What To Do When Someone Hits Your Parked Car

If someone hits my car in a parking lot, am I covered?

If someone hits your car in a parking lot and you can prove they are responsible, you may be covered by their insurance. If you can't prove who hit your car — or they don't have insurance — your collision or uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage may pay for the damage (note that UMPD cannot be used for hit-and-runs in some states). If you can't prove who caused the damage and you don't have collision or UMPD coverage, you'll have to pay out of pocket for any needed repairs.

My car was hit while parked on the street, am I covered?

Parking lots aren't the only place where someone can hit your parked car — many cars are also hit while parked on the street. If someone on the street hits or sideswipes your parked car and you can prove who caused the damage, their insurance should cover you. If you don't know or can't prove who hit your car but have collision or UMPD coverage, your insurance should cover the damages. If you don't carry either coverage and can't find the driver responsible, you'll likely pay out of pocket.

What should I do if someone hits my parked car?

If someone hits your car in a parking lot or while parked on the street, treat the scene like an accident. Look to see if a witness can offer any details and follow these steps:

  • Don't leave the scene or move your car

  • Locate the person who hit your car and exchange information (if possible)

  • Take photos and contact the authorities to file a police report

  • Contact us and file a claim if necessary

What if someone hits my parked car and leaves?

If someone hits your parked car and leaves the scene, the accident could be considered a hit-and-run. This is a crime, and you should contact the police to file a report. The police might also be able to help you identify who hit your car. Reference your policy details or talk to your insurance agent to see which coverages you have to protect you against a hit-and-run. Depending on the state, you may need collision or UMPD coverage in order for the damage to be covered.

What if someone hits my parked car and leaves a note?

When someone leaves a note after hitting your parked car, it should include their contact information and insurance company information. Call their insurance company and look for witnesses who may be able to provide additional details.

Will my insurance go up if my parked car is hit by someone?

If you file a claim with your own auto insurance company, you may see a rate increase. Filing a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance generally won't raise your rate since you're not the one who caused the damage. However, some insurance companies will increase your rate any time a claim is filed, regardless of fault, depending on your state.

What should I do if I hit a parked car?

Here are the first things you should do in this situation:

  • Don't leave the scene. It's a crime to leave, and you could be charged with a hit-and-run.

  • Wait to see if the person returns to their car and exchange information.

  • If the person is not at their car, leave a note with your name, contact information, insurance company, and an explanation of the accident.

  • Notify your insurance company so they're aware of the incident before the vehicle's owner files a claim.

Dan Zeiler

dan@zeiler.com

877-5927-5900 x134

Dan Zeiler