It has happened to many of us at some point. You return to your car after shopping or an appointment and notice that there is a scratch on the door or a dent in the bumper. It’s clear that someone hit your parked car.
What now?
It all depends on whether the other person provided their insurance information, whether fault can be conclusively determined, and whether it makes sense to file a claim given the cost of repairing your vehicle and your car insurance deductible.
Is hitting a parked car considered a hit-and-run?
Any time a driver leaves the scene of an accident without providing their contact information or leaving a note is considered a . Whether in the parking lot or on the street, drivers must stop after a collision, even if the damage to the vehicles is minor.
While hit-and-run accidents are reserved only for accidents that result in bodily injury, each state has different laws that determine what a hit-and-run driver can be charged with. Even a hit-and-run misdemeanor can result in significant fines, possible jail time, and increases in car insurance premiums.
The driver who hit my parked car left a note. What now?
If the driver who hits your parked car leaves a note, they are essentially admitting fault. If they have provided their insurance information and you have documented the damage to your car, the other driver’s insurance will cover the cost of repairing your vehicle.
However, it is still advisable to call the police even if the driver left a note so that you can file a police report as part of the complaint. This can be particularly helpful if the damage to your car is later worse than it initially appeared. As long as no one is injured, call the police non-emergency number to report the incident.
Be sure to take photos from different angles and obtain contact information for any witnesses before leaving the scene. If the driver left a note without specifying their insurance provider, you may need to contact them for more information.
Whose insurance will pay if someone hits my parked car?
The person who hits your car’s insurance must cover any vehicle damage, other property damage, or bodily injury resulting from the incident. However, if the driver who hit your car cannot be identified, your car insurance may need to cover repairs and injuries through one of the following types of coverage.
Insurance coverage for uninsured motorists
If the hit-and-run driver cannot be identified, a claim will likely be necessary from your insurance company. Uninsured motorist property damage coverage would help cover the cost of repairing your car and any property damage resulting from the accident.
Collision protection
If you have uninsured or underinsured car insurance, you should be covered for any vehicle damage that occurs as a result of a hit-and-run accident involving a parked car.
Personal Protection (PIP)
If bodily injuries occur as a result of a hit-and-run accident, (PIP) or ) can cover these costs regardless of fault.
Read more:
5 steps to take if your car is hit while parking
Take the following steps to protect yourself after a parked car accident.
Step 1: Stay calm and assess the situation
Learning that your car has been hit is stressful and upsetting. Taking a breath and making sure everyone is safe is a top priority.
Step 2: Consider filing an accident report with the police
An official accident report is helpful if you later want to take action and file a property damage claim or use your own insurance to pay the bill.
Step 3: Contact the other driver
If the other driver is not there but left a note with their phone number, contact them before deciding how to proceed. Make sure you get the insurance information, even if you offer to pay for the damage out of your own pocket.
Step 4: Document the accident
Regardless of whether you file a police report or not, you still need to carefully document the accident. Take photos of the damage and any tire marks and obtain information from witnesses. Gather as much evidence as possible, including surveillance camera footage.
Step 5: Contact your insurance company or another driver insurer
You should contact the other driver’s insurance company or your own insurance agent as soon as possible. You have limited time to report the accident and file an insurance claim. So don’t hesitate, even if the damage is minor.
Will my insurance premium increase after an accident with a parked car?
Filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance company for damages or injuries should not affect your car insurance rates.
If you need to file a claim with your own insurance after someone hits your parked car, most insurance companies differentiate between at-fault and no-fault accidents. However, your insurance rates could increase, especially if this is one of several incidents in your recent driving history.
If you hit a parked car and a claim is filed with your insurance company, your rates will likely increase if you are at fault. To avoid having to buy insurance, some drivers try to pay for minor damages to avoid rate increases.
Be careful with this approach because you or the other driver may face unexpected costs if the damage or injuries from the collision are more severe than was apparent at the scene of the accident.