Navigating Vehicle Damage in Your Driveway: What Are Your Options?

In an unexpected twist of events, I recently found myself dealing with an unfortunate incident involving two cars in my own driveway. As a homeowner and engaged partner living with my significant other and her son, this situation has raised some important questions about liability and whether to file an insurance claim.

To provide some context, my 2017 Ford Expedition was parked securely when my future stepson, who is 20 years old and covered under his mother’s insurance policy, drove his 1974 Ford F100—a project vehicle still undergoing some modifications—into our driveway. After parking his truck, he exited but unfortunately, while closing the door, the vehicle slipped out of park and began rolling backward, colliding with the front corner of my Expedition.

Though we were all present at the time and the incident was captured on camera, with him just having exited the vehicle, it has left me pondering the implications of this accident. The damage to my Expedition is significant: it now has a flat tire, a damaged bumper, and other potential issues including aftermarket wheels and suspension components. In total, the repair costs are likely to exceed my $1,000 deductible under my Broadening Collision policy.

Now, I find myself grappling with several questions. Is my stepson liable for the damages, even though he was just outside of the vehicle when it rolled? Should we consider filing a claim through homeowners insurance, given that this could be seen as an unpredictable event? Or could this be categorized as a random act or an “Act of God”?

The financial implications are worth considering from both sides. My concern is twofold: filing a homeowners claim could lead to an increase in premiums—a possibility I am wary of since we previously had a costly ice dam claim five years ago—and on the other hand, if my stepson’s insurance takes the hit, this will be his third at-fault incident since he turned 16, with two occurring this year alone.

While we could opt for quick repairs to make the Ford Expedition roadworthy, it would compromise the aesthetic quality that I’ve worked hard to maintain. I had hoped to keep my vehicle in the “nice” category for a few more years, enjoying the benefits of no car payment.

I recognize, however, that my stepson is genuinely a good kid, and I admire his dedication to his truck project. I have been involved in his automotive endeavors since he was six years old, so