Understanding Vehicle Damage in Your Driveway: Insurance Considerations and Next Steps
Handling accidental vehicle collisions on private property can be a complex and stressful situation, especially when insurance claims are involved. Recently, I experienced such an incident in my own driveway that highlights important points for vehicle owners and homeowners alike.
The Scenario:
My 2017 Ford Expedition was parked in my driveway in Wayne County, Michigan. Meanwhile, my fiancé’s 20-year-old son, who drives a work-in-progress 1974 Ford F100 truck under his mother’s insurance policy, was arriving home. His truck is legally registered and insured. After parking uphill from my Expedition, he exited his vehicle and closed the door. As he stepped away, the door unexpectedly popped out of gear and began rolling backward, ultimately colliding with the front corner of my parked vehicle.
The aftermath was unfortunate: my Expedition sustained significant damage, including a flat tire, bumper and light damage, and potential harm to aftermarket wheels, tires, and suspension components. In contrast, his truck incurred only minor scratches.
Insurance Implications:
Given that I have broader collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible, I am contemplating whether to initiate a claim through my insurer. My vehicle is valued between $12,000 and $14,000, and repairs are estimated to exceed this amount if done properly at a body shop.
Key Questions Raised:
– Who is at fault in this situation despite my step-son exiting the vehicle?
– Would homeowner’s insurance potentially cover this incident?
– Could this accident be categorized as an act of God or a random occurrence?
– What are the long-term financial ramifications for all parties involved?
Context and Concerns:
While the incident was clearly captured on surveillance footage—showing the step-son outside his vehicle at the time of the rolling—we are aware that fault can be a nuanced issue. This is further complicated by the fact that it would be his third at-fault incident since age 16, with two occurring this year.
Financial and Emotional Impact:
The damage to my Expedition is substantial, and although repairing it could restore safety and aesthetics, I am considering whether a less extensive fix might be more practical given our current financial constraints. I had aspirations of maintaining the vehicle’s “nice” status—especially since I’ve worked diligently to keep it in good condition, and I was planning to keep it without a car payment for a few more years.
Personal Reflection:
This situation is quite frustrating, particularly because of how much effort
