Q: parents liability protection
S will be taking a vehicle to the university and he will need the vehicle to travel to/from his part time job I am wondering if it makes any sense to transfer the title to S's name? Does that offer us (parents) any protection from liability if, god forbid, something happens and he (we) was sued? I don't mean to imply that we would not help our son but I know that folks can be quick to sue and we have more assets, (home, et.). Of course we are imploring our son to drive safely no matter whose name is on the title. I would appreciate some factual feedback from any insurance folks/liability lawyers out there. We live in FL in case that matters. Many thanks!!
A: Yes, if your adult son has sole title to the vehicle, he, and he alone, is legally responsible for it and the use of it. Once your child turns 18, you are not responsible in any way for his acts or omissions for use of vehicles (or anything else) that are not owned by you, not shared with you, and not used for your employment of him. The registration and insurance as well should be in his name. Where he gets the money to pay for car expenses and insurance is not relevant to any issue of legal responsibility.
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