Adopted Child Causes Damage in Auto Accident

September 5, 2011

I am working on a complaint that involves whether the auto liability should pay for damages to a third party. The insured states that her adopted son, age fifteen and holding a drivers permit only, took the family car without permission and was involved in an accident. The adjuster is denying coverage, stating that the car was taken without the parents' permission. My feeling is that the child had access to the keys, which are the liability of the parents, so they should be liable for the damages that were caused. I would like to know what your thoughts are.

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