Understanding Vehicle Damage and Liability in Residential Incidents: A Case Study
When vehicles collide outside your home, questions about liability, insurance coverage, and financial impact naturally arise. Recently, a homeowner in Wayne County, Michigan, experienced such an incident involving two parked vehicles, prompting an examination of how to approach such situations effectively.
Scenario Overview
The homeowner, who lives with their fiancée and her son, reported that their 2017 Ford Expedition was parked in the driveway when the son’s project truck—a 1974 Ford F100—accidentally rolled into the Expedition after the truck’s door was closed. The truck, a licensed and insured vehicle, was parked uphill from the Expedition. According to the homeowner, the truck’s door popped out of gear upon closing, causing the vehicle to roll backward and hit the parked Expedition.
Damage Assessment
The Expedition sustained significant damage, including a flat tire, bumper, headlights, and possibly suspension components such as the A-arm. The estimated repair costs exceed the vehicle’s insured value of approximately $12,000 to $14,000. Conversely, the F100 received only minor scratches. The homeowner’s insurance policy includes broad collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible.
Points of Consideration
Liability and Fault
Since the vehicle was parked and the driver was outside at the time of the incident, questions arise regarding fault—particularly, whether the driver’s actions or negligence contributed to the collision. Typically, if a vehicle’s gear unintentionally shifts and rolls, liability might lean toward the driver, especially if the mishap resulted from a failure to securely park or properly engage the gear.
Insurance Coverage and Claims
In this case, the homeowner’s auto insurance could potentially cover the damages, given that the parked vehicle was insured and the collision was between two insured vehicles. However, considering the incident occurred in a private driveway, some insurance providers may view this as a homeowner or comprehensive coverage matter. It’s important to review the policy specifics to understand what is covered under collision versus liability.
Homeowners Insurance Implications
Usually, homeowners policies do not cover auto accidents. However, some policies include incidental coverage, or the homeowner might consider filing a claim under their auto insurance. Given past concerns about potential rate increases—especially in the context of prior insurance claims—it is crucial to weigh the costs and benefits of filing.
Financial Considerations
The homeowner expressed concern about the long-term financial impact of claims, especially considering a previous ice dam damage claim on
