Understanding Auto Incidents on Private Property: How Insurance and Responsibility Come Into Play
Managing vehicle accidents that occur on private property can be complex, especially when multiple factors and insurance policies are involved. Let’s explore a real-life scenario to clarify how responsibility and coverage work in such cases.
Scenario Overview
A homeowner in Wayne County, Michigan, faced an unfortunate collision involving two parked vehicles in their driveway. The homeowner, who is engaged and lives with their partner and her son, owns a well-maintained 2017 Ford Expedition. Simultaneously, her partner’s 20-year-old son was driving his project truck—a 1974 Ford F100—when the incident occurred.
Details of the Incident
The son parked his vintage truck uphill from the homeowner’s Expedition. After exiting his vehicle, the truck’s door unexpectedly popped out of gear and rolled backward, striking the front corner of the homeowner’s vehicle. Camera footage confirmed that he was out of the truck at the moment it started to move.
Vehicle Damage Assessment
The Expedition sustained notable damage, including a flat tire, bumper damage, headlight, and potentially more, due to aftermarket modifications like wheels, tires, lift kit, and suspension components. The estimated repair cost exceeds the vehicle’s value of approximately $12,000–$14,000. Conversely, the son’s truck incurred only superficial scratches.
Insurance Implications and Responsibility
Given the circumstances, a key question arises: Who is liable? Since the son was outside the vehicle and no driving was actively taking place, does this incident fall under homeowner’s insurance, auto insurance, or constitute an unrelated accident—sometimes categorized as an act of God?
Factors to Consider
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Auto Insurance: The son’s truck is insured and registered; however, whether his insurance covers such incidents on private property depends on policy specifics. Since the vehicle was not in motion at the time, some policies may exclude coverage for stationary vehicle accidents in private settings.
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Homeowner’s Insurance: Typically, homeowner policies exclude coverage for damage caused by vehicles unless the homeowner’s insurance explicitly covers certain auto-related incidents, which is uncommon.
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Responsibility and Fault: Despite the son being out of the vehicle, many jurisdictions consider the driver or owner responsible for vehicle movements, even unintentional. Because the car was left in gear and started rolling, this could be deemed negligence on his part.
Financial Considerations
The homeowner has comprehensive collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible, which would potentially cover repairs, although the
