Imagine: your 16-year-old borrows the family car for a quick trip to school and rear-ends another vehicle. The other driver is hurt. Are you responsible for those injuries? In California, the answer often depends on how permission, insurance, and state law converge.
Who’s Liable: The Teen or the Parent?
Under California Vehicle Code § 17150, the driver who caused the crash (your teen) is primarily responsible. But as the registered owner, you can also be held liable under what’s called the permissive-use doctrine.
That law states that if you allow someone to drive your car, even a family member, and they cause an accident, your insurance may be required to pay for damages up to certain limits: $15,000 per injured person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage.
This rule is why an injured party’s attorney will often name both the teen and the parent (as the owner) in a claim or lawsuit. Your auto policy generally follows the car, not the driver.
Even if you didn’t explicitly say “Yes, take the car,” California courts can find “implied permission” if your teen routinely drives the vehicle and you didn’t take reasonable steps to stop it; for example, by leaving the keys accessible or failing to restrict use.
Negligent Entrustment: When Parents Can Be Personally Liable
A much bigger risk for parents arises from negligent entrustment. This argument states that if you knew or should have known your teen was unfit to drive (unlicensed, suspended, intoxicated, or habitually reckless) and you let them use your car anyway, you can be held personally liable for the injuries that result.
In California, a negligent-entrustment claim requires proof that:
- The teen was negligent in operating the car
- You owned or controlled the vehicle
- You knew or should have known your teen was unfit to drive
- You allowed them to drive
- Their unfitness contributed to the accident
If proven, you can be sued just like the driver. And, unlike the permissive-use statute, there’s no $15,000 cap on your liability. Your personal assets could be at stake if damages exceed your policy limits.
California Vehicle Code §§ 14606 and 14607 also prohibit allowing someone without a license to operate your vehicle. If you knowingly allow your teen to drive without a valid license or with a suspended one, you could face civil and even misdemeanor criminal penalties.
Local Realities: Why Sacramento Parents Should Take This Seriously
Like many fast-growing metro areas, Sacramento County continues to see high numbers of injury-related collisions, particularly involving young and inexperienced drivers. Busy corridors such as Elk Grove Boulevard, Watt Avenue, and Highway 50 experience daily congestion with frequent rear-end and intersection crashes. The combination of distracted driving and limited experience makes extra parental vigilance essential.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Teen
- Verify license status. Check your teen’s license regularly, especially after any citations.
- Set clear boundaries. If your teen loses their driving privileges, revoke permission in writing (text or email works).
- Secure your keys. Don’t assume they won’t “borrow” the car if it’s sitting in the driveway unlocked.
- Talk with your insurer. Confirm that your teen is listed and that coverage includes permissive users. Consider raising liability limits above the state minimum.
- Create a driving contract. Outline curfews, phone use, and passenger rules. CHP’s Start Smart program offers free parent-teen driving workshops throughout the Sacramento area.
- Model safe driving. Teens mirror what they see — your habits shape theirs.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to your teen behind the wheel, “I didn’t know” won’t always protect you. California law expects parents to take reasonable steps before granting permission.
If your teen is involved in a crash, notify your insurer immediately and consult a qualified personal injury attorney. Getting accurate legal advice early can make the difference between simply filing an insurance claim and a lawsuit that threatens your financial security. Here at CWC, we’re always happy to take a call and talk through any questions you may have.
Disclaimer
The content provided is for general information purposes only. Please refer to the disclaimer of Carter Wolden Curtis, LLP for more details.