How to File an Insurance Claim When Your Car Is Hit and the At-Fault Party Cannot Be Found?
4 Answers
If the at-fault party cannot be found, the parking lot will be responsible for the damages, as they have the duty and obligation to safeguard the vehicles when charging fees. If the car is parked in a free parking lot or on the roadside and there happens to be surveillance cameras nearby, you can locate the at-fault party through the footage and proceed with the claim.
Every time I hear about a friend's car being hit and the culprit can't be found, it really bothers me. Here's some advice. First, don’t panic—quickly take photos with your phone, capturing the damage details and the surrounding environment. The more detailed, the better. Then, immediately report it to the police to file a record. The traffic police will issue a certificate, which is crucial for subsequent insurance claims. Next, contact your insurance company. If you have collision coverage, just file a claim, provide the photos and certificate, and they’ll arrange for repairs or compensation. The whole process might take a few days. I recommend installing a dash cam and keeping it on while driving—if something like this happens, the footage can serve as direct evidence. Afterward, pay more attention to parking in safe spots and avoid remote areas. In short, act fast, keep all records, and insurance can help cover most of the losses.
As someone who enjoys researching insurance, I understand how troublesome it can be when you can't find the at-fault party in a car accident. The first thing you should do is safely pull over and avoid disturbing the scene. Take several photos of the vehicle damage from multiple angles to fully capture both the damage and the background. Then call 122 to report the accident, clearly describing the time, location, and the fact that you couldn't find the responsible party, and obtain an accident report. Contact your insurance company to file a claim—if you have collision coverage, they'll handle the assessment and processing. If you don’t have coverage or it’s insufficient, you’ll have to pay out of pocket, which is why I recommend getting comprehensive insurance early. Additionally, remember to check local insurance policies, as some provinces or cities have no-fault liability insurance rules that can expedite claims. Finally, stay calm—these things happen often, so don’t blame yourself too much.
If you encounter a hit-and-run accident, don't waste time guessing who did it. I take direct action: park the car, take close-up and panoramic photos of the damage to ensure clear documentation of the location. Immediately call the police to file a report and obtain proof. Then call the insurance company to report the incident, stating that no one is responsible for the accident. If you have collision insurance, you can claim the repair costs and cooperate with the investigation by submitting evidence. The whole process is straightforward—don’t delay. The insurance agent will guide you on the next steps.
