What to do if my parked car has been hit?

When it comes to car accidents, the first thing that comes to mind is a car accident while driving. However, there is also the possibility that our car will suffer an impact while it is parked. If this is what happened to you, you are probably wondering: What to do if my parked car has been run over? Read on, in this article you will find the steps to follow.

In these cases, it is very likely that you are not present at the time of the events. Usually you leave your car parked somewhere and when you come back you notice the damage. There is also a chance that you are nearby and see how your car crashed. Each of these situations must be handled differently, in one of them you will have no idea who is responsible, while in the other you can take care of the other side.

How long does a claim last per claim?

📰 Contents
  1. What to do if my parked car has been run over?
    1. What to do if my car was hit while it was parked and I don't know who did it?
    2. What to do if my parked car was hit and I know who did it?
  2. Will the insurance pay if someone hits my parked car?

What to do if my parked car has been run over?

If your car has crashed while parked, there is a crucial factor that determines how you should handle the situation. It will all depend on whether or not you know who hit you.

What to do if my car was hit while it was parked and I don't know who did it?

If the driver who bumped into your parked car is not on the spot and hasn't left any contact information, the accident can be classified as a hit and run. If you are involved in a fatal accident, your insurance company may consider the hit and run driver uninsured.

Some states have different penalties for hit and run offenders, depending on whether the accident resulted in personal injury, damage to the vehicle, or both. For example, many states consider a fatal accident a crime only when someone has been seriously injured. However, in other states, even a traffic accident can be considered a crime if a vehicle has sustained significant damage, regardless of injuries.

There are three basic steps you will need to take after you find that someone has run over your parked car and drove away:

1. Call the police

An agent will document the incident and prepare an official incident report, which will typically need to be filed with the insurance company, depending on the Insurance Information Institute (III). Be sure to ask for a copy of the incident report and the name and badge number of the agent you are serving.

2. Document the incident

Collect as much information as possible about the accident and the damage. You should include the location, time of day, and weather conditions. If it is safe to do so, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners suggests taking photos of your vehicle's damage, any landmarks or signs that identify the location, and any other damage at the scene, such as debris or tire marks.

3. Notify your insurer

Contact your insurer as soon as possible after the accident, like it will be easier to remember the relevant details. Your agent will tell you the steps required to present the case to the insurer and what you can expect during the process. Some insurance companies also offer apps that allow you to file a claim and upload photos of the damage through them. Talk to your insurance agent to see if this option is available for you. Note that if it is a company vehicle, you may need to contact your company's insurance company.

How long do I have to report a car accident?

What to do if my parked car was hit and I know who did it?

In case another driver has it crashed with your car while it was parked and you can start a conversation with him, why did he come by or why he left a note, you can initiate a third party claim.

In this case, since it is not your fault, the other liability insurance coverage usually covers damage to your car and property, up to the limit of the policy. However, in no-fault states, regardless of who caused the accident, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company.

Yes your car was hit while it was parked and you know who did it, follow these steps:

1. Gather the information you need

If the driver hitting your car is responsible and wants to cooperate, he should report the accident to his insurance company. However, be sure to contact the insurer of the person responsible for the damage as well. Remember that drivers who cause accidents are often reluctant to report them.

It is essential to obtain as much information about the other party as possible in order to positively handle the complaint. Get the following information:

  • Name and address of the other driver
  • Name of the other driver's insurance company and policy information
  • Testimonials and contact information
  • Take pictures of the crash site, most smartphone cameras are suitable. Take detailed photos of the damage to your vehicle and where it is parked.

Any evidence you have will help support your claim against the other driver's insurer.

Check if your insurance company has a mobile app that can help you document the incident while you are at the scene. As noted above, some of the best auto insurance companies have apps that include an accident checklist and tell you the best way to gather information so you can file a claim with them or the other party's insurer.

2. Manage your complaint

Inform the insurer of the other person who has been involved in an accident with one of his policyholders. Communicate only the facts of what happened, provide the insurer with data showing that your driver is guilty and responsible for your damages.

The responsible driver insurer may tell you to ask your insurer for payment because they have no evidence of the insured's fault. While it is illegal in most states for an insurer to deny claims without a reasonable investigation of the facts, or to deny claims when their liability is reasonably clear, you may not want to use force against the other person's insurer.

3. Carry out management through your insurance company

A smart option is to file a claim with your insurer (if your coverage allows), they will likely decide to fight the other insurance company for compensation if they can prove the other driver's fault.

You should know in advance that it is not uncommon for the insurance company to side with its policyholders in cases where a police report of the accident has not been filed and the fault is not obvious. In many states, if an accident site officer determines that the damage is minimal (usually less than $ 500), he or she will not file an accident report. However, store estimates for the same incident can run into thousands of dollars. We recommend that you take your car to a repair shop to determine the extent of the damage.

If it is a claim for minor damages, you can take the other driver to Small Claims Court. If not, you may need a lawyer. Insurance companies know that unless you have hired a lawyer, the longer the matter drags on, the more likely you are to give up and walk away.

How much does the insurance go up after an accident?

Will the insurance pay if someone hits my parked car?

Depending on your policy coverage, your insurance should help you with the cost of repairing damage to your parked car. If you have purchased any of the following covers, you may have some protection when someone hits your car while it's parked:

  • collision coverage it usually helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it gets hit by another vehicle (or if you hit another vehicle or object), no matter who is to blame. Even if you can't find the other driver, you may be able to file a claim based on the collision coverage of your auto insurance policy.
  • Property damage coverage for uninsured drivers can help pay for repairs if your car is damaged by an uninsured driver or an accident. Note, however, that this coverage is often optional and not available in all states.

With both collision property damage coverage and uninsured motorist coverage, you may have to pay a deductible before your insurer helps you pay for the damages. Your coverage will also be subject to your policy limits, which is the maximum amount your insurance will pay for a covered claim.

While finding out that your parked car was damaged while you were away can be upsetting and stressful, having some car insurance coverage can help prevent a bad situation from getting worse. Contact your local insurance agent to find out what coverage is available in your area.

If you want to discover other articles similar to What to do if my parked car has been hit?, you can visit the Last News category.

Nathan Hamilton

Nathan Hamilton

Nathan is a car enthusiast and industry professional with decades of combined experience in the automotive sector. Along with his team of writers and researchers, all passionate about automobiles, he is committed to delivering reliable and relevant content that ranges from detailed insurance guides to maintenance tips and much more.

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