Navigating Vehicle Damage: A Homeowner’s Dilemma After a Driveway Collision

Recently, I faced an unexpected situation that I believe many homeowners can relate to. While living with my significant other and her son, a minor incident turned into a complex question of liability and insurance.

To provide some context: I own a 2017 Expedition, which I park in the driveway. My soon-to-be stepson, a 20-year-old who is covered under his mother’s insurance policy, was driving his work-in-progress 1974 Ford F100 truck. On one particular day, he parked above my vehicle, stepped out, and innocently closed his truck door. However, the motion caused his truck to roll backward and collide with the front corner of my Expedition.

Fortunately, the entire sequence was captured on camera, clearly showing that he was just out of the vehicle when the incident occurred. Unfortunately, the resultant damages to my Expedition include a flat tire, a compromised bumper, and potential issues with the lift, A-arm, and aftermarket wheels/tires. In contrast, his truck sustained only a minor scratch.

Given that my vehicle’s market value falls between $12,000 and $14,000—fully paid off and covered by a broadened collision policy with a $1,000 deductible—this collision poses a significant financial concern. With repair costs likely exceeding my deductible, I now face a dilemma.

Determining Fault: Whose Responsibility Is It?
Is it fair to assign fault to him for leaving his vehicle? Or should this incident be classified as an unfortunate act of nature? Living in Wayne County, Michigan—a Detroit suburb—adds another layer of complexity.

On one hand, there’s the option of filing a claim through homeowners insurance, but our previous experience with an ice dam claim has left me wary of the potential rate increases that could follow. Given that this accident could represent my stepson’s third at-fault incident since he was 16, the implications weigh heavily on us.

What Are the Options?
We could choose to repair the damage to a roadworthy standard, albeit not to the level of a professional body shop. However, this dilemma strikes at a personal level. My Expedition, once a vehicle I took pride in maintaining, is at risk of losing its status as a ‘nice car’ and slipping into the ‘old but dependable’ category.

Despite this frustration, I remind myself that my stepson is a good