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If someone hit your parked car, you should file a police report because it will make the claims process easier and might come in handy if there is more damage than you initially think. 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.
People also ask
Does insurance go up if someone hits your car while it's parked?
Yes, your insurance will go up after someone hits your parked car if you file a claim with your collision insurance or uninsured motorist coverage. If the driver who hit your parked car is identified and has insurance, then you can file a claim with their property damage liability insurance, which won’t raise your rate.
Even if you’re not at fault for an accident, most states allow insurance companies to raise your rate in order to recoup the cost...
read full answerDo you have to pay a deductible if someone hits your parked car?
You do not have to pay a deductible if someone hits your parked car, that person is identified, and they have property damage liability insurance. If you file a claim with your own collision insurance or uninsured motorist coverage after someone hits your car, then you will likely have to pay a deductible.
In nearly every state, drivers are required to have property damage liability insurance in order to pay for damage that they cause in an accident....
read full answerDoes insurance cover hit and run?
Yes, insurance covers hit and run in many cases, depending on the types of insurance coverage carried by the person whose car gets hit. Collision coverage, coverage for medical expenses, or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is needed to be protected in cases of hit and run.
In 22 states, however, drivers are only required to have liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage incurred by other people in accidents that the policyholder causes. Liability insurance does not...
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