Liability for another driver?

[Return of the Yarii]

Is there any way I can protect myself from being sued (or liable for any damages) if my brother crashes into someone in my Yaris? Should I have an insurance policy on the Yaris as well as having my brother have an insurance policy on it?

I can only speak to how it is in IL, in our state insurance follows the vehicle (i.e. as long as I didnt steal your car I can drive it, have an accident and the company that insures your vehicle is liable even if I have insurance on my own vehicle). Again, its the vehicle thats insured not the person driving it.

You really cant protect yourself from being sued, generally if an accident occurs your insurance company as well as yourself personally are named defendants. Insurance is your protection if sued and the liability of the insurance company depends on your policy limits. Personally you can take out a "umbrella policy" with most insurers (I have a million dollar umbrella policy) which will be "secondary" if God forbid someone sues you (your insurance company), wins a judgment for OVER your policy limits (either auto or home) then the umbrella would cover remaining damages above and beyond that (up to a million in my case).

Insurance can be very confusing, best to talk to your agent.