When can an agent be held personally liable?
Rachel Davis
Updated on February 20, 2026
An agent is not generally liable for contracts made; the principal is liable. But the agent will be liable if he is undisclosed or partially disclosed, if the agent lacks authority or exceeds it, or, of course, if the agent entered into the contract in a personal capacity.
What is an agency when an agent is personally liable?
An agent who is not having any authority to act as an agent or who has exceeded the authority and the same has not been ratified by the principal, is personally liable for any loss bearded by a third party (Sec. 235).
How may an agent avoid becoming personally liable when signing on behalf of his or her principal?
Agent Acting on Own Account The agent’s intention to be personally liable is often difficult to determine on the basis of his signature on a contract. Generally, a person signing a contract can avoid personal liability only by showing that he was in fact signing as an agent.
What is an agent when is an agent personally liable to the third parties?
When the agent exceeds his authority : When an agent exceeds his authority or represents to have a kind of authority which he in fact does not have, he commits breach of warranty of authority and is personally liable to third party for any loss caused to him by reason of acting under the false representation.
Can a principal be held liable for an agent crime?
Principal’s Criminal Liability. As a general proposition, a principal will not be held liable for an agent’s unauthorized criminal acts if the crimes are those requiring specific intent.
What are the rights and duties of an agent?
A) Duties of an Agent :
- Agent’s duty in conducting principal’s business (Section 211) :
- Skill and diligence required from agent (Section 212) :
- Duty to render proper accounts (Section 213)
- Duty to communicate with principal (Section 214) :
- Not to deal on his own Account :
- Not to make Secret Profits.
What duty does a principal have concerning safe working conditions?
Safe Working Conditions: A principal has the duties (i) to provide its agents and employees with safe working premises, equipment, and conditions, and (ii) to inspect working conditions and warn agents and employees of unsafe areas.
Who should sign a contract on behalf of a company?
Signing authority often lies with the company’s chief executive officer (CEO) or president. If an individual signs on behalf of a corporation and they have not been given the authority to do so, the corporation will not be bound to the contract. Limited liability company (LLC).
Can agents be liable for principal?
When an agent commits a wrong or tort or fraud while acting within his actual or ostensible authority, the principal is liable for his acts. An agent is also personally liable in this case and can be sued also.
Who is responsible for debt on a corporate credit card?
With most corporate cards, the company is generally liable for the debt on employees’ cards, which is a big advantage in many owners’ eyes. When the company guarantees the debt, the owner is not held responsible if, for instance, the company fails without paying its bills.
How does a corporate credit card work for a company?
When the company guarantees the debt, the owner is not held responsible if, for instance, the company fails without paying its bills. Some corporate cards also offer what’s known as individual liability. That means the employee must stay current on paying the bill in the short term and request reimbursement upon filing an expense report.
Who is liable for a credit card error?
(Under the terms of most credit card applications, even those used in the name of a corporation or LLC, you agree to be personally liable for making all payments.) Generally, owners of corporations and LLCs are not personally liable for mistakes in management, but they can be held personally liable for injuring others.
What happens when you charge to a business credit card?
If you charge a large business purchase to your card, your credit utilization ratio will be affected until you get reimbursed. Your credit utilization ratio is the amount of debt you have vs. the amount of your credit limit.