When you park your car
while out and about, you probably assume your car will be there safe and sound
when you return. But sometimes, accidents happen – even while you’re away from
your vehicle. If someone hits your parked car and you return to find the
damage, it can be confusing as to what to do next. The person responsible for
the accident may not have stuck around or left a note to apologize and swap
insurance information. What do you do if no one is around to take
responsibility?
What To Do If Someone
Hits Your Parked Car
Here are some tips to help you navigate the process if your parked car has been hit:
- Document the damage. Documenting the damage with your smartphone will help speed up the process of filing a claim with your auto insurance and seeking any needed repairs from an auto body shop near you. If there is broken glass, be cautious as you approach the vehicle. Here are a few things you should be sure to document with photos and video:
- Take photos of the vehicle and also any relevant details, like debris or tire marks.
- Be sure to document the weather conditions, location and any nearby landmarks to help identify any factors that may have played a role in the accident.
- If the driver left a note, make sure to take the note and take a picture of it as well, to ensure you have their information.
- File a police report. Whether the person who hit your car left a note or not, the first step should be to notify police so an accident report can be filed. In some cases, police may be able to track down security camera footage to help determine how the damage happened and who is responsible.
- Notify your insurance carrier. Depending on the type of insurance coverage you have, the accident may be covered by insurance. If the driver left a note, then the claims process will be similar to an in-person accident. If no note is left, then the accident may be considered a “hit and run” accident, which is a crime. If the damage is covered, ask if you can submit photos and video of the damage to kick off the process.
- Find an auto body or auto glass shop near you to repair the damage. If your car has been damaged, such as a damaged bumper, dent, or cracked window or windshield, you can contact an auto body or auto glass shop near you to discuss potential repairs. Ask if they accept digital photos of vehicle damage to generate a virtual estimate and kick off the repair process.
What To Do If You Hit a
Parked Car
If the situation is
reversed and you accidentally hit a parked car, don’t panic. Wait to see if the
driver returns so you can provide them your information. If they don’t return,
leave a note with your name, contact information and insurance information. You
can also contact your own insurance company to start the claims process on your
end. Whatever you do, don’t leave the scene without doing your due diligence to
report the incident, otherwise it could be considered a crime by law
enforcement.
How to Find a Collision
Repair Shop Near You
If you find yourself
needing car repairs, Carwise.com is here to make the process easy from start to
finish. Carwise.com makes it easy to find a repair shop near you, with details
on nearly 22,000 shops – from real reviews by customers, to shop hours and locations,
to shop certifications and before & after photos. Start your search today: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/
