Understanding Your Vehicle Collision: Insurance and Liability Considerations
Handling unexpected car accidents involving unoccupied vehicles can be complex, especially when they occur on personal property. If you’ve recently experienced a driveway collision, you might be wondering who bears responsibility and how to proceed with insurance claims.
Scenario Overview
Imagine you’re living with your significant other in Wayne County, Michigan. Your 2017 Ford Expedition, fully paid off and valued between $12,000 and $14,000, is parked in your driveway. Meanwhile, your partner’s 20-year-old son is driving his vintage 1974 Ford F100, also insured and registered. He parks his truck uphill from your Expedition, briefly exits the vehicle, and as he closes the door, it unintentionally pops out of gear and begins rolling backward. The truck hits your parked SUV, causing noticeable damage to the bumper, headlight, and possibly the suspension components. Thankfully, your vehicle is fully insured with broad collision coverage, featuring a $1,000 deductible.
Key Questions Arising
- Is the young man liable for the accident simply because he exited the vehicle?
- Would your homeowner’s insurance be involved, or would this fall under auto insurance?
- Could this incident be considered an act of God or an unavoidable accident?
- What are the potential financial implications for you and your family in the long term?
Liability and Insurance Considerations
In situations where a vehicle accidentally damages a parked car, liability often hinges on specific circumstances. Since the young man was the operator at the time of the incident, and the vehicle was under his control, auto insurance typically covers damage resulting from unintended movement. Given that his truck is insured and registered, your auto policy’s collision coverage should handle repairs, especially since the vehicle was unoccupied at the moment of impact.
Homeowner’s insurance generally does not cover damages caused by vehicles unless the property itself (like a garage) is involved in an unusual way. Since this was an auto incident, your primary recourse is likely through your auto insurance policy.
Financial Impacts and Repair Options
If your vehicle’s repairs exceed the current deductible, filing a claim with your auto insurer could help mitigate repair costs, but it might also affect future premiums. Opting for a repair approach that restores the vehicle to a safe, roadworthy state—without necessarily returning it to pristine condition—could be a pragmatic solution, especially if budget constraints are tight.
Keep in mind that if the vehicle is older or has
