Ask an expert


fhalliwell

My daughter (while a Learner driver), during a very vulnerable period in her life, was handed the keys (and yes, foolishly took) to an unregistered, un-WOF'd vehicle by its adult owner, who permitted her to drive it to her job without a supervising adult. She hit a parked car. The owner took a photo of her licence. Now she's being chased by the insurance company for a lot of money for the repair to the damage on the other car. The owner of the car she was driving had no insurance and has clearly not accepted any liability for giving her the keys at all. Is there any scope for me fighting this and taking him to the Disputes Tribunal for at least half the bill, before the insurance company collections department take her? Other countries have laws called 'negligent entrustment' in just such circumstances. Can I use that? Thanks for help.

Anon

Hi there,
This is not an ideal situation for any young person to be in- we are not aware of any such law in NZ and recommend you seek professional legal assistance in this matter.