Coming back to find your parked car damaged is frustrating. Whether it happened in a supermarket car park, on your street, or outside work, knowing what steps to take can make a big difference to how smoothly things go afterwards.
This guide walks you through everything you need to do if someone hits your parked car in the UK.
Check If the Other Driver Left a Note
The first thing to do is look for a note on your windscreen. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, drivers who hit a parked vehicle must stop and leave their contact details if the owner isn’t there. This should include their name, address, phone number, and vehicle registration.
Unfortunately, many drivers don’t do this. If there’s no note, you’ll need to do some detective work to find out who was responsible.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
Whether or not you have the other driver’s details, you should collect as much evidence as possible.
Take clear photos of the damage from several angles, including close-up shots and wider pictures showing where your car was parked. Photograph any identifying features like street signs, nearby buildings, or security cameras.
Look around for witnesses. If you’re in a busy area like a shopping centre car park, someone may have seen what happened. Ask for their name and phone number in case you need a statement later.
Check for CCTV cameras on nearby buildings, shops, or traffic lights. If you find one, note its location and contact the owner or local council to request footage.
Report It to the Police
If the other driver didn’t leave their details, this counts as a hit-and-run offence. You should report it to the police by calling 101 or visiting your local station.
The police may be able to help trace the driver, especially if there’s CCTV footage or witnesses. You’ll also get a crime reference number, which some insurance companies require before processing a claim.
Even if the damage seems minor, reporting it creates an official record of what happened.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You must tell your insurer about the accident, even if you decide not to make a claim. Failing to report an incident could invalidate your cover.
If the other driver left their details, your insurer will contact their insurance company to recover the costs. If it’s a hit-and-run with no way to trace the driver, you’ll need to claim on your own policy.
For more information about making an insurance claim after an accident, Citizens Advice provides helpful guidance on the claims process.
Decide Whether to Claim or Pay for Repairs Yourself
Before making a claim, it’s worth thinking about whether this is the best option for you. Making a claim could affect your no-claims bonus and increase your future premiums.
Get a quote for the repairs first. For minor damage like small scratches or dents, it might work out cheaper in the long run to pay for repairs yourself rather than losing your no-claims discount.
| Scenario | Claim on Insurance? | Things to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Other driver identified and at fault | Yes | Their insurer should pay; your no-claims bonus stays protected |
| Hit-and-run with significant damage | Likely yes | You’ll pay excess but get repairs covered |
| Minor damage (small scratch/dent) | Maybe not | Repair cost vs. increased premiums and lost no-claims bonus |
| Hit-and-run with minor damage | Probably not | Cost of excess plus premium increase may exceed repair cost |
Get Your Car Repaired
Once you’ve decided how to proceed, you can arrange repairs. If you’re claiming through insurance, your insurer may want to inspect the damage first or ask you to use an approved repairer.
If the damage is more than just cosmetic, check that your car is safe to drive before leaving. Look for leaking fluids, unusual noises, or parts that seem loose. If you’re unsure, call a breakdown service or have the car towed to a garage.
For quality repairs with full warranty coverage, consider using a fully insurance-approved bodyshop. A professional accident claim management service can handle the entire process for you, working directly with insurers to take the stress out of getting your car fixed.
What If the Other Driver Disputes Responsibility?
Sometimes the other driver may deny causing the damage, or their insurance company may refuse to pay. In these situations, any evidence you gathered becomes crucial.
CCTV footage, witness statements, and photographs can all help prove what happened. If you’re struggling to resolve the dispute, you may need to seek legal advice.
Tips to Protect Your Parked Car in Future
While you can’t prevent all accidents, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
Consider fitting a dashcam with a parking mode that records while your car is unattended. This can capture incidents even when you’re not there.
Park in well-lit areas with CCTV where possible. This makes it more likely any damage will be caught on camera.
When parking in tight spaces, try to leave extra room around your car. Busy car parks at supermarkets and shopping centres are common places for parking prangs.
Quick Summary: Steps to Take
- Check for a note from the other driver
- Take photos of all damage and the surrounding area
- Look for witnesses and CCTV cameras
- Report to police if it’s a hit-and-run (call 101)
- Contact your insurance company
- Decide whether to claim or pay for repairs yourself
- Arrange repairs through an approved bodyshop
Finding your car damaged when you weren’t even there feels unfair. But by following these steps and keeping good records, you give yourself the best chance of getting the situation sorted with minimum hassle. Professional accident claim management services can also take this burden off your shoulders, managing everything from paperwork to repairs while you carry on with your day.
