What to Do if You Hit a Parked Car: 5 Important Steps

Even a careful driver can find themselves in this situation: You’re backing out of your parking space in a crowded lot when you hit a parked car, scraping bumpers and peeling paint on both cars. What happens if you hit a parked car? Who is at fault, and how do you handle the situation? What should you do if you hit a car and there’s no damage? Is hitting a parked car the same as a minor road accident? 

If you hit a car in a parking lot — or if you’ve just bumped into a parked car — don’t panic. Read through these tips and then follow them to both protect yourself from liability and be a good neighbor.

Don’t Leave the Scene

Leaving the scene is one of the worst things you can do if you hit a parked car. If you leave the scene without waiting, you could be charged with a hit-and-run. Even if it looks like there isn’t a lot of damage to their car, stick around and speak to the car’s owner. Many parking lots are monitored by video cameras that will capture your license plate information, so the owner is likely to track you down if you abandon the parking lot accident. Even if you hit a car and there’s no visible damage, there may be consequences.

Leave a Note

You should wait for a while to see if the owner shows up. (If you’re at an office or place of business, it may be worth going inside to ask if the owner of the car works there.) But if you’ve waited around and no one appears, the next best thing you can do is leave a note. Your note should include your name, address, phone number and email address. Avoid leaving specific insurance information but be sure that the owner of the car has a way to contact you directly. Leave the note securely under a windshield wiper blade so your information won’t blow away.

Record the Scene

After you hit a parked car, take photos of both cars (yours and theirs) that are involved in the parking lot accident. If possible, take photos of any factors that might have led to the accident, such as a crowded parking lot with vehicles jutting too far into the aisle, giant snowbanks or shopping carts left out where they don’t belong. Having a photographic record of the scene will help establish your level of liability.

Alert the Authorities

Even if it’s a minor parking lot accident, it’s always a good idea to contact the local police. They will file a report and may help you get in contact with the owner of the car. The police report will be an important part of your insurance claim and will record crucial details that you may need later.

Call Your Agent

When you are involved in any accident, your insurance agent should be your next phone call. They will help you ensure you have shared the correct information, documented the scene of the accident and have covered your bases. The insurance company of the other motorist may file a claim, so it’s wise to give your agent a heads-up. They can help you check your liability and collision coverage and remind you of your deductible.

What if Your Car Was Hit?

If someone hits your car in a parking lot, you may be able to track down the person who hit you if there are witnesses or video footage. If not, you may be stuck with the repair bill. The accident may not count against you, but you may have to pay your deductible to cover the damages to your vehicle. Stay calm, contact the local police to file a report and contact your agent to see if the accident is covered, they’ll also be able to help you file a claim, if needed.

Be Prepared

Whether it’s a fender bender or something more serious, when you are in an accident the right coverage can make all the difference. Contact your Farm Bureau agent to review your auto insurance and to make sure you are driving prepared.