Navigating the Collision: An Unexpected Situation in Our Driveway

Accidents can happen in the most surprising places, and recently, I experienced one right in my own driveway. As a single individual engaged and living with my significant other and her son, I never anticipated a mishap involving our parked vehicles. Here’s a breakdown of the situation.

The Incident: A Rolling Truck and a Parked Expedition

My 2017 Expedition was parked peacefully when my fiancé’s son—who is 20 and covered under his mother’s insurance—drove his 1974 Ford F100 project truck into our driveway. After maneuvering his vehicle, he parked it on an incline. Upon stepping out and shutting the door, the truck unexpectedly rolled backward, colliding with the front corner of my Expedition.

Damage Report: What Happened Next

We witnessed the incident unfold, and it’s all captured clearly on our security camera—he had just exited the vehicle when it began to move. The result? My Expedition suffered a flat tire and damage to the bumper, headlight, and other components, potentially affecting its aftermarket wheels, tires, and lift as well. In contrast, the 1974 Ford sustained only a minor scratch.

To put it in perspective, my Expedition is valued between $12,000 and $14,000 and is fully paid off. I have comprehensive collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible, which is likely to be less than the cost of necessary repairs.

Seeking Clarity: Who Is At Fault?

This brings up an important question: is the young driver at fault for the accident, despite having exited the vehicle? Is this scenario something that could fall under homeowners’ insurance as an unpredictable incident? I’m located in Wayne County, Michigan, and I find myself weighing the options carefully.

Our homeowners insurance had already taken a hit from a previous ice dam claim five years back, so I’m hesitant to make another claim due to potential premium increases. The son, having had previous at-fault accidents—this being his third since the age of 16 and second this year—also faces consequences regarding his policy.

The Road Ahead: What Are Our Options?

While we could make minimal repairs to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive, any work would not restore it to its former condition. My Expedition was something I maintained diligently, and I was aiming to keep it in the “nice” category for a few more years—unfortunately, the collision might push it