Do you need insurance on a car that doesn't run?

If someone hit your parked car, you should file an accident report with the police, even if an officer can’t come to the scene. A police report is not always required to file a claim, but it does make the process easier and might come in handy if there is more damage than you initially think.… read full answer

If the person who hit your car left a note, their insurance company should pay for your expenses with property damage liability insurance. But if the incident was a hit-and-run, you or your insurance company will end up footing the bill.

What to Do After Someone Hits Your Parked Car

1. Contact the police to file an accident report.

An officer might be dispatched to the scene to investigate and write a report, or you might be asked to provide details to your local district in person or online.

2. Document the accident at the scene.

Take photos of the note left by the other driver, if there was one. Photograph any damage to your car and the overall scene, including a view of the roadway, the position of your vehicle, and any wreckage or skid marks.

If possible, get information from witnesses, including names, contact details, and a brief statement. Note the date, time, location, weather conditions, and any other relevant details, too.

3. Begin the claims process with your insurance company.

Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process and contact the other driver’s insurance provider on your behalf, if the person who hit your car left a note. If someone hit your car and didn’t leave a note, you’ll have to file a claim using your own collision coverage or uninsured motorist protection, assuming you carry these coverage types.

Insurance To Use If Someone Hits Your Parked Car

If your car is hit while parked, you can use your collision insurance or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to pay for the damage. Both types of coverage typically have a deductible, though, which means you’ll probably pay something out of pocket to get your car fixed. You’ll also be subject to your policy limits, so you’ll be responsible for any cost that exceeds your coverage terms.

Finally, it’s important to note that uninsured motorist property damage coverage is not available in some states. And in other states where it is available, you might be unable to use it if the at-fault driver is unidentified.

You can get insurance on a car that was previously issued a salvage title and rebuilt after being salvaged, though your policy won’t be as well-rounded as a non-salvaged car’s coverage. Even after repairs, insurance companies are still hesitant to cover a car for its full market value if it was given a salvage title. Some companies refuse to insure such vehicles at all.… read full answer

How to get insurance on a car after a salvage title

1. Get the car repaired and inspected.
2. Surrender your salvage title to the DMV and have it replaced with a rebuilt title.
3. Get the original repair estimate from when your car was totaled.
4. Get a certified mechanic’s statement verifying its safety, and photos from before and after repairs in order to get insurance quotes.
5. Shop around for coverage and get quotes from multiple insurers before purchasing a policy. Major insurance companies that cover repaired vehicles include Progressive and The Hartford.

Insurance companies that will insure cars after a salvage title

• Progressive
• Allstate
• Geico
• Safeco
• Farmers
• State Farm
• Liberty Mutual
• American Family
• USAA
• 21st Century

Other Key Things to Know About Salvage Title Insurance

Finally, it's important to note that the amount of insurance you can get for a salvaged car varies from company to company. Often, insurance companies are willing to provide liability coverage - insurance that covers any damage that you cause with your car. Some companies also offer collision coverage for salvaged cars, though they might not cover the full value of the vehicle.

GAP insurance pays the difference between what your car is worth on the market (as it depreciates) and the amount still owed under the lease contract, or loan if you are financing a purchase. Before you purchase GAP insurance for a leased vehicle, read the contract carefully to see if GAP coverage is already included in the cost of the lease. It may not be phrased as "GAP" in the contract, it may be referred to as "lease coverage." … read full answer

Compare the price of a GAP policy purchased from your personal insurance company with that offered by the dealer. You may find your insurance company offers coverage at a much lower cost.

Also, as you make lease payments over time, the gap between the lease value and actual value will gradually narrow. You may be able to drop the GAP policy after a few months, depending upon what kind of lease deal you negotiated.