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    pastor1189's Avatar
    pastor1189 Posts: 1,538, Reputation: 3
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    #1

    Nov 6, 2016, 04:48 AM
    Car ownership
    Would it be a good idea? The son does all the driving. But the father owns the car. The son has no income. Would it be a good idea to sign the car over to the son in case of an accident. Would the father still be responsible since he is no longer owner of the car?
    joypulv's Avatar
    joypulv Posts: 21,591, Reputation: 2941
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    #2

    Nov 6, 2016, 05:53 AM
    If the father is no longer owner and isn't driving, he would have zero responsibility. Most states have a special form for family to gift a car to immediate family, to avoid tax. Make sure they get that form before standing in a long line at the DMV, and make sure the father signs both that form and the title. They MUST have the title, and it must be free of liens. The son should be able to keep the license plates. I was able to, in CT.

    They can change the insurance after doing the paperwork at the DMV. It's a totally new policy, not a transfer.

    If the son is 25 or under, it's not worth any of this. If he has a history of violations, it might not be worth it either.

    Is the father worried mainly about losing his home/other assets if sued, or just wants to gift it while alive to make it easier (this is true), or another reason?
    pastor1189's Avatar
    pastor1189 Posts: 1,538, Reputation: 3
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    #3

    Nov 6, 2016, 06:30 AM
    Thank you. The son is 36. Good driving record. Father is worried about being sued.
    joypulv's Avatar
    joypulv Posts: 21,591, Reputation: 2941
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    #4

    Nov 6, 2016, 07:12 AM
    Then I would gift it.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #5

    Nov 6, 2016, 09:43 AM
    36 and no income? How will he afford the car, gas, insurance, maintenance? Unless there are unusual circumstances, a 36 yr. old should be able to find a job, even at a fast food place.
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
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    #6

    Nov 6, 2016, 03:53 PM
    I have to agree, no job, no use of the car (at least at my home)
    joypulv's Avatar
    joypulv Posts: 21,591, Reputation: 2941
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    #7

    Nov 6, 2016, 05:58 PM
    ' The son does all the driving' implies that the son takes care of his dad in some way. At the very least, drives him places. This can be a 7 day job. It often comes with handy work around the house. Are we here to pick apart the son? He has a clean driving record and no other detrimental history.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #8

    Nov 6, 2016, 07:48 PM
    Buy liability insurance, its required in most states
    Alty's Avatar
    Alty Posts: 28,317, Reputation: 5972
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    #9

    Nov 7, 2016, 04:51 PM
    Just have to add that if the father decides not to gift the vehicle to the son at the very least the son needs to be listed as the primary driver on the insurance. If he's not listed as the primary now, then you're setting yourself up to be sued if he has an accident, and you're also committing fraud.
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