Navigating the Fallout of a Driveway Collision: What Are Your Options?

Accidents can happen in the most unexpected places, and unfortunately, that statement rings true for my recent experience when two unoccupied vehicles collided right in my driveway. As a homeowner and engaged partner, I’ve found myself pondering a few critical questions about insurance and liability after this incident.

Let me set the scene: I’m living with my significant other and her 20-year-old son. Recently, my well-maintained 2017 Expedition, valued at approximately $12,000–$14,000, was parked securely in our driveway. Meanwhile, her son was working on his “project truck” – a 1974 Ford F100 that, while licensed and insured, is still a work in progress. In an unfortunate turn of events, after he parked the truck sloped up from my vehicle, it rolled backward and made contact with my Expedition. The whole situation was caught on camera, clearly showing that he had exited the vehicle just moments before the incident occurred.

Now, the aftermath has left me with some significant damage: a flat tire, a dented bumper, and likely some damage to my aftermarket modifications. On the other hand, his vehicle endured only a minor scratch. While I have broad collision coverage, the $1,000 deductible looms over me, and I suspect the repair costs will exceed that threshold, particularly if I want to restore my Expedition to its former glory.

This brings me to the pressing question: Is he liable for the collision, given that he had exited the truck? Could we potentially file a claim under homeowners insurance due to it being a random act? And what impact will each option have on our long-term financial well-being?

It’s worth noting that my fiancé has previously filed an expensive ice dam claim on our house, making us hesitant to file another claim on homeowners. Additionally, this incident could affect her son’s driving record, as it would be his third at-fault incident since he started driving at 16 and his second this year.

The situation is compounded by the fact that, while we could make my Expedition safe and roadworthy, restoring it to its previous state may be out of our reach financially and in terms of time. I had been proud of keeping my vehicle in excellent condition, enjoying the absence of a car payment, and anticipating several more years of reliability before it shifted to the “very good beater” category.

It’s frustrating because I genuinely support my fiancé’s son