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No one wants to go out to the car to find dented bumpers and crushed windows, but even if you have insurance, you can still provide peace of mind in this stressful situation. Whether car insurance covers a parked car depends on which type of coverage and the vehicle is damaged while parked. If someone with insurance hits your car and is negligent, their insurance will be liable in most states. If your vehicle is damaged by something other than a vehicle’s collision, like a wooden limb, your own coverage may begin.
What insurance covers parked cars?
Depending on the situation where someone hits a parked car, it could be covered in one of three different coverage types: AT disability property liability, your own collision coverage, or coverage of uninsured driver property damage (UMPD). In certain instances, comprehensive coverage may cover damage to a parked car if it is damaged by something other than the other driver’s vehicle.
What would I do when someone hits my parked car?
If someone attacks your parked car, you should treat it like any other accident. If a parked car is attacked or is involved in an accident, follow these steps.
- Determine if the car needs to be moved. If your car is already parked, you may not need to leave the road after being attacked.
- Assess vehicle damage and potential injury. Once you know that everyone is OK, take a picture of the damaged car.
- Call the police. If you are injured, you may need an ambulance to provide medical consultation. Police also help to promote information exchange. You will get the name and badge number of the responding officer and receive an accident report later.
- Collect information. This includes names and contact information for the parties and witnesses. Please ask for your driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance. Write down your information or take a photo on your mobile phone and submit your request. Pay attention to the time of day, location of the accident, and weather conditions.
- File a claim. Once you have all the information, you can file your claim online, via the phone or mobile app, depending on your insurance company.
There are a variety of scenarios you might have when dealing with people hitting a parked car. How you handle the process in each situation can appear different.
Someone slammed my parked car while I was there
If someone hits your parked car while you are in it, assess yourself and see if you are injured. Call the police, especially if you feel you need to see a doctor. Even if you don’t feel like you’re injured right away, you may feel the effects of a car accident later on. It is not uncommon to wake up to sleep the next day with whipping or other minor injuries. If another driver stays on site, be sure to exchange insurance and contact information.
Once you’re ready to file a claim, you can file it under the liability insurance of other drivers. Normally, the body liability part will take care of the injury, but property liability compensation can correct damages to your vehicle.
In some states, you can have medical or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and apply for injuries using your own insurance. PIP also provides compensation for wage losses and other accident-related costs.
Someone hit my parked car and left a note
If someone hits your parked car and leaves the scene, but leaves a note, you will need to call the police. You will receive the information left behind by a disabled driver and the police report number to provide to the insurance company.
If your notes only include that person’s contact information, but you didn’t provide insurance information, you may need to call them to get it. If the memo provides insurance information, you may call the company directly and file a claim based on damages to your disabled driver’s license liability property.
You can also file an insurance claim under your own collision insurance or property damages from an uninsured driver if you are not insured. If you submit to your own insurance company, you may need to pay deductible coverage to fix your vehicle.
Someone hit my parked car and I was injured
If someone gets injured after hitting your parked car, you need to assess yourself to see how seriously you are injured. Calling the police will help you see a doctor if necessary.
Get your driver’s insurance information so that you can file a claim under your liability insurance. You can cover your injuries with physical injuries and get damaged to your vehicle under liability for property damage.
If you have PIP or medical expenses coverage, you may also submit medical expenses and other accident-related expenses.
Parked car hits and runs
If someone hits your parked car and leaves the scene without a note, it is considered a hit and run. You will need to check for a security camera or a witness who may have seen the accident. If you are parked near business, they may have security cameras that can be used to determine who hits your parked car.
Walk around all sides of your car and see the damage. Take photos and videos from any angle before moving your car from the parking area.
If you have collision insurance, you can file a claim to secure the damage. However, hit and run is also covered by uninsured driver property insurance. If you have both coverage types and you don’t know which coverage applies, the insurance company and the claims adjuster can help you decide which coverage applies to your situation.
