What happens if you accidentally scratch someone's car in a parking lot?

Asked by: Kyla Stiedemann  |  Last update: May 14, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (41 votes)

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.

Who is responsible for vehicle damage in a parking lot?

Holding the Business Owner/Property Owner Liable

In California, businesses and property owners have a legal duty to ensure that their premises—including their parking lots—are in reasonably safe condition for visitors.

Does scratching a car count as an accident?

It will get charged as a collision or comprehensive claim depending on how the scratches occurred. Collision claims are typically at-fault and comprehensive are typically not at-fault.

What happens if I hit someone's car in a parking lot?

[l]eave in a conspicuous place on the vehicle or other property damaged a written notice giving the name and address of the driver and of the owner of the vehicle involved and a statement of the circumstances thereof and shall without unnecessary delay notify the police department of the city wherein the collision ...

Is it worth reporting a scratch on a 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. A police report can be crucial when filing an insurance claim, especially in cases of vandalism, as it serves as an official record of the incident.

What To Do When You Scratch Someone’s Car In The Parking Lot - Jai Dawn Mom’s Kindness In Action

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What to do if someone scratches your car while parked?

There are three basic steps you'll want to take after you discover someone has hit your parked car:
  1. Call the police. ...
  2. Document the accident. ...
  3. Notify your insurer.

Will my insurance go up if I report a scratch?

If the damage is deemed your fault, a scratch or dent claim will affect your rate, but if it is not a chargeable claim or the other driver is at fault, your insurance rates should remain the same.

What to do if you ding someone's car?

What to do when you hit someone's car in a parking lot
  1. 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.
  2. Track down the other car's owner. ...
  3. Leave a note. ...
  4. Call the police (if necessary).

Do parking lots have cameras?

The short answer is yes; most parking garages and lots have security camera systems installed.

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.

How much does it cost to fix a scratch on a car?

Dealership: For deep scrapes on newer cars, a local dealership should have the VIN paint needed to make repairs. You can purchase colors from them for DIY for around $50 to $300 for two ounces. At a dealer, the cost to remove a car scratch can range from $150 to $1000—double the amount for repairs to the hood or doors.

Can you sue if someone scratches your car?

File a Lawsuit

Small claims court: Small claims can be a viable option if the damage to your vehicle is within your jurisdiction's small claims court amount. Each state has its own small claims limit. The benefits to small claims include lower filing fees, streamlined legal proceedings, and no need to hire an attorney.

Is a scratch considered damage?

Impact Damage (body, undercarriage, glass, etc.)

– Damages are defined as follows: Scratches larger than 2”, or multiple scratches per panel, will be considered damage. Damage will be considered a scratch if it is through the paint.

Do police come to parking lot accidents?

Most police won't respond to parking lot accidents, unless the accident is blocking traffic, or there's an injury on the scene. When the police do respond to parking lot accidents, they will first check for injuries, then they will write accident reports.

Should I leave a note if I hit a parked car?

Leaving a note is not only the right thing to do but it could be your legal obligation. If you knowingly hit a parked car, leaving the scene without providing your information is considered a hit-and-run, which is a criminal offense in Florida. Even if the damage seems minor, leave a note.

What insurance covers parking lot damage?

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.

Does insurance look at parking lot cameras?

Yes, insurance companies may use video surveillance after a car accident if such footage is available. Insurance companies may conduct their own investigation in response to a particularly costly claim.

How to find out if a parking lot has cameras?

If you are asking how to know a certain parking lot has cameras or not, look around you. More often than not, you will find signs indicating surveillance or security cameras.

Do car parking cameras record?

A Dash Cam with Parking Mode records in 30-second intervals. If your car is bumped twice, your Dash Cam will record both incidents.

What happens if I scratch someone's car?

If you accidentally dent someone's vehicle, ding their car door, or scratch another car, your car insurance policy's property damage liability coverage can cover the cost of repairs, up to your policy's limit.

Can you get charged for a door ding?

If there is a dent, no matter how small, the car's owner can sue you for the cost of having it repaired (assuming he has some way of identifying you as the person who caused the damage).

Is tapping a bumper considered an accident?

Yes, even a minor bumper tap is considered an accident.

These are often referred to as fender benders.

Do scratches count as accidents?

If you hit the curb with force and consequently scratch or dent your car, however, it could be considered an accident. Depending on the laws in your state, you may need to report the car accident to the police of any damage to your car, even if you don't plan on filing a claim. Learn how insurance covers scratches.

Will my insurance go up if I hit another car?

If you cause a car accident, your insurance rates will go up by an average of $87 per month for full coverage. Where you live has a big impact on how much you'll pay for insurance after a car accident. California has the largest rate increase. An accident in California nearly doubles full coverage insurance rates.