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If an unlicensed driver has an accident in a car not registered to them?

What happens to the registered driver?

What if the car was taken without consent of the registered driver, but was given by the registered drivers spouse? They live in a community property state.

Update:

How can the owner be charged if they never gave the keys to the driver?

Update 2:

I am not the driver.

8 Answers

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  • 8 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    I'm assuming this was also an at-fault accident.

    The driver gets charged with driving unlicenced, plus whatever charge would normally apply in the accident.

    The owner is now in a tough place. The owner (not the driver) is legally responsible for the vehicle and any loss or damage it caused, unless the vehicle was stolen when the crash happened. And before anyone will let the owner off the hook for the damage costs, the driver would have to be formally charged with theft of the vehicle. If charges aren't laid, it's all the owner's responsibility.

    The insurer is going to refuse to cover the claim, because they have a clause in their contract saying they don't have to pay for losses when the driver was not properly licenced. They'll only reconsider if, again, someone is charged with stealing the car.

    How can the owner be responsible for all the damage, even if they weren't driving and didn't personally authorize the use of the vehicle? Because that's the law. The owner is always responsible.

  • ?
    Lv 4
    4 years ago

    Unlicensed Driver Accident

  • roger
    Lv 7
    8 years ago

    If a unlicensed driver is stupid enough to drive off in a car with out permission by the owner they deserve what ever they get. The police will charge the driver with various charges and likely put them in jail. The owner of the car will eventually end up talking to the insurance company sooner or later. now a days if some dummy with no license and no insurance will have to answer to the court and pay a huge fine for not having insurance and driving a car illegally with no license. Next time don't drive a car if you know you are not supposed to

  • Anonymous
    8 years ago

    Regardless of whether or not the car has insurance, the unlicensed driver is not covered by it. Insurance doesn't cover unlicensed drivers. The owner is ultimately responsible for any damages caused by the vehicle, no matter who was driving, unless the vehicle was reported as stolen. In this case it was not stolen because the driver had permission to drive the vehicle. Permission of the spouse is the same as permission from the owner. You're splitting hairs here.

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  • ?
    Lv 4
    4 years ago

    in the beginning look you have some problems ... and so ought to the registered proprietor of the vehicle you borrowed. Your female chum isn't approved ... extremely lots any coverage business corporation will deny claims brought about via an unlicensed driving force. She is likely to be in my view accountable. because she became caught employing unlicensed ... she won't likely qualify for a license interior the subsequent six months. She could additionally get hit with a important for unlicensed operation. You (an approved driving force) allowed her to force understanding she had no valid license. long island State has a regulation against allowing unlicensed operation ... there is an spectacular probability which you would be charged with this offense. SO .... Civil courtroom for the damages to the different automobile, with a bit of luck you could sq. issues with the registered proprietor of the vehicle you borrowed with out courtroom ... and site visitors courtroom for the offenses a minimum of. determine you will blow a pair of grand in damages and fines formerly you're performed, and your GF won't even qualify for a enable for a minimum of 6 months.

  • J J
    Lv 7
    8 years ago

    The owner of the car will have to pay. The person that took the car could be charged with thief of the auto no matter if the owner didn't know about it or not. The owner will not have to press charges on the person driving he will only be a witness the police officer will do the charges unless the owner will tell the officer that he allowed it. And that would be dumb.

  • 6 years ago

    My boyfriend who has no licence or insurance took my care without permission and had a collision. The other car had front end damage and my car was written off. My insurance co want details of who driver was and his (non existent) insurance details. What do I do and what happens to me ,legally now. Please help as very worried do I need to go to court? Do I pay?. paula

  • 8 years ago

    Whomever owns the car, is charged.If the driver was under influence(license or not) they would be charged as well

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