Understanding Vehicle Collisions on Your Property: Insurance Considerations and Next Steps
Dealing with vehicle accidents that occur on private property can be complex, especially when it involves unoccupied vehicles. If you find yourself in a situation where two parked vehicles collide within your driveway, it’s essential to know your insurance options and the potential liabilities involved.
Case Scenario: A Driveway Collision in Michigan
Imagine a homeowner in Wayne County, Michigan, facing such an incident. The homeowner’s 2017 Ford Expedition was parked in their driveway when a family member’s vehicle—an older, work-in-progress 1974 Ford F100—began to roll backward after its door was closed. The F100, driven by a 20-year-old family member operating under the mother’s insurance policy, had been parked uphill from the Expedition.
Despite the driver stepping out of the truck, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into reverse, striking the front corner of the Expedition. The owner’s vehicle sustained significant damage, including a flat tire, bumper, headlight, and potential damage to lifted suspension components. In contrast, the other vehicle only incurred minor scratches.
Insurance Implications: Who Is Responsible?
This scenario raises vital questions about liability and insurance coverage:
- Is the vehicle operator at fault since he exited the vehicle?
- Would the homeowner’s insurance, either auto or homeowner’s policy, cover the damages?
- Could this incident be considered a random act or an act of God?
In most jurisdictions, exiting a vehicle that then begins to roll can be considered the driver’s negligence, rendering them liable for any resulting damage. Since the incident happened within a private driveway, the homeowner’s or the driver’s auto insurance are typically the primary coverages to consider. Homeowner’s insurance generally does not cover vehicle accidents unless specific endorsements are in place, and they often exclude liability arising from auto accidents.
Financial Considerations and Long-Term Impact
From a financial perspective, the damage to the Expedition exceeds the deductible for collision coverage ($1,000), with repairs potentially costing between $12,000 and $14,000. Given that the vehicle is paid off and insured with comprehensive collision coverage, filing a claim could be an option. However, previous at-fault incidents—this being the third since the driver turned 16—might influence future insurance premiums.
The owner faces a dilemma: repairing the vehicle to remain roadworthy or accepting a more modest fix to keep costs down. The Expedition, although still cherished, may gradually transition into a
