What to Do If a Parked Car Gets Scratched?
3 Answers
The methods for dealing with scratches on a car are as follows: 1. Hairline scratches: For hairline scratches, polishing or applying a rubbing compound is usually sufficient to remove them. A gentle wipe is often enough to make the hairline scratches disappear. 2. Light scratches: For light scratches, simply prepare a tube of toothpaste. Toothpaste is highly effective for shallow scratches that haven’t damaged the car’s primer. It works particularly well for removing traces left by other vehicles’ paint after a minor scrape or adhesive residues from stickers and other sticky products—most of these marks can be completely wiped away. 3. Moderate to deep scratches: Moderate and deep scratches cannot be repaired by polishing. If the dent is small and does not exceed 5mm, it can be leveled with filler putty before repainting.
That day I drove to go shopping, and when I came back, I found my car had been scratched. It broke my heart. Don't panic, stay calm first. Walk around the car and take photos from all angles—front, back, left, and right, including the position of the scratches on the ground. Then quickly check if there are any surveillance cameras nearby. Go ask the store or look for cameras along the roadside. If you're lucky enough to find an eyewitness, that would be great—remember to get their contact information. Immediately report it to the traffic police to make a record, then contact your insurance company, and remember to file a claim within 48 hours. Usually, it's better to park in well-lit areas with surveillance cameras, so if your car gets scratched, you won't be left completely in the dark.
It's really annoying when your car gets scratched while parked on the roadside. Last time this happened to me, I immediately took out my phone to take photos of the scene, focusing on the scratch location, surrounding vehicles, and environment. These photos are useful for insurance claims. Don't forget to check your dashcam footage to see if it captured anything. If you can't find the person responsible, call 122 to report to the traffic police and get an accident certificate, then contact your insurance company. I always park in designated parking spaces and fold in the side mirrors to reduce the risk of scratches. When repairing the car, it's recommended to use the insurance company's designated repair shops to avoid disputes.
