{"id":353105,"date":"2017-05-18T13:47:18","date_gmt":"2017-05-18T18:47:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/car-accidents\/someone-hit-my-parked-car-and-left-what-do-i-do.html"},"modified":"2025-12-10T17:10:00","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T22:10:00","slug":"someone-hit-my-parked-car-and-left-what-do-i-do","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/someone-hit-my-parked-car-and-left-what-do-i-do.html","title":{"rendered":"Someone Hit My Parked Car and Left, What Do I Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Someone Hit My Parked Car and Left, What Do I Do?<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Ty McDuffey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

If someone hits your parked car<\/span> and leaves, stay at the scene to gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and call the police. Take photos of the damage<\/span> and notify your insurance company<\/span> right away. Depending on whether the driver is identified, you\u2019ll file a claim with their insurer or through your own coverage.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

You’re relaxing Friday evening with your friend at a shopping center. When you leave, you find your car with a broken taillight and damaged bumper. It turns out someone hit your car in the parking lot<\/span> and left. What do you do now?<\/p>\n

This article shares tips and information on handling property damage<\/span> from a hit-and-run<\/span> accident<\/span>. You\u2019ll also find an FAQ section that answers common questions on hit-and-run<\/span> insurance claims<\/span>. A car accident<\/span> attorney<\/a> near you can also answer your questions and help you recover compensation for your vehicle damage<\/span>.<\/p>\n

What Is a Hit-and-Run<\/span> Accident<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

A\u00a0hit-and-run<\/span>\u00a0accident<\/span><\/a> occurs when someone leaves the accident scene without stopping to meet legal duties. When a driver hits a parked car<\/span>, they must make a reasonable effort to identify the vehicle\u2019s owner<\/span> and leave a\u00a0written notice.<\/p>\n

Every state has its\u00a0own traffic laws<\/a>\u00a0covering hit-and-run<\/span> accidents<\/span>. If someone has hit your parked car<\/span>, stay at the scene and gather as much information as possible.<\/p>\n

What To Do Immediately at the Scene<\/h2>\n

As soon as you find your vehicle damaged, follow the steps below to preserve evidence and protect your rights:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n

    Stay at the scene: <\/strong>It may be tempting to immediately drive off to catch the person who hit your car. But you may lose important evidence by doing so. So, don\u2019t leave the scene until you have gathered all the necessary information. If possible, get the license plate number<\/span> or any other identifying information of the vehicle involved as it drives away.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Speak to any witnesses:<\/strong> Look for any witnesses and get their names and contact information<\/span>. See if there are any security cameras<\/span> nearby that may have captured the incident. If you find any, ask the property owner for a copy of the footage and to preserve the video until your attorney can request it.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Call the police department<\/span>: <\/strong>Some states require you to\u00a0file a police report<\/span><\/a>, even if there is a written note from the other driver. The official accident report<\/span> can be used to preserve any evidence found at the scene.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    Record the time and location: <\/strong>Make a note of the time and location of the auto accident.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  5. \n

    Take accident photos: <\/strong>Take photos of the accident scene<\/a>. Get multiple pictures from various angles, including general views and close-ups. If there\u2019s evidence of the other car\u2019s painting or marks, take a close-up photo of that as well.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  6. \n

    Contact your insurance company<\/span>:<\/strong> You should notify your insurance company<\/span><\/a> that you\u2019ve been in an accident. By contacting them as soon as possible, you can help expedite your claims process<\/span>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    File a Claim: Handling a Hit-and-Run<\/span> Accident<\/span><\/h2>\n

    If you can identify the driver who hit your car, get their insurance company<\/span> information. Then, file a\u00a0third-party claim<\/a>\u00a0with their insurance company<\/span>. This way, you will be able to recover damages under the at-fault driver\u2019s <\/span>insurance<\/span> policy<\/span>.<\/p>\n

    If you cannot find the person who hit your car, you\u2019ll have to file\u00a0a claim with your own insurance company<\/span><\/a>. Generally,\u00a0uninsured motorist coverage<\/a>\u00a0compensates drivers for hit-and-run<\/span> accidents<\/span>. However, not all states require you to have uninsured motorist coverage. Check with your insurance company<\/span> to find out which type of coverage will cover you for hit-and-run<\/span> accidents<\/span>.<\/p>\n

    Hit-and-Run<\/span> Accidents<\/span>: FAQ<\/h2>\n

    Below are answers to common car insurance<\/span> questions after a parked\u2011car hit\u2011and\u2011run. These will help you understand how insurance treats these incidents and what steps to take.<\/p>\n

    Q: What does my insurance policy<\/span> cover in a hit-and-run<\/span> scenario?<\/h3>\n

    Your coverage in a hit-and-run<\/span> accident<\/span> varies depending on the terms and conditions of your specific <\/span>insurance policy<\/span>. Collision coverage<\/span>, often included in most standard auto <\/span>insurance<\/span> policies<\/span>, should cover the cost of repairs<\/span> to your vehicle even if the responsible party<\/span> cannot be identified.<\/p>\n

    In addition,\u00a0underinsured motorist property damage<\/span> (UMPD)<\/a>\u00a0coverage (if you have it) can kick in to cover the cost of repairs<\/span>. This coverage is designed specifically for instances where:<\/p>\n