Someone Reversed into My Car When Parked [What to Do]

Someone reversed into my car when parked, what can I do? Perhaps, the driver mentioned that they have insurance, and you managed to get their number and other details. Are you wondering if their insurance company will reach out to you and how long it might it take for them to contact you? What you should do is report the incident to your own insurance company, providing them with details like the time and place of the accident, the driver’s name, their license details, registration, and any photos you have of the cars’ positions and the damage incurred, if possible.

Generally, when your parked car has been hit, the situation should be handled like any standard accident. Refrain from moving your vehicle. If you can identify the party that is responsible, exchange contact details with them. Next, get in touch with local law enforcement to record an official police report and inform your insurance provider.

Does Car Insurance Cover When Someone Backs Into Your Parked Car?

If your car was hit by a reversing vehicle in a parking lot and you have proof that the other party is at fault, their insurance could possibly cover the cost. If the person at fault can’t be identified, or they do not have insurance, your collision or Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage might cover the damages.

However, in some states, UMPD does not cover hit-and-run incidents. If you don’t have the requisite insurance or can’t identify the perpetrator, you will likely have to cover the repair costs yourself.

Am I Covered if Someone Backed into My Car While Parked on the Street?

Parked cars can be hit in various locations, not just parking lots; a common place is on the street. If your parked car is hit or sideswiped by someone reversing on the street and you can prove who did it, their insurance should cover the costs. If the responsible party is unknown or unprovable, but you hold either collision or UMPD coverage, your insurance should cover the repairs. Without such coverage and without identifying the responsible party, you will likely bear the repair costs yourself.

What Can I Do if Someone Hits My Parked Car?

Whether someone reversed into your parked car in a parking lot or on the street, treat the situation as an accident. Seek witnesses who might provide additional details and proceed with the following steps:

1. Don’t leave the scene or move your car.

2. If possible, find the person who hit your car and exchange information.

3. Document the situation with photos and report it to the authorities to get a police report.

4. Notify your insurer and file a claim if necessary.

What to Do if Someone Hits My Parked Car and Leaves

If someone hits your parked car and leaves the scene without a note, it is generally considered a hit-and-run incident. This is a criminal act, so get in touch with the police and file a report. They might also be able to assist you in identifying the culpable driver. Also, consult your insurance policy or your insurance company to understand which coverages you have to cover against a hit-and-run.

Depending on your state’s laws, you might need either collision or UMPD coverage for the damages to be paid for.

Did the Person Leave a Note?

If the at fault party who reversed into your parked car leaves a note, it should contain their contact and insurance details. Get in touch with their insurance provider and seek out any potential witnesses who could provide further information.

Does My Insurance Go Up if Someone Hits My Parked Car?

If you decide to file a claim with your own auto insurance, be prepared that someone reversing into your car when parked could cause your premium to go up. Making a claim with the insurance of the at-fault driver typically does not affect your rates, as you were not the party causing the damage. However, some insurance companies may raise your premium whenever a claim is filed, regardless of who is at fault, depending on the laws in your state.

Do You Have a Third Party Only?

If you only hold third-party insurance, you will need to wait for the other party involved in the accident to file a claim. As a third-party insurance holder, your role is to follow up with the third party. They are accountable for the damage and how they choose to cover the cost – whether out of pocket or through a claim with their insurance – is not your concern.

In the worst-case scenario, which is not rare, you might find yourself having to pursue the outstanding amount through a disputes tribunal.

Some insurance companies allow you to file a claim with just photos and videos of the damage. So, check your insurer’s app to see if you can file a claim through the app to get a repair estimate. you might also be able to use the app to request roadside assistance and access all your insurance documents.

Read also: Washington State SR22 Requirements