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View Full Version : Oil stain on aslphalt liability (driveway)


th5alb
Apr 22, 2011, 07:57 AM
Hi,

My car started leaking oil onto an asphalt driveway. The only thing I can think of that could have caused this was that very recently a rock or something hit the bottom of my car as I was driving and must have damaged the oil pan or something similar. The property is part of a community so I assume they own the driveway, the house itself is rented. I first tried a commercial product to clean the oil. That was before I knew that what I was using was not supposed to be used on asphalt (I did read the directions, they didn't warn me of this). After cleaning and rinsing I went to sleep, the next morning to my shock there was a huge brown run-off stain going across the road, I was ready to panic. I took the day off and used water and soap to clean the road and thank god the run-off came out. I was very happy, however the oil stains did not come out where they originally leaked onto the blacktop. So now I'm worried what to do about it. I have a feeling that someone will seek damages for whatever reason and that I won't be able to pay for it (who knows how much that might cost). Now my real question, would the car insurance cover this? I think that it technically should since it was really the car that did the damage but you never know of course. I am with Geico and I sent them an email asking them. Any thoughts will be appreciated and I'll post too when I hear back from the insurance.

JudyKayTee
Apr 22, 2011, 08:49 AM
No, this is not the result of an accident. Geico will not cover it.

ballengerb1
Apr 22, 2011, 09:56 AM
Judy is right, this will not be covered by insurance. Chances are almost zero anyone will seek damages but if they did you could offer to coat the driveway with tar emulsion, driveway coating sold at most hardware and box stores for $15

AK lawyer
Apr 22, 2011, 10:12 AM
Do you have renter's insurance?