Question: Am I making a mistake by risking my car insurance?
I’m 20 and in the process of moving out of my abusive father’s house. A while back, he “sold” me his car for $10k, but he never actually gave me the title.
During the divorce proceedings with my mom, they had to evaluate my dad’s assets. The main options were:
1. He keeps the $10k, and I get the car title.
2. He gives me back the $10k, and he keeps the car title.
3. I say I don’t want either the money or the title.
He threatened to kick me out if I didn’t choose to walk away from the money and the title. To avoid becoming homeless, I had my mom pause the court proceedings, which left the car in a kind of legal limbo.
Now, I’m finally ready to move out, and I plan to take the car with me. My dad is pretty lazy, so I don’t think he’ll actively hunt me down for it, but he might pursue legal action.
‼️THE ISSUE IS‼️: The car insurance is still in my dad’s name. I can’t ask him to let me pay for the insurance, as that would alert him to my plans to leave, and given his abusive nature, that could end badly. I’m considering just taking the car and leaving; if he stops paying the insurance, I would then take over the payments. I know I don’t need the title to insure the car, but is it a bad idea to leave while my dad is still covering the insurance?
It’s understandable that you’re in a tough situation, and it’s important to prioritize your safety and well-being. However, there are some significant risks involved in your plan.
Insurance Consequences: If the car is still under your dad’s name and insured under his policy, taking the car without informing him could lead to complications down the line. If an accident occurs while the car is insured under his name and he isn’t aware you’ve taken it, it could create problems for you legally.
Legal Risks: Depending on your state laws, taking the car could potentially be viewed as theft, especially since it is still technically in your dad’s name. Even if you feel justified, this could lead to legal repercussions if he decides to pursue it.
Safety First: Your safety is the priority. If you’re worried about an abusive situation escalating, you might consider reaching out to local resources, like shelters or hotlines that help individuals in abusive environments. They can offer guidance on how to navigate your circumstances safely.
Possible Solutions: Consider consulting with a legal professional about your situation. There might be options to secure your ownership of the vehicle legally before you leave. You might also look into getting your own insurance policy, if possible, to avoid risks.
Planning Your Move: It could help to create a more detailed plan for when you move out, ensuring that you have support and resources available to make the transition safer and more manageable.
Ultimately, while it seems like you want to move on from a difficult situation, acting impulsively without considering the legal and financial repercussions could lead to more trouble. Carefully weigh your options and seek advice where you can. Stay safe!