Liability for uninsured son driving insured car with owner present in Georgia after road accident.

Question

While driving someone else's insured car with the owner present, my 16-year-old son drove off the road, resulting in damage that required the vehicle to be towed. He was issued a ticket for failure to maintain lane and there is an associated fine. My son does not have his own liability insurance, and the insurance company of the car is asking for his insurance information. What liabilities might my son face, and how should we handle the insurance inquiry?

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

This must feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone—situations like this happen more often than people think. In Georgia, **insurance typically follows the vehicle**, not the driver, which means the car owner’s policy is usually the primary coverage for an accident. Since your son was driving with the owner’s permission and the owner was present, their insurance should still apply, even though your son doesn’t have a policy of his own. 
 
That said, the insurance company is asking for your son's information to determine whether any **secondary coverage** might exist or to assess liability. If your son has no insurance, and the primary policy limits don’t fully cover damages, your family might still be held personally responsible for any remaining costs. Also, since your son received a ticket, he could face points on his driving record and higher premiums when he gets his own insurance in the future. 
 
You should respond honestly to the insurance inquiry and cooperate fully with their investigation. Providing accurate details and documentation helps avoid complications or denied coverage. This is a learning experience for everyone involved, and your openness and calm approach can help move things forward in the best way possible.

Q: Liability for uninsured son driving insured car with owner present in Georgia after road accident.