What To Do When Someone Hits Your Parked Car
Returning to your parked car to learn it’s been damaged by another vehicle can be distressing. It’s essential to remain calm and focus on your immediate actions. Here are several scenarios and steps to take:
The other driver remains on the scene:
- Don’t leave the scene or move your car
- Find the person who hit your vehicle and exchange information
- Take photos of the damage and document the accident
- You should never accept payment directly from another driver; it could prevent you from being fully reimbursed for losses
- Contact the police to file a report
- Contact your insurer and file a claim if necessary
The driver departed but left a note:
- Contact the driver and get their insurance information
- Contact the police to file a report
- Take photos of the damage and document the accident
- Contact your insurer to report the accident and discuss coverage.
The driver isn’t on the scene and didn’t leave a note:
- Contact the police to file a report
- Check if nearby retailers or residents witnessed the accident or have security cameras
- Take photos of the damage to submit with your claim
- Contact your insurer to report the accident and discuss coverage.
What to do if you hit a parked car?
- Don’t leave the scene
- Wait for the car owner to return and exchange information
- If no one appears, leave a note with your contact information
- Notify your insurer
Will insurance pay if someone hits my parked car and leaves?
Depending on your coverage selections, your insurance may help with repairs if you have:
- Collision coverage
- Uninsured motorist property damage coverage