What to Do If the Other Party Leaves After a Minor Scratch?
3 Answers
Most insurance companies will conduct an on-site investigation and issue relevant documentation. Some insurers may require policyholders to directly report the damage at designated loss assessment points or repair shops. If you have purchased scratch insurance at a 4S store, you can directly call the 4S store, and their claims staff will handle the entire process. The 4S claims personnel will negotiate with the staff, and finally, the insurance company representative will take photos of the scratches on the vehicle. Then, drive the car back to the 4S store for repairs, and the process is complete. Generally, the car can be picked up in two to three days.
Oh my goodness, after a minor scrape the other driver just drove off, I see this situation often in car owner groups. The first step is definitely to stay calm and not act impulsively, move your car to a safe spot by the roadside, turn off the engine and turn on hazard lights to prevent secondary accidents. Then quickly use your phone to photograph all traces at the scene including the angle of the scrape, vehicle position, road markings - if you can note down the other car's license plate number that's perfect for getting police help to track them. Reporting to the police is mandatory - call 122 or 110 to provide time/location details, police will file a case for hit-and-run behavior. Simultaneously contact your insurance company to report the accident - they'll guide next steps. Even if damage is minor, hit-and-run could make you pay fully yourself. Polishing small scratches might only cost tens of RMB - much more worry-free. Remember to install a dashcam next time to avoid being cheated - that's the key lesson.
A minor scratch and the other party fled. This reminds me of my own embarrassing experience when I was younger—my car was scratched while parked in front of a supermarket, and the culprit was nowhere to be found. I didn’t take photos at the time and ended up suffering the consequences. The key is to immediately stop in a safe place—don’t chase, as it’s too dangerous. Turn on your hazard lights and note down details like the other party’s license plate, car color, or model. Report to the police, providing the exact location and time, and let them intervene. Contact your insurance company to assess the damage. For minor scratches, you can save money and avoid premium hikes by using some car wax to handle it yourself. The crucial thing is to learn from the experience—install a dash cam so you can easily deal with similar situations next time. Don’t be afraid of the hassle; acting quickly is what matters.
