Someone Hit My Parked Car – What Should I Do Next?
You will most likely have to park your car somewhere to do your job if you are not out for a long trip. Imagine a case where you return to your parking vehicle to find it damaged. You must in that case start accumulating proof of the accident to prove that your car has been damaged instead of worrying over the incident. With adequate evidence, car insurance reports are much easier to make.
When someone hits your car that is parked and leaves without informing you or giving their details it's called a hit and run accident. Two situations can arise. One, your vehicle has been unattended and the driver (who hit your car) leaves the accident spot without giving his/her contact information. Second, the driver stays back near your damaged car and is willing to solve the issue.
What To Do If Someone Hits My Parked Car?
A dent or damage to your car would leave you wanting more resources to repair the dent or damage as repair costs increase. To cater to emergencies such as parked car accidents, the car also needs financial protection.
- Note the Offender’s Details: If in the parking lot you find your car damaged and a note with the information of the offender waiting for you, you must securely store the paper. To have your vehicle fixed, you would need to get in contact with the person at fault. If you see the vehicle that damaged your parking car fleeing from the scene of the accident, instead of pursuing the vehicle, you can write down the license number of that vehicle and its model. This will aid in making a police complaint against the suspect.
- Find a Witness to the Accident: As soon as you notice any damage to your parking vehicle, contact the police immediately and report the incident. You would still need to register with the Police for an FIR. Besides, the majority of car insurance companies mandate policyholders to submit a copy of the Police FIR. Therefore, you may need to present the FIR copy to the Car insurance company of the offender.
- Inform Your Car Insurer of the Damages: You must also inform the car insurance company of your parked car accident at the earliest, in addition to contacting the cops. You will be entitled to raise a car insurance claim and get your car's damages compensated after you notify your car insurance provider. Wait for the surveyor to come and don't move the vehicle from the accident spot if the insurer wants the car to be inspected at the site. s been completed.
- Look for Any Security Cameras: Check for any video cameras that might have recorded the incident if you find your parked car damaged. Security cameras are available in most markets and mall parking lots, which will help you locate the specifics of the vehicle that hit your car. Take a copy of the video if you have the accident captured on a surveillance camera.
- Take Photos of the Damaged Car and Accident Spot: Make sure you take ample photos of the damage to your car. When you present a claim as well as for police investigative purposes, this will benefit you.
Must Check
Also Read
Why Holding Car Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC) is Important?
Simple Steps to Renew Your Car Insurance Policy Online
Bottom Line
Parked accidents can occur very often. Staying alert for any adverse situation is better than getting the shock of your life when your vehicle is destroyed in the parking lot. Since you do not foresee when you would be able to locate the attacker who hit your car it is better to buy a comprehensive policy so that your car insurance company can cover the damages.
Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.
