Navigating an Unforeseen Collision in Your Own Driveway: A Personal Insight

It’s a situation no vehicle owner wishes to encounter: a seemingly innocuous moment in the driveway spiraling into an unexpected mishap. In today’s post, I’m sharing a recent incident that left me reflecting on the complexities of insurance claims and responsibility, particularly when it involves loved ones.

The Incident

As a proud owner of a 2017 Expedition, I’ve tried to maintain my vehicle in great condition. Recently, however, an unusual event occurred in my driveway involving my fiancée’s son, who is 20 years old and driving his project vehicle—a 1974 Ford F100 truck, which he has been working on. The truck is licensed and insured, but is still a work in progress.

After parking the F100 on an incline in front of my Expedition, he exited the vehicle. As he closed the door, the truck rolled backward, making contact with my vehicle and causing noticeable damage to the front corner. Thanks to our security camera, it’s clear he was out of the truck at the time the incident occurred.

Evaluating the Damage

The aftermath of this collision wasn’t trivial. My Expedition ended up with a flat tire, damage to the bumper and various parts, as well as potential issues with the aftermarket wheels and suspension. On the other hand, the F100 sustained only a minor scratch.

Considering the value of my Expedition, which I estimate to be around $12,000 to $14,000, and the fact that it’s fully paid off, I find myself at a crossroads. I have comprehensive collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible, but the anticipated repair costs exceed this amount.

Determining Responsibility

Now, the pressing question: Is the young driver liable for the damage, despite having exited the vehicle? This brings up several considerations regarding insurance. Should we file a claim under our homeowners insurance, or would this be categorized as an accidental event—a random act of fate?

The stakes feel particularly high given my fiancée’s previous experience with an insurance claim concerning an ice dam that increased our rates several years back. Furthermore, our shared concern is about the ramifications for her son, as his driving record would take another hit; this would be his third at-fault incident since he obtained his license, with two occurring within the same year.

Weighing the Options

Faced with a situation where finances are tight, and time