You’ve just finished your weekly shop or enjoyed a day at the beach, and you’re walking back to your car with that satisfied feeling. Then you see it—a fresh dent in your door, a cracked bumper, or worse. Someone’s hit your parked car and driven off without leaving a note.
It’s frustrating, it’s unfair, and unfortunately, it’s incredibly common. Car park incidents account for a significant proportion of vehicle damage claims in the UK, yet many drivers don’t know the proper steps to take when it happens to them.
Whether you’ve been bumped in a supermarket car park or returned to seaside parking to find your wing mirror hanging off, this guide walks you through exactly what to do next.
Step 1: Don’t Panic—Assess the Damage First
Before you do anything else, take a moment to properly assess what’s happened. Walk around your entire vehicle and check for damage you might not have initially noticed. Sometimes a seemingly minor bump to one panel has caused damage elsewhere, particularly to bumpers, wheel arches, and trim.
Look for paint transfer from the other vehicle—this can be valuable evidence later. Check whether any mechanical components seem affected, such as lights, mirrors, or door mechanisms.
If the damage is severe or you suspect structural issues, avoid driving the vehicle until it’s been professionally inspected.
Step 2: Document Everything Thoroughly
Your phone is your best friend in this situation. Before you touch anything or move your car, gather as much photographic and video evidence as possible.
Take photos of the damage from multiple angles, including close-ups that clearly show the extent of the impact. Capture wider shots that show your car’s position in the car park, including any nearby landmarks, signs, or bay markings.
Note down the exact time you discovered the damage and, if possible, when you parked. This information becomes crucial when requesting CCTV footage later.
If there’s paint transfer or debris from another vehicle, photograph this too—it could help identify the car that hit yours.
Step 3: Look for Witnesses
Someone bumped my car, what do I do? This is the question that runs through most people’s minds, and one of the most valuable things you can do is look around for potential witnesses.
Check whether any nearby businesses had staff who might have seen something. Ask other drivers returning to their cars if they noticed anything. Even if someone didn’t witness the actual collision, they might have seen a vehicle leaving in a hurry or noticed someone acting suspiciously around your car.
Get contact details from anyone who might be able to help, even if they only have partial information.
Step 4: Request CCTV Footage Immediately
Most supermarkets, shopping centres, and public car parks have CCTV coverage, but here’s the catch—footage is typically only stored for a limited period, often just 7 to 14 days.
Act quickly. Speak to the car park operator, security team, or store management and formally request that any relevant footage be preserved. Follow this up in writing via email so you have a paper trail.
Be specific about the date, time, and location within the car park. The more precise you can be, the easier it is for them to locate the relevant footage.
Remember that car parks are under no legal obligation to share footage directly with you, but they should preserve it if a claim or police report is involved.
Step 5: Report to the Police (When Appropriate)
If someone has hit your parked car and left without providing their details, this technically constitutes a hit-and-run offence under UK law. The driver is legally required to stop and exchange details or report the incident to the police within 24 hours.
You can report the incident to the police, particularly if you have evidence that could help identify the other driver. While the police may not actively investigate minor damage cases, having a crime reference number strengthens your claim and creates an official record of what happened.
Step 6: Understand Your Options Before Calling Your Insurer
Here’s where many people make a costly mistake. Their first instinct is to phone their insurance company directly, assuming this is the quickest route to getting their car repaired.
In reality, going through your own insurer for a non-fault claim can mean excess payments, potential premium increases, and a process that drags on for weeks or months.
This is where specialist accident claim management services can make a significant difference. Rather than navigating the claims process alone, accident management companies handle everything on your behalf—from pursuing the at-fault driver’s insurer to arranging repairs and courtesy vehicles.
Step 7: Get Professional Repairs from Trusted Specialists
Once your claim is underway, you’ll need to think about repairs. Many insurers will push you towards their own approved repairers, but you’re not obligated to use them.
Choosing an independent specialist, particularly one experienced in accident repairs, often means higher quality workmanship, genuine parts, and a more personal service. It’s worth asking whether the repairer offers manufacturer-approved techniques and whether they’ll liaise directly with the claims handler on your behalf.
Why an Accident Management Company Beats Going Solo
Dealing with a car park incident yourself might seem straightforward, but the reality is often different. You’ll spend hours on hold with insurance companies, chase paperwork, and potentially find yourself out of pocket while waiting for resolution.
Accident management specialists exist specifically to handle this stress for you. They recover costs from the at-fault party’s insurer, meaning you typically won’t pay excess or see your premiums affected. They’ll arrange repairs, provide a courtesy vehicle, and keep you updated throughout—usually resolving claims far faster than the DIY approach.
For non-fault incidents where another driver is responsible, there’s genuinely no reason to struggle through the process alone.
Don’t Let a Car Park Bump Ruin Your Summer
Returning to a damaged car is never pleasant, but knowing the right steps to take can transform a stressful situation into a manageable one. Document everything, act quickly on CCTV requests, and seriously consider whether specialist claims support could save you time, money, and hassle.
Don’t let a car park bump ruin your summer. Call our claims experts today for immediate help.
