Blog

What to Do if Your Side Mirror Was Damaged While Parked

Many drivers experience the frustrating situation of finding their parked cars damaged, often due to hit-and-runs or careless maneuvers from other drivers. It is especially disheartening to see damage on a new car. The steps you take following this incident can greatly affect how the situation is resolved, especially in terms of insurance claims and repairs. Here’s a guide on what to do whether or not a note was left on your vehicle.

Assessing the Damage and Reporting the Incident

When someone hits your parked car, it’s essential to assess the damage and report the incident to the authorities. Here are some steps to follow:

• Document the Damage: Start by taking clear, detailed photos of the damage to your parked car. Capture different angles, including close-ups of the side mirror and any tire marks or scratches on the vehicle. These photos will be crucial when filing an insurance claim.

• Gather Evidence: Look around for any potential witnesses who might have seen the incident. Additionally, check for security cameras in the area, such as those in a parking garage or nearby buildings. Footage from these cameras can help identify the other driver and support your claim.

• Report the Incident: Even if the other driver left a note, it’s important to call the police and report the incident. This will result in a police report, which is essential for filing an insurance claim. The report serves as an official record of the incident and can be valuable if there are any disputes later on.

• Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance provider about the incident as soon as possible. Provide them with the police report, photos of the damage, and any other relevant documentation. This will help expedite the claims process and ensure you get the necessary repairs done promptly.

Notifying your insurance company is a crucial step in the process of dealing with a hit-and-run incident.

If a Note Was Left On Your Parked Car

• Document the Note and Scene: Take a photograph of the note and any visible damages to your vehicle and surrounding areas.

• Contact the Note Writer: Use the contact information provided in the note to reach out to the person who left it. Discuss the situation calmly and gather details about their insurance information.

• File a Police Report: Depending on where you are, reporting the incident to both the police and your insurer might be necessary to file an insurance claim. A police report will be useful as proof of the accident.

• Notify Your Insurance Company: Let your insurance company know about the incident and provide them with all necessary documentation including the note, photographs, and the police report.

• Get Estimates for Repairs: Obtain at least a couple of repair estimates if you are going to proceed with repairs via insurance.

If No Note Was Left in a Hit and Run

• Document the Damage: Take detailed pictures of the damage from different angles, including close-ups and wide shots of both the mirror and the parking lot.

• Check for Witnesses or Surveillance: Ask around for witnesses or check if there is any available surveillance footage that might have captured the other vehicle involved in the incident.

• Report the Incident: Notify the police and file a report. This can help if someone is responsible and they’re found later.

• Submit a Claim to Your Insurance: Contact your insurance company and provide all available evidence in case you wish to file a claim.

• Consider Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If the culprit is not found, your repairs might be covered if you have uninsured motorist property damage insurance.

Notifying Your Insurance Company

• Contact Your Insurance Provider: Reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible to inform them about the incident. Prompt notification can help speed up the claims process and ensure you get the assistance you need.

• Provide Necessary Documentation: Share all relevant documentation with your insurance provider, including the police report, photos of the damage, and any evidence gathered from witnesses or security cameras. This information will support your claim and help your insurance company assess the situation accurately.

• Check Your Coverage: Review your insurance policy to understand what coverage you have. Look for collision coverage or optional coverage for hit-and-run incidents. Knowing your coverage details will help you understand what costs will be covered and what you might need to pay out of pocket.

• Follow Up: Keep in touch with your insurance provider to ensure that your claim is being processed. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have about the process. Regular follow-ups can help you stay informed and address any issues that might arise during the claims process.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you’re taking the right actions to deal with a hit-and-run incident and get the compensation you deserve. Remember to stay calm and patient throughout the process, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it.

FAQ

Will I be covered if I do not have collision coverage?

If you don't have collision coverage, whether or not you will be covered depends on the specifics of your insurance policy. Typically, collision coverage is what handles damages to your vehicle resulting from an accident. If your car’s side mirror is damaged and you lack collision coverage, you may not be able to claim the repair costs through your own insurance unless you have uninsured motorist property damage coverage, which could apply in a hit-and-run scenario.

What is uninsured motorist coverage? Can I claim through that if there was no note?

Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of auto insurance designed to protect you if you are involved in an accident where the at-fault driver does not have any insurance or in the event of a hit-and-run where the responsible party cannot be identified. If your side mirror is damaged while parked and no note was left, and the offending party cannot be located, you may be able to file a claim through your uninsured motorist property damage coverage, provided this is included in your policy.

Will my premium go up if I file a claim with my insurance, even if it was not my fault?

Typically, if you were not at fault, your insurance rates should not increase. However, this can depend on your insurer and state laws.

Should I try to make a deal informally with other driver who hit my parked car?

If a person admits to causing the damage and you feel comfortable, you might settle the issue without insurance. However, ensure you document everything, and both parties agree in writing to avoid future disputes.

Do I have to pay my deductible if it’s not my fault?

Yes, generally you would pay your deductible initially, but it might be reimbursed once your insurance recovers the funds from the other party’s insurance.

Will homeowners or renters insurance cover this?

No, typically homeowners or renters insurance does not cover vehicle damage. Car damage falls under auto insurance coverage.

Handling a damaged side mirror while parked requires careful documentation and communication with involved parties and possibly insurers to ensure a swift resolution. Taking these steps can help minimize the inconvenience and stress involved, especially when dealing with damage caused by other cars.