Title: Navigating Insurance Claims After an Unintentional Driveway Collision: What Home and Auto Policies Cover
Understanding your insurance options after an incident involving multiple vehicles can be complex, especially when the event occurs on private property. Recently, I experienced a situation where two parked vehicles in my driveway unintentionally collided, raising questions about liability and coverage that many homeowners and vehicle owners might find familiar.
The Event:
I am a homeowner in Wayne County, Michigan, living with my fiancée and her son. My primary vehicle, a 2017 Ford Expedition, was parked in the driveway when her son, a 20-year-old working on a project truck—a 1974 Ford F-100—arrived. His truck, insured and licensed, was parked slightly uphill from my Expedition. After exiting his vehicle, the door unexpectedly swung out of park, causing the truck to roll backward and make contact with the front corner of my Expedition. Fortunately, everyone was present and accounted for; camera footage confirms he was out of the vehicle when it moved.
Damage Assessment:
My Expedition sustained notable damage, including a flat tire, bumper, headlights, and potentially some suspension components like the A-arm, considering the modifications like aftermarket wheels, tires, and a lift kit. The estimated repair value exceeds my Broadened Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible, and the vehicle is paid off, valued roughly between $12,000 and $14,000. In contrast, the truck involved has only minor scratches, largely due to its earlier stage of restoration.
Insurance Dilemmas:
Given this scenario, key questions arise:
– Who is liable if the driver was out of the vehicle at the time of the movement?
– Does homeowner’s insurance cover damages caused by vehicles on the property?
– Could this be categorized as an act of God or a random incident?
From a legal and insurance standpoint, liability often hinges on the circumstances. Since the driver was outside the vehicle and the door was properly closed, it may be argued that the vehicle was unintentionally set in motion due to mechanical failure or user error. Typically, auto insurance—particularly collision coverage—would handle the damages to my Expedition, assuming fault can be established. However, since the incident occurred on private property, homeowner’s insurance could also potentially be involved, although coverage varies.
Financial Implications:
The long-term financial impact depends on multiple factors. If the responsible party’s insurance covers the damages, my expenses might be minimal, limited to my deductible
