Understanding Your Vehicle Collision in the Driveway: Legal and Insurance Considerations
Recently, an unusual incident occurred involving two parked vehicles in a residential driveway. This situation raises important questions about liability, insurance coverage, and the best course of action for vehicle and property owners.
Scenario Overview
A 2017 Ford Expedition, parked in the driveway of a residence in Wayne County, Michigan, was involved in a minor collision. The vehicle’s owner, who is single but engaged and living with a partner and her son, reports that the driver’s son—age 20—is operating a vintage 1974 Ford F100 truck as part of a ongoing restoration project. The truck, which is registered and insured under the mother’s policy, was parked uphill from the Expedition.
According to the account, the young man exited the truck after parking it, which resulted in the vehicle unexpectedly rolling backwards due to the gear shift accidentally slipping out of park. As a result, the truck collided with the Expedition, causing damage to the bumper, headlights, and possibly other components such as aftermarket wheels and suspension parts.
Insurance and Liability Questions
One key concern is determining whose insurance is responsible for covering the damages. Since the father’s collision coverage has a $1,000 deductible and the vehicle’s value is estimated between $12,000 and $14,000, the repairs could be significant. Given that the damage appears primarily to be on the Expedition, the question arises: Does the incident fall under homeowners’ insurance, auto insurance, or could it be considered a random act or act of God?
In this situation, the truck was properly insured and licensed, and the driver was legally allowed to operate it on the driveway. Because the vehicle was temporarily unattended, and the collision was due to unforeseen rolling, liability might lean toward the vehicle owner’s auto insurance, especially since the incident directly involved the motion of the vehicle outside of normal parking.
Implications for Insurance Filing
If the vehicle owner files a claim, it might impact their insurance rates, especially considering their history of previous at-fault incidents. Alternatively, if the homeowner’s policy is used, coverage might differ, and there’s always the concern about potential rate increases or policy exclusions.
Financial Considerations and Repair Options
Given the current financial situation—marked by previous claims and limited cash flow—repairing the Expedition to a “like-new” condition might not be feasible. Instead, partial repairs to ensure safety and roadworthiness might be the pragmatic approach. The vehicle, though aging and
