Do I tell my insurance if someone hits my parked car?

Asked by: Jocelyn Toy  |  Last update: June 22, 2025
Score: 5/5 (61 votes)

If the driver who hit your parked car left a note, you should share the information they provided with both the police and your insurer. Typically, your insurance company will work with the other driver's insurer to settle the claim appropriately.

When someone hits your parked car, do you call their insurance?

You'll want to contact the other driver's insurance company or your own insurance agent as soon as possible. You have a short period of time to report the accident and file an insurance claim, so don't procrastinate even if the damage is minor.

Do I call my insurance if I'm not at fault?

Yes. Regardless of fault, it is important to call your insurance company and report any accident that involves injuries or property damage. It is a common myth that you needn't contact your insurance company if you aren't at fault.

How does hitting a parked car affect insurance?

Damage to a parked car would typically be covered under collision coverage. This coverage helps cover the costs to repair or replace your vehicle when it is involved in an accident with another vehicle or object – even when it is parked.

Will homeowners insurance cover damage to a parked car?

Homeowners insurance does not cover damage to your car or damage caused by it — that's what auto insurance is for. That includes if your car is sitting in your driveway and damaged in a fire, tornado, hurricane, or other natural disaster — you'll have to file a car insurance claim instead.

What To Do When Someone Hits Your Parked Car

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Do I need insurance on a parked car?

Legally, you don't need insurance coverage for a car that's not being driven and is in storage. However, if the vehicle gets stolen, vandalized, or damaged in an accident or weather-related event, you'll be responsible for any resulting expenses if you don't carry insurance.

Can you claim car damage on house insurance?

While homeowners insurance won't cover damage to the car itself, many policies will provide some coverage for personal items that are stolen from it. However, some of the more comprehensive auto insurance policies may cover this, too.

Will insurance cover if I hit another car?

Collision coverage helps pay for the cost of repairs to your vehicle if it's hit by another vehicle. It may also help with the cost of repairs if you hit another vehicle or object. That means you can use it whether you're at fault or not.

Do parking violations go on your insurance?

For example, states such as California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts have laws prohibiting insurers from using credit scores to set auto insurance rates. Therefore, unpaid parking tickets sent to collections won't affect your car insurance costs.

What to do if someone claims you hit their car?

What to Do If Someone Falsely Claims You Hit Their Car
  1. Evaluate the Situation.
  2. Speak to the Other Party Politely.
  3. Take Photos and Videos.
  4. Gather Witnesses.
  5. Check for Nearby Cameras.
  6. Report the Incident.
  7. Explain Your Side Clearly.
  8. When to Consult an Attorney.

Should I file a claim if I'm not at fault?

Always File a Claim, Regardless of Who Was At-Fault

One of the primary questions we receive from clients who have been in an accident is whether they should report the accident to their own auto insurance carrier, particularly when the accident was not their fault. And the answer to that question is: always.

Should I let my insurance know if it wasn't my fault?

Yes, it is generally advisable to notify your insurance company even if the accident wasn't your fault. Most insurance policies require policyholders to promptly report any accidents or incidents, regardless of fault.

Is it better to file a claim with your insurance or theirs?

After a car accident, you should notify your insurance company and file a claim, and not deal with the other driver's insurer. Except in rare circumstances, it is not wise to contact them.

Should I contact the person who hit my car insurance?

If you get into a car accident, you are under no obligation to call another driver's insurance company to work out the claim. All you need to do is talk to your insurance provider when you get into an accident or if someone else hits your car, and they will handle the claim on your behalf.

What to do if you hit a parked car but no damage?

* Document the incident: Take photos of both vehicles, even if there's no visible damage. * Report the incident: If required by law in your area, report the incident to the police. Even if there's no visible damage, it's important to document the incident and exchange information.

Do I have to pay my deductible if someone hits me?

The purpose of the deductible is to share financial responsibility between the insured and the insurance company. It also discourages filing small or frivolous claims. You may have to pay your deductible if someone hits you—even if you're not at fault.

Does insurance cover parking accidents?

If someone on the street hits or sideswipes your parked car and you can prove who caused the damage, their insurance should cover you. If you don't know or can't prove who hit your car but have collision or UMPD coverage, your insurance should cover the damages.

How do insurance companies know where you park your car?

One key question that you'll likely answer, no matter which insurer you choose, is, “What is your address?” The use of your address is an essential part of car insurance because it can show your insurance company where you live and where you'll park your car.

Will my insurance go up if someone else gets a ticket in my car?

Generally, traffic tickets are attributed to the driver, so they should not impact your auto insurance if someone else received the ticket while driving your car.

When someone hits you, do you call their insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or leaves the scene, your own insurance will pay if you have the right coverage. Always call your own insurance company, even if you think the other driver is at fault.

Will my insurance go up if someone hits my parked car in Geico?

Yes, when your company has to pay out on a claim, it will impact your rates. If you file a police report and have uninsured motorist property damage coverage, this coverage will pay for the damages and will be considered a not-at-fault accident. Not-at-fault accidents will stay on your record for up to three years.

Do I call the other person insurance?

First and foremost the answer to that is, no. Legally, there is no requirement for you to speak with the other driver's insurance company.

Does homeowners insurance cover parked cars?

However, when it comes to protecting your car or truck, homeowners insurance typically does not provide vehicle coverage, even if parked inside your garage during a storm, fire, or other events.

Who pays if a car hits my house?

If a car damages your property, either the driver or vehicle owner is liable for the damages, assuming they're at fault.

Does insurance cover if you hit your own car?

Your liability insurance won't cover damage to your own property or vehicle. To be covered for damage you cause to your own car, you'll need to add collision and comprehensive to your auto insurance coverages.