What to do when someone hits your parked car UK? Discovering that your parked car has been hit can be frustrating and stressful. Whether the damage is minor or significant, knowing how to handle the situation properly is crucial to ensure you protect your rights, comply with legal requirements, and resolve the issue efficiently. You should report the incident to the police and your insurance company. Gather evidence, such as photos and witness details.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
If you find your parked car struck, your car is parked and thus left unattended, and consider inspecting the damage. No need to panic or get emotional as it will not contribute towards solving the problem. Rather:
- Look for damage to your car like scratches, dents, broken parts, etc.
- Capture the damage done to the car from different angles, including close up and far away, so that you can present the extent of the damage done and include the location of the other vehicles and your own.
- Also, remember to document the time, day, and where this whole incident took place.
2. Look for a Note from the Other Driver
In the UK, the law requires the driver who hit your car to stop and leave their details if they cannot find you. It is a legal obligation under the Road Traffic Act 1988. For this procedure, look for your car for the following:
- The driver’s name with their residential address.
- Their car registration number.
- Insurance details, if any.
If no note is left, this is a hit-and-run, which is a criminal act. In this situation, identifying the driver will require more effort (see below).
3. Look for Witnesses or Evidence
If you’re at the scene when the incident is discovered, check if anyone witnessed the accident. Witnesses often have useful information, with some being able to recognise the other driver or vehicle. At Instant Assist, we help victims of accidents navigate the case so that they get the compensation they are entitled to. Ask for their identity and phone numbers in the event you need them to give evidence.
Additionally:
- Look for CCTV cameras in the area (e.g., on nearby buildings, shops, or traffic lights). If you find one, note its location and contact the owner or local council to request footage.
- Look for signs of the other vehicle such as leftover parts of the vehicle or some paint marks.
4. Report the Incident to the Police
If the damages are considerable or the other driver failed to leave any contact information, it is necessary to involve the police. In the UK:
- For non-emergencies, call 101 or report the incident online through your local police force’s website.
- In the UK: For non-emergencies, ring 101 or report the incident using your local police force’s website if you have access to the internet. Describe everything with as much detail as possible, such as the location and time of the incident, other related incidents, and any evidence you have (like photographs or statements from witnesses) gathered.
- The police will give you a crime reference number, which you may need for your insurance claim.
If the other driver left the scene without providing details, it is considered a hit-and-run, and the police will treat it as a criminal matter.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company
Regardless of whether the other driver is identified, you should inform your insurance company about the incident as soon as possible. Even if you don’t plan to make a claim, failing to report the incident could invalidate your policy.
When contacting your insurer:
- Provide all relevant details, including photos, witness statements, and the police reference number (if applicable).
- Explain what happened and whether the other driver left their details.
- Be honest and avoid speculating about fault or the extent of the damage.
6. If the Other Driver Is Present
If you encounter the other driver at the scene:
- Exchange details, including their name, address, phone number, vehicle registration number, and insurance information.
- Avoid admitting fault or making accusations, as this could complicate matters later.
- Take photos of their vehicle, including any damage, and note its make, model, and colour.
7. Consider Repair Options
After successfully collecting all information needed, you may outline the steps you will take to get the repairs done:
- If the other driver is identified and admits fault: Their insurance should cover the cost of repairs. Your insurer can help you liaise with the other driver’s insurance company.
- If the other driver is untraceable: You may need to claim through your insurance (if you have comprehensive coverage). However, this could affect your no-claims bonus unless you have uninsured driver protection.
- If the damage is minor, you may pay for repairs yourself to avoid filing a claim and risking an increase in your insurance premiums.
8. If the Other Driver Is Untraceable (Hit-and-Run)
If the other driver did not provide any details and cannot be traced, the situation is classified as a hit-and-run. You’re supposed to do the following:
- Report the incident to the police (as mentioned above).
- If you have comprehensive coverage, you can claim through your insurance. However, you may need to pay an excess, which may not be recoverable.
- If you don’t have comprehensive insurance, you may need to pay for repairs yourself.
9. Keep Detailed Records
As you work through the steps, remember to save all documentation pertaining to the incident, such as:
- Photos of the damage.
- Witness statements.
- Police reports and crime reference numbers.
- Correspondence with your insurance company.
- Repair receipts and estimates.
These documents will be vital if you intend to file a claim and need to defend any challenges.
10. Seek Legal Advice if Necessary
If the other driver disputes fault, their insurance company refuses to pay, or you encounter difficulties with your claim, consider seeking legal advice. A solicitor specialising in motor claims can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.
Here at Instant Assist, we specialise in making sure that your claim does not get mishandled and that you get your due compensation for all the damages you have suffered. Give us a call today at 02030264595 for assistance with your car accident claim.
Key Legal Points to Remember
- Failure to Stop and Report: Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, a driver who hits a parked car must stop and provide their details. Failing to do so is a criminal offence punishable by fines, penalty points, or even disqualification from driving.
- Insurance Requirements: In the UK, all drivers must have at least third-party insurance, which covers damage to other vehicles. If the other driver is uninsured, you may be able to claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).
Preventing Future Incidents
When a car is unattended, there is no guarantee that it will not be struck while parked, but certain things can be done to mitigate this risk:
- Park in well-lit, secure areas with CCTV coverage.
- Avoid parking in tight spaces or areas with high traffic.
- Use a dashcam with a parking mode to record incidents while your car is unattended.
Conclusion
If someone hits your parked car in the UK, try to gather evidence, such as photos and witness details. Check if the driver left a note with their contact and insurance details. Report the incident to your insurer, and if the driver doesn’t stop, inform the police within 24 hours.
