How to Claim Compensation for a Car Scratched While Parked in a Residential Area?
2 Answers
Vehicle scratched while parked in a residential area claims process: Step 1: Report the incident promptly: If your vehicle is scratched while parked in a residential area, the first step is to report the incident promptly. In addition to reporting to the traffic management department, you must also report the incident to your insurance company within 48 hours. If the other party flees the scene, you can request the property management to provide surveillance footage to identify the person responsible for the scratch. Step 2: Assess the damage with the primary at-fault party's insurance company: A vehicle scratch is considered a two-party accident. You should call the 122 traffic police hotline to have the traffic authorities determine the respective responsibilities of both parties and issue a relevant liability determination document. Afterward, the primary at-fault party should report the incident to their insurance company, and both parties should go together to the insurance company to assess the damage. Step 3: Provide necessary documentation: After reporting the incident, you should provide the following documents or certificates: the original valid insurance policy, the insured's ID card, the annual inspection certificate of the insured vehicle, the driver's license of the person driving at the time of the incident (which must be valid and within the permitted vehicle class), and, for road traffic accidents, an accident certificate issued by the traffic authorities. For non-road traffic accidents, provide the corresponding accident certificate. Also, submit a list of damages caused by the accident and any related expense receipts. Step 4: Submit the claim documents: Once all the above procedures are completed, you can proceed to the insured's insurance company or an authorized auto repair shop to take photos, assess the damage, and process the claim. All damages must be assessed before repairs to determine the items and amount of loss. After the assessment is completed, you can proceed with repairing the damaged vehicle. Step 5: Receive the compensation payment: After the accident is settled, submit the claim documents to the insurance company within 10 days. The insurance company will calculate the compensation and then notify you to collect the payment.
I recently experienced this situation where my car was scratched while parked in the residential area. I was extremely anxious at first, but gradually calmed down to handle it properly. First, immediately take photos from multiple angles to preserve evidence - capture clear images of both the damaged area and the surrounding environment without moving the vehicle. Then quickly contact the property management to check surveillance footage; if there's video, try to identify the responsible party. If no one can be identified, file a police report to obtain an accident liability certificate, which is crucial for insurance claims. Next, call your insurance company to report the incident - I had comprehensive coverage including parking damage insurance. Bring your ID card, vehicle license, and insurance policy to the assessment center where they'll send someone to evaluate repair costs. If the responsible party is found, negotiate compensation directly. If not, the insurance company may cover about 70% under no-fault clauses. Don't delay the process - it's best to complete everything within 24 hours to avoid affecting claim outcomes. Additionally, when choosing parking spots, opt for well-lit areas to reduce such incidents. Remember, preserving evidence is most critical - with proper documentation, you can secure repair compensation without unnecessary stress.
