Should I tell my insurance if I hit a parked car?

Asked by: Clemmie Dicki  |  Last update: March 11, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (2 votes)

You may be tempted to leave your insurance company in the dark if you bumped a parked car and only caused minor damage. But that's risky. Most insurance policies require that you notify them of potential claims within a reasonable amount of time so that they can adequately investigate the incident.

Should I call my insurance if someone hit my parked car?

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.

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.

Should I file an insurance claim if I am 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.

What information should you leave if you hit a parked car?

If you KNOW you are at fault and intend on filing a claim or just paying for their damage, Leave your name, phone number , general time of accident. You could possibly mention you are insured, and you intend to do X (file a claim or pay for it).

What To Do When Someone Hits Your Parked Car

41 related questions found

When someone hits you, do you call their insurance?

You should call both, regardless of who you think is at fault. If it turns out the other driver is at fault, their insurance will pay, but it's helpful to have your insurance company involved.

How many points for hitting a parked car?

Up to six points can be added to your driver's record, and you could even face criminal charges. Although you may not see any witnesses to the collision, you can't be certain no one is watching. If you hit a parked vehicle, don't leave the scene of the accident.

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 use 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. Your insurance company represents you, and the other driver's insurance company represents them.

Should I call their insurance or mine?

Even in at-fault states, where the other driver's insurer pays, there are several reasons why you should always call your own auto insurance company first, including: Some insurers will help you negotiate a settlement with the other driver's insurance company.

What to do when someone hits your parked car and they don t have insurance?

Even if you cannot find the other driver, you may be able to file a claim under your own auto insurance policy's collision coverage. Uninsured motorist property damage coverage may help pay for repairs if your car is damaged by a driver who is uninsured or who fled the scene of the accident.

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 happens if you scratch someone's car and leave it?

Does that count as a hit-and-run? Yes. If you hit someone's car and then leave the scene, it is a hit-and-run, and you can be charged with a crime. You may not see any damage, but that doesn't mean you can leave the scene.

Why does my insurance go up if someone hits my parked car?

Driver premiums can increase when drivers cause accidents, but if another driver hits your vehicle while it is parked, this should not increase your premium rates. However, if you were parked illegally, this could change things.

How does insurance work when someone hits your car?

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.

What happens if I don't call my insurance after an accident?

There is no California law per se about notifying your insurance company after a collision, but your auto insurance policy is a contract. When you signed it, you agreed to the stipulations in the contract, which will almost certainly include the requirement to notify the insurance company promptly after an accident.

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

» FAQs » Should I Call My Insurance If a Car Accident Was Not My Fault? Yes, you should call your insurance company if you were in a car accident that was not your fault.

Does your insurance go up if someone hits you?

If you are involved in an accident and file a claim, even if it was not your fault, your insurance company may see you as a higher risk to insure and increase your rates. Consider speaking with a licensed insurance agent to see how much insurance could increase after an accident where you're not at fault.

Do you have to pay a deductible if someone hits your parked car?

Damage to a parked car is covered under collision insurance, so you will need to pay your deductible before your insurance will start paying. A deductible is your share of the cost for a claim. A deductible is not the same as your premium, which is what you pay to maintain your policy.

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.

How does insurance work if it's not your fault?

You will file a claim with your auto insurance for damage to your vehicle, medical bills, property damage, and, potentially, lost wages due to injury. The car insurer collects money from the at-fault driver's coverage. Your claims might be limited by the other driver's coverage limits and the state where you live.

Should I talk to the other person's insurance company?

After an accident, it's advised not to speak with the other driver's insurance company. You are not legally required to speak with the other driver's insurance company or give a recorded statement. They often employ tactics to use your statements against you, potentially minimizing your payout.

What happens if you lightly hit a parked car?

If you hit a parked car, pull over and check for injuries, take photos and try to find the owner. If you cannot locate them, leave a note but check your state's requirements for additional steps. Even if you just bumped into an unoccupied parked car, never drive off.

Will police investigate a minor hit-and-run?

Will Police Investigate a Minor Hit-and-Run? Yes, law enforcement takes all hit-and-run accidents seriously, even those that only cause property damage. Calling the police is the first thing you should do when in a hit-and-run accident. Officers must investigate any crash where a driver flees the scene.

Do I need to file a claim if I hit someone?

Yes, file a claim. Don't make a private deal in case the other driver demands more money later. Suggest they file a claim, then tell your insurer about the accident. You cause serious damage to someone else's vehicle, home or property.