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My Parked Car Was Hit and the Driver Left a Note With His Name and Phone Number. What Do I Do Now?
Dec 05, 2020
Stay Calm and Work Through these Suggestions
Before you report this claim to your insurance company, try the following:
However, if things start to go south with the other party, don’t wait long to report the claim to your insurance carrier.
- Take a picture of the scene and a close up of your damage. If there are other cars parked around yours make sure the photo captures the other vehicles as well.
- Stop by the Auto Body Shop of your choice and ask them to provide you with a cost of repairs estimate.
- Their estimate provides you with what a reasonable settlement with the other insurance company or the other party will look like.
- Inquire about the current deductible for your Collision coverage (assuming you have Collision Insurance)
- If the amount of the estimate is close to your deductible amount:
- The other party left you a note with a name and phone number. That's a good sign they are willing to make things right.
- You are much better off to initially seek payment from the other party or their insurance.
- The fact that this is a not-at-fault accident does not guarantee your rates won’t be affected. Many auto insurance rating plans will look at claims frequency regardless of fault.
- Even if the party that struck your vehicle is willing to take responsibility for the loss, you should personally obtain their insurance company, policy number and agency/company contact information.
- If they choose to pay personally accept only cash payment. If they hedge, you still have their insurance information to seek payment from their carrier.
- If the amount is significantly greater than your deductible:
- You should still pursue this with the other party's insurance company. You were parked and the vehicle was unattended. There will not be a question of fault.
- If the claims process with the other party goes awry, you can change gears and place a claim under your collision coverage.
However, if things start to go south with the other party, don’t wait long to report the claim to your insurance carrier.
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