Navigating Auto Damage in Your Driveway: A Case Study
Recently, I found myself in a rather unusual situation involving two parked vehicles—one of which was mine—in my own driveway. As I navigate the aftermath, I wanted to share my experience and get insight into the best course of action.
To provide some background, I live with my significant other and her son, who at 20 years old has access to his own vehicle, a classic 1974 Ford F100 that he’s currently restoring. It’s a fun project, and while it’s licensed and insured, it’s still in the development stage. One day, after parking uphill from my own vehicle, he exited the truck, after which it unexpectedly rolled back and made contact with my 2017 Ford Expedition.
The incident was captured on camera, showing that he had just stepped out when the mishap occurred. Unfortunately, my Expedition sustained significant damage, including a flat tire, a damaged bumper, and possibly some issues with the aftermarket wheels and suspension components. The estimated repair costs exceed my $1,000 deductible under my broadening collision coverage. To put things in perspective, I believe my vehicle is worth between $12,000 and $14,000, and definitely not in a beater category just yet—until this incident, that is.
Given the circumstances, a few questions have arisen: Is my partner’s son liable for the damage even if he had just exited the vehicle? Should we consider filing a claim under homeowners insurance due to the nature of the incident being in our driveway? The prospect of an insurance claim is daunting, especially since my significant other had a costly ice dam claim five years ago that caused her premiums to rise.
I’m also acutely aware that if this becomes an at-fault accident on his record, it would mark his third such incident, with two occurring this year. This consideration weighs heavily on our decision-making.
While we could forego repairs entirely, it would only allow the Expedition to be functional, not aesthetically pleasing—steering it away from the “nice vehicle” category we’ve kept it in. I had hoped to enjoy a few more years without a car payment, and now it feels disheartening to see that goal slip away.
Despite this setback, I believe in supporting my partner’s son and his automotive endeavors. We’ve been working together on projects since he was six, and he’s a good kid. However, financial constraints make this situation challenging, especially as unexpected
