Expert: Ron Cercone - 11/15/2010

Question
My son was in a small car accident and got a ticket. The damage was only $350.00 the other person doesn't want to turn it in to the insurance. He says my insurance will go up as well as his. I have a copy of the estimate. I only have no fault insurance not full coverage. what should i do? Should I settle it out with him? Will my insuance find out anyways? My son is only 20yrs old and is not on my insurance. What do you think?

Sincerly,
Evett

Answer
If it was me, I would not turn it in to insurance. And it would probably not be covered anyway if your son was living with you when he drove your car. For your information, had your son killed someone while driving your car, your insurance would not cover you and you could lose everything you own in a lawsuit. Tell your deadbeat son to get his own transportation. My dad got me a motor scooter when I was in high school so I could get to my job washing dishes. That motor scooter and a winter jacket was the only thing he ever got for me when I went to live with him in high school.