What do I do if I hit someone's parked car?
Asked by: Katlynn Lakin | Last update: July 29, 2025Score: 5/5 (70 votes)
- Don't Leave the Scene. Leaving the scene is one of the worst things you can do if you hit a parked car. ...
- Leave a Note. You should wait for a while to see if the owner shows up. ...
- Record the Scene. ...
- Alert the Authorities. ...
- Call Your Agent. ...
- What if Your Car Was Hit?
What do you do if you hit a parked car and no one is around?
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.
What happens if you accidentally scratch someone's car in a parking lot?
PEOPLE ASK. I accidentally scratched someone's car and left, what should I do? If you hit a car in a parking lot and left a scratch on the car, leaving the scene is wrong and illegal. Your best move is to return to the scene and see if the car is still there to leave a note.
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.
Do I tell my insurance if someone hits my parked car?
Your insurance agreement probably says you are obligated to report this. If you don't follow the terms of your agreement, your insurer might have a basis to deny coverage. It's almost always better to tell them.
What To Do When Someone Hits Your Parked Car
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.
Do I call their insurance or mine if someone hits my car?
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.
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.
Do you have to pay a deductible if someone hits your parked car?
With both collision and uninsured motorist property damage coverage, you may be responsible for paying a deductible before your insurance provider will help pay for the damage. Your coverage will also be subject to your policy limits, which is the maximum amount your insurance will pay for a covered claim.
What happens if someone who isn't on your insurance crashes your car Progressive?
Allowing another licensed driver to borrow your vehicle is known as "permissive use," which means you give someone, who isn't listed on your car insurance policy, permission to operate your vehicle. If they're involved in an accident, your auto insurance may pay for the damages and injuries, up to your coverage limits.
What happens if you hit someone's car but there's no damage?
* Exchange information: Get the other driver's name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. * 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.
Should you file a police report if someone scratches your car?
If the scratch was caused by vandalism or another vehicle and the responsible party is known, it's advisable to report the incident to the police.
What to do when someone hits your parked car in Geico?
Report a Claim
Filing your claim is fast and easy with the GEICO Mobile app or on geico.com/claims. You can also call us at (800) 841-3000. If eligible, you can schedule a damage inspection, repair, and rental. It's important to report your claim as soon as possible for a number of reasons.
What to do if you ding someone's car?
- Don't drive away from the scene of the accident, no matter how minor. If another customer or a surveillance camera spots you, you could be punished with hit-and-run charges.
- Track down the other car's owner. ...
- Leave a note. ...
- Call the police (if necessary).
How can I sue someone for hitting my parked car?
You can sue someone for hitting your parked car, but you'll need to prove the other driver's liability and the amount of damages you've suffered. If you do want to sue, get the right paperwork and file the lawsuit in small claims court.
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.
Am I covered if I hit a 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.
Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?
Remember that filing small claims may affect how much you have to pay for insurance later. Switching from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can save as much as 20 percent on the cost of your insurance premium payments.
Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim hit and run?
If no one was injured in the accident and property damage is minor: You have no legal obligation to report the accident to the police under California law. However, filing a police report is still in your best interest if you plan to file an insurance claim for any property damage sustained in the collision.
How do I claim insurance if it's not my fault?
After a car accident that's not your fault, you can file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver's insurance by providing details of the accident and supporting evidence like photos and a police report. Geoff Williams is a freelance journalist and author in Loveland, Ohio.
Is it better to not file an insurance claim?
In general, it's better to report an accident to your insurance company than not to, especially if another party is involved. But there are some instances where not filing a claim makes more sense.
How to report a not at fault accident?
- Collect the Other Driver's Information at the Scene of the Car Accident. ...
- Get a Police Report. ...
- Report the Car Accident to Law Enforcement and the DMV. ...
- Document Vehicle Damage. ...
- Contact Witnesses and Get Their Statements.
Do I get paid if someone hits my car?
If you can prove that a specific vehicle/person was responsible for the crash, and they have insurance, or money for damages, yes.
What to do if you hit a parked car but no damage?
Take lots of pictures on all sides of the car get as detailed as possible. Include the license plate. Leave your phone number and an apology. Regardless if you see damage, or not, leave your insurance information with them, as they may see some damage that you do not.
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.