What to Do If Your Parked Car Gets Hit

When you return to your parked car, you expect it to be in the same condition as you left it. Unfortunately, as we all know, accidents happen, including accidents involving parked cars. Sometimes, those accidents can cause serious damage to your vehicle. In addition to calling your insurance carrier to tell them that "someone hit my parked car," there are other things you need to do.

Steps to Take If Your Car Gets Hit While Parked

It's important to know what to do if someone hits your parked car, so you can take steps to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. Here's a checklist of actions to take immediately:

• Call the police: In a hit-and-run accident, it is important to call 911. If the police come to the scene, make sure to note the police department jurisdiction (state versus a town, for example) and the officer's name to help obtain a police report later, if necessary.
• Document the damage: You may want to take your own pictures of the accident, too. If it is safe to do so, use your smartphone to take pictures from all angles. Document each scratch, dent and any debris left behind at the scene.
• Contact your insurance agent or Travelers representative: Let your insurance agent or insurance representative know what happened by providing the details of the accident. Your agent or representative can help you in the event you decide to file a claim. If the person that hit your car left a note, your agent or representative will be able to guide you through the process of dealing with the other driver's insurance provider.

Try to stay calm and follow these steps in this order. This may help you expedite your claim experience so you can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.

Does Insurance Cover Damages If Someone Hits My Parked Car?

In many instances, your insurance company will help cover the cost of repairs, but it depends on the type of coverage you have in place.

Damage to a parked car would typically be covered under collision coverage. This coverage helps cover the costs to repair or replace your vehicle when it is involved in an accident with another vehicle or object — even when it is parked.

With collision coverage, you are typically required to pay your deductible before your insurance payment kicks in.* If you're not sure how much you'll be responsible to pay, ask your agent or Travelers representative.

Will My Insurance Premium Go Up If Someone Hits My Parked Car?

Typically, when you file a claim, your insurance premiums may go up. Your agent or representative can provide you with further information about how your premium may be affected.

Getting into an accident can be stressful, regardless of what kind of accident it is. Learn more about car insurance now to help be prepared to handle an accident in the future.

Find a local independent agent or contact a Travelers representative to get a car insurance quote today.

*Other coverages and deductibles may apply.