Handling Vehicle Collisions in Your Home Driveway: Insurance Considerations and Next Steps
Dealing with vehicle accidents on personal property can be a stressful experience, especially when it involves multiple vehicles and insurance claims. Recently, a situation unfolded in a residential driveway in Wayne County, Michigan, where two stationary vehicles unintentionally collided. Here’s a detailed overview and some guidance on navigating such incidents.
Scenario Overview
A 2017 Ford Expedition, parked on the property, was involved in a minor collision with a 1974 Ford F100 truck owned by a young adult (age 20), who is covered under his mother’s insurance policy. The truck was parked uphill from the Expedition, and after the driver exited the vehicle, it unexpectedly rolled backward, striking the front corner of the SUV.
Key Details:
– The Expedition sustained significant damage: flat tire, bumper damage, broken headlight, and possible harm to aftermarket wheels, lift kit, and suspension components.
– The truck received only superficial scratches.
– The Expedition’s estimated value is approximately $12,000–$14,000, with current insurance coverage including broad collision with a $1,000 deductible.
– The incident was captured via surveillance camera, confirming the driver was outside the vehicle at the time of the roll.
Insurance and Liability Considerations
When determining fault and the appropriate claim pathway, several factors come into play:
– Even though the driver was outside the vehicle, the vehicle’s unintended movement resulted in damage. Generally, vehicle insurance—specifically auto insurance—would be the primary coverage for such an incident.
– If the driver was operating the vehicle or exiting it momentarily and the incident happened immediately afterward, liability might lean toward the vehicle owner’s insurance, provided it covers such incidents.
– Homeowners insurance typically covers damage to personal property caused by covered peril scenarios but usually does not extend to vehicle accidents unless there’s specific inclusion, which is uncommon.
– Act of God or natural event claims are less applicable here unless external factors caused the vehicle to move unexpectedly (e.g., a sudden slope issue or mechanical failure).
Financial Implications and Next Steps
The decision between filing an auto insurance claim or a homeowners claim hinges on the coverage specifics, deductibles, and the long-term impact on insurance premiums:
– Filing a claim through auto insurance is generally straightforward for vehicle damage, especially given comprehensive coverage with collision protection.
– Homeowners insurance usually excludes vehicle damage unless caused by a covered peril, so auto insurance is typically the better route.
