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What To Do When Someone Hits Your Parked Car

<p>Many people have experienced that sinking feeling that comes from returning to their parked car and finding that it’s been damaged. If someone scratches your car while it’s parked or someone hits your parked car, there are certain steps you should follow. Keep in mind that if your car is parked and another driver hits or damages it, they will most likely be deemed at fault.</p><h2>Someone Hit My Parked Car And Left A Note</h2><p>If your car was hit while parked unattended, you have to rely on the at fault driver leaving a note with their contact and insurance details on your windscreen. In some instances, a pedestrian or another driver may have witnessed your car being hit and may have collected the at fault driver’s details on your behalf. If you are fortunate enough to find a note on your windscreen, you should take a photo of it and keep the original. Follow up with the at fault driver and their insurer as soon as possible.</p><h2>What To Do If Someone Crashes Into Your Parked Car</h2><p>Chances are that if another driver has crashed into your parked car, they may have left the accident scene without leaving their contact or insurance details. If this is the situation, you should call the police so that they can assist you at the accident scene.</p><p><img alt="The police may be able to assist you at the accident scene if the at fault driver hit your car and didn't leave any details for you to contact them or their insurer." src="https://www.right2drive.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023.04.28-Blog-Post-Image-1.jpg" title="" resizable="false"></p><h3>Collect Evidence</h3><p>After an accident of any kind, you should take plenty of photos and videos so that you have evidence of the position of your vehicle and the extent of the damage. See if you are able to source any CCTV footage from nearby shops or restaurants, as this could help with finding the at fault driver. Record any accident details like the date and approximate time it happened, the address where your car was parked when it was hit and any other information that may be helpful.</p><h3>Find Witnesses</h3><p>Talk to people in the direct vicinity of the accident – perhaps a pedestrian, another driver, or a person from a nearby shop or residence saw what happened. Record any witness statements and information.</p><h3>If Someone Crashes Into Your Parked Car and You Saw Them</h3><p>If you were in or near your parked car when another driver crashes into it, the other driver is legally obliged to stop and exchange information with you. Be sure to get contact and insurance information. <a href="https://www.right2drive.com.au/articles/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident-thats-not-your-fault?__hstc=45788219.a71d5e633b6dc1924adb2b297275b16d.1682482728447.1682482728447.1682482728447.1&amp;__hssc=45788219.1.1682482728447&amp;__hsfp=2652506563" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Read this list of tips to follow after a car accident</a>.</p><p><img alt="If you saw the driver who hit your car, they are legally obliged to stop and exchange details with you." src="https://www.right2drive.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023.04.28-Blog-Post-Image-2.jpg" title="" resizable="false"></p><h3>Take Photos of the Damage</h3><p>Photos are your best proof in any car accident. If you're <strong>parked car </strong>has been hit, take clear photos from different angles showing:</p><p>The damage to your car</p><p>Its exact position in the parking spot</p><p>The surroundings, like signs, road markings, or nearby vehicles</p><p>Any paint marks or debris that may have come from the other car</p><p>If the other car is still nearby, take photos of its number plate and any visible damage on it. If the driver left a note, take a picture of that, too to help with your <strong>claims process</strong>, if needed.</p><h3>Contact Police</h3><p>If someone has hit your parked car and didn't leave a note, it’s important to file a <strong>police report</strong> as soon as possible. In NSW and other states, you must report the crash if:</p><ul><li><p>You can’t identify the<strong> other driver</strong></p></li><li><p>There is significant damage</p></li><li><p>Someone is injured</p></li></ul><h3>Contact Your Insurance Provider</h3><p>Let your insurer know about the incident as soon as possible. Provide:</p><ul><li><p>The photos and details of the damage in the <strong>parked car accident</strong></p></li><li><p>A copy of the police complaint number</p></li><li><p>Any details from witnesses or a note (if any) from the other driver</p></li></ul><p>Even if you’re not claiming under your own insurance, your insurer can guide you on whether you can claim recovery through the at-fault driver’s insurance.&nbsp;</p><h2>How Can Right2Drive Help Me After Someone Has Hit My Parked Car?<strong><br></strong></h2><p>If your parked car was damaged and requires repairs, or if it’s a write-off, we may be able to assist you. As long as you are <a href="https://www.right2drive.com.au/am-i-eligible?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=blog-banner&amp;utm_campaign=blog-banner" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">eligible</a> for our services, we may be able to provide you with a like-for-like accident replacement vehicle for the entire duration of your repairs, or in the case of total loss, until you receive settlement – at no cost to you. Contact our team on 1300 416 710 or <a href="https://apply.right2drive.com.au/WebLeadGenerate/components/viewer/viewform.jsp?callFrom=NewUser&amp;WD_SID=0adbc8dd-5629-4ab9-9ce5-510632c75ea5&amp;WD_RID=" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">apply now</a>.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Getting back to your car in the parking lot and finding it has been damaged is frustrating, especially if the person responsible has left without saying anything. But even in this situation, you still have rights. If your car was legally parked and <strong>someone hits your parked car</strong>, they will be found at fault. Your next steps matter. Take photos of the damage, look around for CCTV cameras, talk to witnesses and report the incident to the police. If someone did leave their contact details, follow up with them and their insurer. Accidents happen, take the right steps and reach out to the authorities with all the <strong>insurance details</strong>.</p><h2>FAQs:</h2><h3>What Should I Do If Someone Scratches My Parked Car and Leaves?</h3><p>Start by taking photos of the scratch and any nearby damage or paint transfer. Note down the time and place. Check for nearby CCTV footage or witnesses. If the damage is minor, you may still want to report it to the police, especially if the <strong>other driver</strong> didn’t leave a note and notify your insurer.&nbsp;</p><h3>Is It Illegal to Leave After Hitting a Parked Car in Australia?</h3><p>Yes. Under Australian road rules, you must stop and give your name, address, and registration number if you damage another vehicle, even if it’s parked and unattended. Failing to do so is considered a hit-and-run offence, and that is a criminal offence in all states. Penalties can include fines, loss of license, or even criminal charges depending on the severity.&nbsp;</p><h3>Can I Claim Insurance If Someone Hit My Parked Car and Left?</h3><p>Yes. If you have comprehensive insurance, you can make a claim, even if the <strong>at fault driver</strong> is unknown. If you only have third-party insurance, you may not be covered unless the other driver is identified and insured.</p><h3>Do I Need a Police Report If My Parked Car Was Damaged?</h3><p>In most states, you don’t have to report a minor parked car accident if no one is injured and the at-fault driver left their details. But if the driver did not stop, or if the damage is significant, it’s recommended to report it. The police report may help your insurer and will be needed for a claim.</p><h3>How Can I Find Out Who Damaged My Parked Car?</h3><p>To track down who hit your parked car:</p><ul><li><p>Ask around to see if anyone witnessed the accident.</p></li><li><p>Check if nearby homes or businesses have CCTV footage of the parked car accident</p></li><li><p>Check with your local council or <strong>shopping centre car park</strong> security if you were parked in a public or private parking lot</p></li><li><p>Look for paint transfer on your car. This may help identify the other vehicle’s colour.</p></li></ul><p></p>

What To Do When Someone Hits Your Parked Car

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