WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PARKED CAR GETS HIT

In California, accidents may happen anytime and anywhere. Sometimes, even a parked car can be hit and suffer from damages. After making sure that no one has been injured, your next step is to ensure that the incident is properly reported.

Exchanging Information

If a driver accidentally hits your parked car, the first thing you have to do is to talk to them about what happened. Listen to their explanation. Then, collect their contact information. That includes their name, address, contact number, and car insurance details. Write down their license number and the make and model of the vehicle.

If you did not see the driver, check if they left a note with their contact information, share that with the police officer and your insurance agent.

If there is no note and the driver is nowhere to be found, then your case may be a hit-and-run incident. Make sure to report that as well.  

Contacting authorities

It is crucial to inform the police about the incident. An officer will document what happened and create an official incident report. In most cases, this accident report is necessary when filing a claim with insurance carriers. So, ask for a copy. Take note of the name and badge number of the police officer who is assisting you.

Gathering Evidence

You should also document the incident and gather as much information as you can. Take note of the location, weather conditions, and even the general time of day. Once you are sure that the area is safe, take pictures of the damage to your car. If there are any signage or landmarks that can serve as proof of the location, take photos of those. Check for other damage at the scene, such as tire marks and debris.

Informing Your Insurer

The next thing you should do is to contact your car insurance carrier as soon as possible. The earlier you call, the better because it will be easier for you to remember as many related details as you can. Discuss the claiming process with your agent and prepare all necessary documents.

Whether your insurance provider will cover damages to your parked car or not will depend on what type of coverage you have in your car insurance policy.

In most cases, collision coverage will help pay for car repair or replacement if your vehicle gets hit by another car regardless of who is at fault. That means you can file a claim even if you do not find the driver at fault.

An uninsured motorist property damage coverage, on the other hand, will help in paying for repairs if the driver who caused the accident is uninsured or has fled the scene. This coverage is usually optional.

Finding your parked car damaged can be upsetting. However, with accurate car insurance coverage, you can have the assurance that you are well-protected from huge expenses. If you need help finding the best policy for your vehicle near Northridge, CA, talk to our team at Panorama call: 818-781-6630.