Here's all you need to know about parked car damage and the ways to deal with it 25^th April 2019

Imagine you park your car in the open and are left surprised when you find it crashed. Parking damage refers to the damage caused to your parked car by an unknown person. You should know what to do if someone hits your parked car.

This article tells you what to do when someone damages your parked car. Additionally, it is advisable to buy car insurance online to protect your vehicle from unexpected damage.

Who pays for parking damages?
If a known person with a liability car insurance policy hits your parked car, their insurance company will pay for your damage. But if a stranger or unknown person hits your car, your car insurance company will pay for the parked car damage.

What should you do when someone hits your parked car?
The first thing you should do is to remain calm and alert when you encounter a parked car damage and follow these tips, including:

1. Find the witness to the accident
If you don't see a driver damaging your car, you should look for witnesses to the accident. Try to find the people who were at the accident spot, and once you find them, ask them about the description or details of the vehicle that damaged your car.

2. Note the offender's details
If you see a vehicle that damages your car, write down its details on paper, such as its registration number, colour, model, etc., and store it safely. You'll have to produce all these details at the police station at the time of filing the FIR and insurance claim.

3. Look for a security camera
Generally, parking spaces and market areas have security cameras installed. You can check who slammed your car and use a copy of the footage to claim your car's damage coverage. However, if the parking space has no cameras, look for nearby residences and shops with security cameras.

4. Capture image proof of the accident spot and your damaged car
Take a picture or video of the accident spots and your damaged car, and procure it as evidence of the accident. Insurance companies will approve your claim based on image proofs.

5. Call the police and file an FIR
Report to the police about your parking car damage, as they can help you find the offender. Moreover, if someone gets injured in a parking car accident, calling the police and filing an FIR becomes mandatory.

6. Inform your car insurer about the accident
Once you follow all the above steps, you should notify your car insurance company about the accident. The company will help you cover your car damage by raising a claim.

What to avoid when someone hits your parked car?
Most people make common mistakes when encountering parking damage. Here are the mistakes you should avoid, including:

1. Chasing the offender
Avoid chasing the driver that hit your car before checking for car damages like leaks, brake failure, etc., or any injuries caused to the person inside the car. Check for injuries and seek medical attention if required.

2. Creating chaos
Most people lose their composure and cause chaos by blaming others around the accident spot. Instead, stay calm and capture pictures or videos of accident spots.

3. Sending car for repair
You should avoid sending the car for repair before filing an FIR and informing the insurance company.

Parked car damage is an upsetting accident, but you have to be patient before you take any steps to deal with it. It is better to wait for the person who hit your car to return and complete the accident report together. If not, follow the above tips to get compensation for the damages to your car from your insurer. Whether you have an expensive or leased car, you should get car insurance online to insure it against parking damage, injury to the driver, and theft.

Click HERE to buy car insurance online.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.