Navigating Unforeseen Auto Incidents: A Driveway Collision Dilemma

Dealing with unexpected situations involving vehicles, especially when they occur right at home, can be both overwhelming and frustrating. Recently, a uniquely challenging incident unfolded in our driveway involving my parked vehicle and my fiancé’s son’s project truck. It has left us contemplating the best course of action regarding insurance claims and responsibility.

To provide some context, I live with my fiancé and her 20-year-old son, who is the proud owner of a 1974 Ford F100 that he is lovingly restoring. On this particular day, the boy parked his truck in our driveway, momentarily stepped out to close the door, and to our dismay, the vehicle rolled backward, colliding with my 2017 Expedition. Fortunately, we have security cameras that captured the sequence of events, clearly showing that he had just exited the truck when the incident occurred.

The impact resulted in noticeable damage to my Expedition—what was once a reliable vehicle is now dealing with a flat tire, a damaged bumper, and perhaps more extensive damage that could affect its aftermarket components. While the damage to his truck is minimal—a mere scratch—the potential repair costs for my vehicle are considerable. Given its worth of approximately $12,000 to $14,000, I find myself facing the prospect of a $1,000 deductible under my collision coverage.

This situation raises several crucial questions: Was the collision his fault since he had exited the vehicle? Should we explore filing an insurance claim through my homeowner’s policy due to it happening on private property—could this be considered an act of God or just a random incident? Moreover, I need to consider the long-term financial implications of filing a claim, especially given our history with a significant claim related to ice damage on our home several years ago.

I have concerns beyond just the immediate costs. If the insurance claim reflects negatively on him, this would mark his third at-fault incident since he began driving at 16, with two occurring within this year alone. This could drastically affect his premiums and driving record.

While we could choose to make minor repairs to restore safety and functionality to my Expedition—potentially compromising its aesthetic value—this vehicle was my pride and joy; I had hoped to maintain it for some additional years in a reputable condition.

Ultimately, this scenario is frustrating not just due to the financial burden but also because I genuinely support my fiancé’s son and his passion for automotive projects