skip to main content

Household Finances

Automobile liability insurance

18 years ago

I do not drive, so this issue never arose for me. However, I recently married, so my spouse's situation now concerns me.

My spouse has always carried only the minimum state-required amount of liability insurance for his car. He stated that he never had many assets to protect, so he saw no reason for more.

If he caused an accident that resulted in a large award of damages against him, would I as his spouse, also be liable for this?

I realize that no one can give me legal advice, but I thought perhaps someone might have experienced something like this, and could share such information.

Comments (5)

joann23456
18 years ago
You would not be liable, but any assets you hold jointly could be used to satisfy the judgment. So a house, car, boat, bank account, etc. that is held in both your names could be used.
gandbb
18 years ago
You don't live in a community property state so I think that simplifies things a bit. I would like to mouth off a little though on my opinion of people who think that protection of their assets is the only reason to carry insurance. How about the person who is injured? Should they sustain a huge loss because your spouse is unwilling to carry his share of insurance? I know some people who carry no insurance at all, for the reason that they have absolutely nothing. My brother was hit by just such a person and the losses were devastating to him. Now responsible people have to pay extra for underinsured motorist protection - I consider that both unfair and selfish.
Related Discussions
AVSA Liability Insurance
Q
Comments (5)
I just spoke to Jenny at the AVSA office. She indicated the insurance is a liability coverage for any incident that occurs at the meeting site or a site where a show may be held. Many sites do require a certification of coverage if you have a meeting or show at that site. Our club meets at my home, and she indicated that is also covered. She also explained that the coverage is for something that may happen to a club member or member of the public. It also covers any damage that may occur to the site as a result of the meeting or show. Barbara
...See More
Should Apartment Have Liability Insurance?
Q
Comments (3)
Hello, all my friends, Yes, it's a whacko story, indeed, and now I'm about to be sued for over $11,000.00 in damages to the apartment. The place was only 400 sq. ft., and to have damaged the place to equal that amount, I would have had to set fire and burned that wing to the ground. There's only one move for me at this point, which is to file a tort case due to physical injury and sue for physical and punitive damages. And this was NEVER my wish. I've only wanted to put this horror behind me, as I'm a very shy senior citizen who's greatest hope is to enjoy to the fullest my well-deserved retirement. My thanks to Phideaux and Mike for their kind comments, and may you all stay tuned, as something tells me this sh - - storm isn't quite over. Oh, just a little more: I totally LOVE my new apartment! It's over 3 times the size and with all kinds of amenities, whereas before there were none! And had I mentioned that the teenie-weenie place didn't even have an OVEN? When I signed the lease, I asked the manager why no oven was installed, even though they did offer a "range-top." The leasing manager told me that an oven was a "fire hazard." My fellow Webbers, I'm completely unable to make up this "stuff." Are you getting an idea of the mentality of my opponents? Geez Louise, what a world we inhabit.
...See More
Preferred amount for liability insurance?
Q
Comments (1)
Ours has 2 million but I think 1 million is required by State Law here.
...See More
Do we need Liability Insurance if building ourselves?
Q
Comments (8)
Unless you are in the home building business, and planning to sell the home you are currently building, do not waste your money on a General Liability Policy. You can't sue yourself. If you have a homeowners policy on the home you are living in now (while this one is being constructed), most carriers will extend premises liability to the property under construction. This will cover slip-and-falls of the trespassers who hurt themselves on your property. If you do not have a homeowners policy, or your carrier balks, ask your agent about an O.C.P. It is MUCH cheaper. You must, must, must secure certificates of insurance from ALL of your subcontractors which evidences General Liability (including completed operations) and workers compensation. Work comp is the most important. Certificates are issued by their insurance agents free of charge. Make sure they submit these prior to showing up to the job site. Hope this helps
...See More
Silverdove
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks for your replies.

(I did convince him to increase his insurance levels. What he had was what my parents had back in the 1950's and costs have increased greatly since then!)
joyfulguy
18 years ago
In some jurisdictions, if people live together for a certain specified period, the "partner's" assets might be in jeopardy.

In any case, the injured person might sue, hoping for a favourable judgement - and the person with assets would, of necessity, have to fight the issue.

Sixty years ago my Dad, a farmer, was buying insurance for his car and suggested to our hired man, a recent immigrant from a major European country famous for their financial affairs, that he should get some for his recently-purchased auto.

Fred said, "What do I care - they can't get blood out of a stone?"

That convinced Dad that there should be compulsory auto insurance.

So much so that, when he moved to a province where they'd recently instituted such a plan, innovative at that time, he began voting for the political party that had introduced it.

Dad used to say - "You broke it - you fix it!".

Seems to me that should apply to damage that we do with our property, as well - especially if we were the person who did it.

Actually, old Fred went on to own a dairy farm, never married - and I buried him, 30 years later. I still have a work coat at home that the trustee of his estate gave me at the time (nearly 40 years ago)!

I hope that you're enjoying life, this summer.

ole joyful
gina_in_fl
18 years ago
Ask your insurance company about an "umbrella" policy.. usually about a million, and covers all of the stuff (helps if you have house and car coverage on all the stuff) .. but it's CHEAP!!! My million dollar dog bite coverage costs me like $2 a year... hello??? CHEAP coverage!!!!

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

MOVING Hiring a Home Inspector? Ask These 10 Questions

By Christine Tusher

How to make sure the pro who performs your home inspection is properly qualified and insured, so you can protect your big investment

MOST POPULAR How to Create an Inventory, Whether You're Naturally Organized or Not

By Alison Hodgson

Documenting your home items is essential, even if disaster seems unimaginable. And it may be easier than you think

WORKING WITH PROS 10 Questions to Ask Potential Contractors

By Ventana Construction LLC

Ensure the right fit by interviewing general contractors about topics that go beyond the basics

MATERIALS Insulation Basics: What to Know About Spray Foam

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Learn what exactly spray foam is, the pros and cons of using it and why you shouldn’t mess around with installation

CONTRACTOR TIPS 10 Things to Discuss With Your Contractor Before Work Starts

By Ventana Construction LLC

Have a meeting a week before hammers and shovels fly to make sure everyone’s on the same page

REMODELING GUIDES Contractor Fees, Demystified

By Ventana Construction LLC

Learn what a contractor’s markups cover — and why they’re worth it

HOUSEKEEPING The Best Way to Get Your Windows Spotlessly Clean

By Bonnie McCarthy

Learn the pros’ tips and tricks for cleaning windows and getting them streak-free

FRONT YARD IDEAS 10 Ideas for a Front-Yard Edible Garden Your Neighbors Will Love

By Laura Gaskill

Choosing attractive, well-mannered plants and sharing the bounty will go a long way toward keeping the peace

CONTRACTOR TIPS Your Complete Guide to Building Permits

By Matt Clawson

Learn about permit requirements, the submittal process, final inspection and more

CONTRACTOR TIPS Building Permits: When a Permit Is Required and When It's Not

By Matt Clawson

In this article, the first in a series exploring permit processes and requirements, learn why and when you might need one

Sponsored

More Discussions

Question about c.d.'s

1