she passed away they have a kia which has no resale value at all (kia's suck) so they where going to just sell it in the paper but since it was in my grandmothers name they cant sell it and since she passed away he can never get it in his own name im not saying this will happen but people die every day expected and unexpected so just to be prepared you need to put it in your will that she gets the car  

  12. No it is not against the law. You can do whatever you want with a car you purchase. The law gets complicated when it comes to insuring a car and who is named on the insurance. You both would need to be named on the insurance, because if she is not named on the insurance and there's an accident, then you have a legal issue.

  13. The best answer here is by "single dad" remember that letting someone drive your car exposes you to significant liability, insurance covers the car damages and some degree of medical liability, it does not protect you against a lawsuit in an event of a very serious accident.

  14. No.............

    But you need to remember that "YOU" are responsible for what happens in the event of an accident.......

  15. It's not against the law to give permission to anyone to drive a car you own. The only concerns are insurance and liability, talk to your insurance co. and make sure you are covered if something happens.  

  16. so long as she is insured to drive the car, you're good.  

  17. Technically that can go both ways. For example, a parent could purchase a car in their name and give it to their child as a gift. That is my opinion though. Hope this helps.

  18. no, as long as you have insurance for it. Well, at least in MA, it really dpends on the state.

  19. nope.  i drove like that for a good 8 years lol

Question Stats

Latest activity: earlier.
This question has 19 answers.

BECOME A GUIDE

Share your knowledge and help people by answering questions.