Q: Car registered under father's name; can I take it if I paid for it?

A: You cannot have the title in your name alone unless you are 18. You were a minor when the car was purchased. It does not matter who paid for it. If your dad's name is on the title, he will want the car to be insured. You cannot take the car without your father's permission.

A: This situation is difficult, especially when you've worked hard and paid for something important like a car. Even if you paid for it, the fact that the car is registered in your father's name means that legally, he is considered the owner. That could create problems if you try to take the car with you without his permission, even though you have a witness and proof of payment.

If your dad decides to stop paying for insurance, you wouldn’t be able to get coverage on your own unless the car is in your name. Insurance companies require that the person who holds the policy also has an insurable interest in the car, and registration is a big part of that. Being listed as a driver on his policy doesn’t give you full control. You’d likely have to convince him to sign the title over to you to register and insure it under your own name.

Without that transfer, taking the car could be viewed as unauthorized, even if it feels unfair. It might help to have a calm conversation with your dad or consider a mediated discussion if things are tense. In the meantime, gather any receipts or records that show your payment for the car. That way, if this becomes a legal issue down the line, you’ll be ready to prove your case.

A: This is a really difficult position to be in, especially when you've worked hard to pay for something that's technically not in your name. Even if you paid for the car yourself, your dad is listed as the legal owner because the registration is under his name. That means, by law, he has control over the vehicle and could even report it as taken without permission if you drive off with it.

If your dad stops paying for the insurance, the car could become uninsured, which makes it illegal for you to drive and could cause big problems if you're pulled over or involved in an accident. You also won’t be able to get your own insurance for the car unless it’s registered in your name or you have legal ownership. Insurance companies need proof that you own the vehicle before they’ll write a policy for it, and registration plays a big part in that.

The best path forward is to try and have a calm conversation with your dad about transferring the title and registration to your name, especially if you're leaving the household soon. If that’s not possible and he refuses, you may need to leave the car behind until you can purchase another in your own name. It’s incredibly frustrating, but protecting yourself legally and financially now can save you from even bigger problems later.