Can I File an Insurance Claim for a Vehicle Scratched in an Underground Parking Lot?

[OReagan]

In the event of a scratch incident in an underground parking lot, it generally falls into two scenarios: 1. With a responsible party: If the accident is entirely the other party's fault, the loss should be borne by them, and it does not involve your own insurance company. 1) Paid parking lot: The at-fault party should be responsible. If the at-fault party cannot be found, the vehicle owner can request the parking lot to provide information about the responsible party for the collision. If the responsible party cannot be identified, the parking lot, which failed to fulfill its vehicle custody obligation, should compensate for the loss caused by parking. However, if the vehicle owner does not pursue the at-fault party or the parking lot, the insurance company will not settle the claim, as this constitutes voluntarily waiving the right to compensation. 2) Free parking lot: The parking lot is only liable for damages if it acted intentionally or with gross negligence in the damage or loss of the parked vehicle. 2. Unable to find the responsible party: You can file a claim with your insurance company. After deducting the absolute deductible, the insurance company will cover up to 70% of the loss. If you have purchased an additional coverage to the vehicle damage insurance, specifically the 'Cannot Find Third Party Special Clause Insurance,' you may receive full compensation.

[Valentina]

I had the same issue last year. My car was parked in the underground garage, and when I came out, I found a long scratch on the side. I immediately took photos as evidence, including the surrounding environment, and then asked the security guard to check the surveillance footage. After contacting the insurance company, they sent someone to assess the damage. The repair cost over 3,000 yuan, and they covered 70% of it, but my premium increased a bit the following year. The lesson here is that it's better to park in public areas where there are people around, as the chance of accidents is lower. Also, remember to report to the police immediately and get a receipt, as insurance companies require it. The key is whether you have collision coverage in your insurance policy—if not, you'll have to pay out of pocket. So, insurance isn’t a cure-all; you still need to drive carefully every day.

[LukeFitz]

Scratches in underground parking lots are definitely covered by insurance, especially under the vehicle damage insurance. I've handled several similar claims, and the process is quite straightforward: First, don't move the car, take photos and videos from multiple angles to clearly capture the damage and the surroundings. Then, call the police to get an accident report, as insurance may reject the claim without it. Next, contact your insurance company's customer service; they will guide you through the online or in-person damage assessment process. The key is having a solid evidence chain for a smooth claim, but don't delay—many insurers require reporting within 48 hours for the safest outcome. Your premium might increase slightly, so for minor scratches, consider repairing them yourself to avoid the hassle.

[DeEmiliano]

I was scratched once in a shopping mall parking lot. I parked my car and went for a meal, only to find the rear bumper misaligned when I returned. I immediately reported it to the police, who came and registered the incident. After contacting the insurance, the repair cost wasn't high, so only partial compensation was claimed. The key to such accidents is parking location—I recommend choosing well-lit corners or spots near surveillance cameras to minimize risks. Think carefully before filing an insurance claim, as it might affect your renewal premium rates. If the damage is minor, say a few hundred dollars, it's more cost-effective to handle it yourself at a repair shop.