General Question

bfly91's avatar

Am I insured on a vehicle that is in my Mom's name or not? California?

Asked by bfly91 (1points) September 5th, 2009

My mother bought me a van 3 years ago when I separated from my husband and helped her sell an income property. I did a lot of home improvement for her and it was a gift from her to me and my 3 children. Quick background, my mom was very abusive to me as a child (she was and is an Alcoholic) and she would always dangle the “golden carrot” in front of me which I fell for trying to have the ideal mother /daughter relationship. I asked for the title to be in my name and offered to pay insurance. She refused (control), and after many uncomfortable disputes with my mother and stepfather, we moved to a more affordable place so that I did not have to depend on her for anything (my stepfather felt I was impeding on his retirement when he did not have a dime to his name until he married my mom who was left a massive inheritance at the age of 25). I haven’t spoken to my mom in over 6 months. My husband and I reconciled, and 3 months ago, I was purchasing a used vehicle. My mother and I have the same agent (my husband and I insure a vehicle together). When I spoke to the agent he suggested I add the van for a 3rd car discount. I reminded him the van was in my mother’s name, and I was on her insurance as an added driver. He said it wasn’t a problem and I would get an updated policy. The agent called my mom to advise the van would be moved to our insurance policy and she went thru the roof. Not only did she refuse, she dropped me off her policy and I was never notified. Last week, I was at a stop sign, and was rear ended(other driver at fault and insured). I went to the hospital in an ambulance. I am recovering, but when I called to report the accident, I was told that the van is insured, but I was removed from the policy late May. They were furious about the accident, and have no concern about my injuries. Now my stepfather wants to meet my husband this week an put the van in my husband’s name. Can anyone please tell me if anything was done fraudulently by my mother or agent, or is this all irrelevent?

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

4 Answers

YARNLADY's avatar

It varies with different insurance companies, but when I was trying to insure my Grandson so he could drive any car owned by me, his Uncle, or his mother, they all told me that the car, not the person is what they insure. We do have drivers listed, but I beleive from what I was told, if the car is insured, it make no difference who is driving it.

You didn’t ask, but I just have to say, if I wasn’t getting along with a family member, I would not be driving their car, to avoid adding any potential issues.

The_Compassionate_Heretic's avatar

A quick call to the insurer of the van will clear this issue up.
Never assume you’re covered. If your mother is an alcoholic, it’s possible she’s let the insurance lapse.

PandoraBoxx's avatar

Return the van to your mother, and buy a car in your own name. If she dropped you from the insurance, then you are in essence driving a vehicle owned by another person without their persmission. Your mother could, at any moment, decide to take the car away from you by saying you, in essence “stole it.”

Why are you playing this game with an unstable person? Why are you giving her control over you? This is a time bomb.

La_chica_gomela's avatar

It sounds like you’re going through a really hard time! I can’t answer your question, but I just wanted to say that I hope your recovery goes well and that you’re healing quickly! It sounds like you’ve been through a lot!

Also: Don’t let them put it in your husband’s name—try to make sure it gets put in your name! You did all that work with the home improvements, not him!

Answer this question

Login

or

Join

to answer.

This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.

Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
or
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther