Whose Insurance Do I Call If Someone Hits My Parked Car?

Accidents happen unexpectedly, and sometimes they occur when you least expect them. One of the most frustrating situations is when someone hits your parked car. It can be confusing to know whose insurance you should call and how to handle the situation. This guide will explain the steps you need to take and help clarify whose insurance is responsible when your parked car gets hit.

Step 1: Check for Any Evidence of the Incident

When you find that your car has been hit while parked, the first thing you should do is inspect the damage and the area around your vehicle. Look for any signs of the accident such as:

Scratches, dents, or broken parts on your car.
Debris or broken pieces from the other car near your vehicle.
Witnesses who may have seen the incident.

If the other driver has left the scene, gather as much information as you can. If there’s a nearby security camera or surveillance footage, try to obtain a copy of it.

Step 2: Look for a Note or Contact Information

In some cases, the driver who hits your parked car may leave a note with their name, phone number, and insurance details. This is common when someone accidentally hits a parked car and doesn’t want to leave the scene without taking responsibility.

If you find a note, contact the person immediately to get their insurance information.
If there’s no note, you may need to follow other steps, like checking with nearby businesses or speaking to witnesses.

Step 3: Call the Police

If the damage is significant or if you cannot identify the responsible party, it’s important to call the police. They will create a police report, which can be useful when dealing with insurance companies. In some cases, the police may also be able to track down the responsible driver, especially if they left the scene of the accident.

File a police report: A report will help back up your claim and provide a clear record of the incident.
Get a copy of the report: You may need this when filing your insurance claim.

Step 4: Identify the Responsible Party’s Insurance

Now, the crucial question is: Whose insurance should you call?

If the Other Driver is Present or Identified

If the responsible driver is found and provides their contact and insurance information, then you’ll file a claim with their insurance company. This is known as a third-party claim. The other driver’s insurance will cover the damage to your vehicle, assuming they are found to be at fault.

Call their insurance: Use the contact details provided to you and file a claim.
Work with their adjuster: The insurance company may send an adjuster to assess the damage and offer compensation.

If the Other Driver Is Unidentified or Flees the Scene

If the person who hit your parked car left the scene (hit-and-run) or if they cannot be identified, your own insurance will likely cover the damage. In this case, you will need to file a claim with your own auto insurance company.

Collision coverage: If you have collision coverage, your insurance will pay for the repairs to your car. You’ll be responsible for the deductible, but your insurer will handle the rest.
Uninsured motorist coverage: If the other driver is identified but does not have insurance or the driver fled the scene, you may be able to file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage, if you have it.

If You Don’t Have Insurance Coverage

If you don’t have collision or uninsured motorist coverage, then you’ll have to pay for the repairs out-of-pocket. However, you can still try to locate the responsible driver through the police report or by asking witnesses. If you locate the person responsible, you may be able to pursue legal action or have them pay directly for the damages.

Step 5: Report the Accident to Your Insurance

Regardless of whether you plan to file with the other driver’s insurance or your own, it’s always a good idea to inform your insurance company. Even if the other driver is at fault, your insurer may still be able to help you with the process or offer guidance.

File a claim with your insurance company: Explain what happened, provide them with any police reports, and share any relevant information you have.
Provide evidence: Submit any photos of the damage, witness contact details, and any other evidence you collected.

Step 6: Assessing the Damage and Repair Process

Once the insurance companies are involved, they will assess the damage to your car. This process includes:

Getting an estimate: An insurance adjuster will inspect the damage and provide an estimate for repairs.
Choosing a repair shop: Depending on your policy, you may have the option to choose where to have your car repaired or your insurer may recommend certain repair shops.
Repair payment: If the responsible driver’s insurance is covering the costs, the payment will come directly from them or their insurer. If you’re using your own insurance, they will pay the repair costs minus your deductible.

Step 7: Dealing with Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Costs

If you file a claim with your own insurance, you will likely need to pay a deductible. The deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in to cover the rest of the costs.

If the other driver is at fault: If they have insurance, and your insurer recovers the costs from theirs, you may be reimbursed for the deductible.
If the other driver is not found: You may need to pay the deductible and handle repairs yourself, unless you pursue legal action.

Step 8: What Happens If the Insurance Companies Disagree?

Sometimes, the insurance companies may disagree on fault or the amount of compensation you should receive. If this happens, you have the option to:

Negotiate: You can try to negotiate with your insurer or the other driver’s insurance company.
Consult a lawyer: If the situation becomes complicated, you might want to speak with an attorney to understand your rights and help you resolve the issue.

Conclusion

Having your parked car hit can be a stressful experience, but knowing whose insurance to contact and what steps to take can make the process much easier. In general, if the other driver is identified, their insurance should cover the damage. If not, your own insurance can step in, provided you have the right coverage. Always be sure to report the incident to both the police and your insurance company, and keep detailed records to ensure the situation is handled efficiently.