Navigating a Driveway Collision: Advice Needed on Insurance and Liability
Recently, my driveway became the scene of an unexpected mishap involving two parked vehicles. As a single individual currently engaged and residing with my significant other and her son, I found myself facing an unusual dilemma regarding insurance and liability after a collision occurred right outside my home.
To set the stage, I have a 2017 Expedition that I take pride in maintaining. It was parked securely in our driveway when her son, a 20-year-old with his own insurance policy, drove in with his 1974 Ford F100 – a project vehicle he is gradually restoring. After parking his truck up the slope, he exited the vehicle. However, as he closed the door, it accidentally shifted out of park and began rolling back, ultimately colliding with the corner of my Expedition.
This incident transpired with all of us present, and it’s reassuring to know that the event was captured on camera. The footage clearly shows that he had just exited the truck when the accident occurred. While my vehicle sustained significant damage—a flat tire, damage to the bumper and associated parts, a headlight, and potential impacts to other areas—the F100 only incurred a minor scratch.
In assessing the situation, it’s crucial to consider the financial implications. My Expedition is valued between $12,000 and $14,000 and is fully paid off. I carry broader collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible, but the cost of repairs would likely exceed that if correctly handled by a professional shop. Living in Wayne County, Michigan—just outside Detroit—adds a layer of complexity to the matter, as I ponder whether this mishap is deemed his fault, a homeowner’s liability issue, or possibly classified as an accident due to unforeseen circumstances.
My concerns extend beyond immediate repairs; I worry about the long-term financial impact. Given the fact that my significant other had a costly ice dam insurance claim on our home about five years ago, I’m hesitant to file a homeowners claim, fearing a rate increase. Additionally, this incident would be the third at-fault claim for her son since he turned 16, and the second one this year, which complicates the situation further.
While we could opt to have the vehicle repaired just enough to be safe and roadworthy, I fear that it would fall from the “nice vehicle” category into more of a beater status. I have been diligent in maintaining my Expedition and had hoped to continue enjoying it without
