Parked Car Hit and Run: What To Do Next

Discovering that someone hit your parked car and left without a note can be frustrating and confusing. Whether the damage is minor or significant, dealing with a hit-and-run incident raises questions about what steps to take next, who is responsible, and how your insurance will handle the claim.

This blog will guide you through exactly what to do after someone hits your parked car and leaves the scene. We’ll also explain how to protect your legal rights and financial interests.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Damage

It’s natural to feel upset when you see that your parked car has been hit. However, staying calm is essential to avoid missing important steps. Start by walking around your vehicle to assess the visible damage. Common damage in these incidents includes:

• Scratches and dents on bumpers or doors

• Broken side mirrors

• Cracked tail lights or headlights

• Damage to tires or wheel alignment

Take detailed photos of all affected areas from multiple angles. Include pictures of the entire car and the surrounding scene, such as nearby buildings or parked vehicles.

Step 2: Look for Evidence or Witnesses

If the person who hit your parked car left the scene, gathering evidence becomes critical. Check for:

• Nearby surveillance cameras (from homes, stores, or traffic lights)

• Skid marks or paint transfer on your vehicle

• Debris such as broken car parts

• A note or business card (some responsible drivers leave contact information)

If someone nearby witnessed the accident, ask them for a statement and contact details. Their account could help identify the vehicle and prove fault.

Step 3: File a Police Report

Even if the damage seems minor, filing a police report is a smart move. Many insurance companies require one before processing a claim for a parked car accident. When speaking with the officer:

• Be honest and concise

• Share the photos and evidence you collected

• Provide contact info for any witnesses

The officer will issue an official report, which can be useful in both insurance and legal matters.

Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company

Once the police report is filed, contact your insurance company to report the hit-and-run. Provide them with:

• A copy of the police report

• Photos and video footage (if available)

• A description of the damage

• Witness information

If the driver is not found, your own policy may need to cover the damage. Comprehensive or uninsured motorist coverage often applies in these cases.

You can learn more about filing a claim after an auto accident on our Auto Accident Claims page.

Will My Insurance Go Up If My Parked Car Was Hit?

It depends on your insurer and the type of claim. Typically, if you’re not at fault and the other driver is never identified, your premium may still increase slightly, especially if you’re using uninsured motorist or collision coverage.

However, some states, like California, prohibit rate increases when the policyholder was clearly not at fault. To understand your rights, speak with a qualified attorney about how state laws may protect you from unfair premium hikes.

Step 5: Consider Legal Action If the Driver Is Found

If the driver who hit your parked car is identified—perhaps through surveillance footage, witnesses, or police investigation—you may be able to recover compensation beyond insurance.

You can potentially file a civil lawsuit to recover:

• Repair costs

• Rental car fees

• Diminished value of your vehicle

• Emotional distress or inconvenience

At KAASS LAW, our legal team regularly assists clients in recovering full compensation in auto accident cases, including those involving parked vehicles.

Tips for Preventing Parked Car Accidents

While not every incident is avoidable, the following strategies can reduce the likelihood of someone hitting your parked car:

• Avoid parking too close to intersections or driveways

• Use well-lit, high-traffic areas

• Park further inside the parking spots, not sticking out

• Turn your wheels when parked on a hill (prevents rolling if bumped)

You can also install a dash cam with parking mode enabled. These cameras activate when motion or impact is detected, capturing evidence that could identify the hit-and-run driver.

What If the Parked Car Is a Rental or Belongs to Someone Else?

If you were borrowing or renting the car, you should immediately notify the car owner or rental agency. The process is largely the same, but coverage may vary depending on:

• Whether you opted for rental car insurance

• The owner’s insurance policy terms

• Whether you were legally authorized to drive the car

Each scenario may involve different insurance rules, so reviewing the contract or insurance documents is essential.

Data on Hit-and-Run Incidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), hit-and-run accidents are on the rise nationwide. In many urban areas, they account for more than 1 in 10 car crashes. Unfortunately, drivers are often never identified, leaving victims to cover costs through their own insurance.

This makes it even more important to document every detail and understand your legal options.

Final Thoughts: Know Your Rights After a Parked Car Hit-and-Run

Having your parked car hit by a driver who flees the scene can feel unfair and overwhelming. But by taking the right steps—documenting the damage, filing a police report, contacting your insurer, and considering legal action—you can protect your financial and legal interests.

If you’ve recently experienced this kind of incident in California, reach out to KAASS LAW for a consultation. We’ll help you understand whether you’re entitled to further compensation and ensure the insurance company treats you fairly.

Visit our Personal Injury page to learn more about how we can assist you with car accident claims and property damage cases.