Ask an Agent
Have another question? Our licensed agents are here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

What happens if you hit your own car in your driveway?

I didn't actually hit it myself, but my wife’s accelerator got stuck in our driveway, and she hit my truck head-on. This damaged both vehicles, including the motors in both of them. What should I do?

Apr 20, 2026 Carthage, MO

Answer
Author profile picture
Beth Swanson
Insurance Analyst

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • Associate in Insurance (AINS)
  • Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)
  • Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)

If both vehicles were damaged in the same driveway accident, the best next step is to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start a claim. How this gets handled depends on your coverage and how the vehicles are insured (as well as your specific company's policies).

  • If both cars are on the same policy, your insurer will typically treat this as a single incident involving multiple vehicles.
  • Collision coverage is what pays for damage to your own vehicles, regardless of fault.
  • You may have to pay a deductible for each vehicle, depending on your policy.
  • Since the accident involved a possible mechanical issue (like a stuck accelerator), the insurance company may investigate whether it was driver error or a vehicle malfunction.

To help your claim go smoothly:

  • Take photos of the damage and the scene
  • Write down exactly what happened while it’s still fresh
  • Avoid moving the vehicles until you’ve documented everything, if possible

Because situations like this can get complex, your insurer will guide you through the details and let you know exactly what’s covered. Don't be afraid to ask your agent or adjuster questions if you're unsure about how the process works. I hope this helps and that you get your cars fixed soon!

Ask an Agent
Have another question? Our licensed agents are here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare auto insurance rates and save up to $670 per year!

Pin
Shield checkmark No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Am I covered while I'm moving to a new state?

I'm so sorry to hear about your accident during such a transitional and inconvenient time! I would contact your insurance company in Oregon and talk to the claims department to see if this will be covered. Many companies provide a grace period for you to obtain other insurance while you are moving …
Oct 16, 2025 Atlanta, GA

Does having a local Auto-Owners adjuster actually make claims easier?

For a lot of people, it really does. One of the biggest differences with Auto-Owners is that they still do things a little old-school — in a good way. When you file a claim, it usually lands on the desk of someone who actually works in your region, not in a national call center two time zones away.…
Mar 18, 2026 Peoria, IL

How long do I have to file a property damage claim in North Carolina?

Thanks for reaching out to the Zebra. I'm sorry to hear you're going through this! An accident is stressful enough without worrying about time limitations.The statute in North Carolina for filing a property damage claim is technically three years. However, I would recommend taking care of the claim…
Feb 6, 2024 High Point, NC

What do I do if a person hit me from the back and now is claiming to their insurance that I hit them?

Sorry to hear about your situation. From what I can gather, it appears that she hit the rear of your car while you were waiting at the gate of your apartment complex. If this is true, it's going to be quite difficult for her to make the case that you backed into her. That said, with no witnesses or…
Aug 13, 2024 Florence, SC