This still would not explain why Ed Smart allowed Ricci to continue using the jeep while it was still in Ed Smart's name. Apparently, there was enough doubt there that Ed Smart declined to rehire Ricci.....which once again brings up the question of how and when Ricci paid off the jeep. Based upon today's posts, we now have 3 different stories on that.....Ed Smart says the jeep was worked off, David Smart says it was a gift, and Angela Ricci says it was paid off in cash.
"2) Smart's liability has more to do with when he cancelled the insurance on the Jeep than it does with when he transferred the title. In all probablilty, he did both at the same time - like most people."
So you are assuming that Ed Smart continued to carry insurance on this vehicle for the several months that Ricci was in possession of it prior to title transfer? Why would he do something like that for a fired handyman?
Simple. Ricci couldn't insure it until the title was in his name and the title wasn't transfered to his name until after the deal was completed - whether it was partially or totally bartered, paid in cash or had the interest and part of the principal gifted.
More to the point - what difference does it make? The deal was completed in September/October and has very little to do with the abduction other than likely being the vehicle used.