Title: Navigating Vehicle Damage: A Collision in Our Driveway and the Aftermath
In an unexpected turn of events, I recently found myself dealing with an unusual dilemma: two stationary vehicles collided right in our own driveway. As a single individual living with my fiancée and her son, this was not the scenario I was prepared for.
It all started when my 2017 Expedition, which was securely parked in our driveway, encountered an unfortunate mishap involving my future stepson’s 1974 Ford F100 project truck. This classic vehicle, though licensed and insured, is still a work in progress. The young driver parked his truck slightly uphill from mine, exited, and—quite inadvertently—caused it to roll backward when he closed the door, colliding with the front corner of my Expedition.
Fortunately, we have video footage that clearly shows he had exited the truck prior to the incident, but the timing was certainly unfortunate. My Expedition now has a flat tire, a damaged bumper, and potential issues with aftermarket parts like its lift and A-arm. Meanwhile, the Ford F100 has only sustained a minor scratch.
As for the financial implications, my Expedition is valued at around $12,000 to $14,000 and is fully paid off. It has broad collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible, but the costs of proper repairs will likely exceed that amount. Living in Wayne County, Michigan (a suburb of Detroit), I find myself contemplating whether this accident falls on the young driver’s shoulders or if it could be classified as a random occurrence or even an act of God.
One of my significant concerns is the long-term financial impact. My fiancée and I have previously faced hefty bills due to an ice dam claim on our home five years ago, so we’re both wary of filing a homeowners insurance claim—especially given how it might affect our future rates. On the other hand, if this claim goes against my soon-to-be stepson, it will contribute to his insurance history, marking his third at-fault incident since he was 16—his second this year, no less.
Although we could choose to make temporary repairs to ensure the vehicle is safe for the road, the goal is to maintain the Expedition’s status as a ‘nice vehicle.’ Ideally, I hoped to keep it looking good and running well for a few more years without incurring car payments.
It’s disheartening, especially since I’ve put considerable effort into maintaining the Expedition,
