What to Do If You Scratched Someone Else's Car and Left Immediately?
2 Answers
Buying insurance is precisely for dealing with such unexpected situations. Generally, minor scratches and dents can be covered by the compulsory traffic insurance. If you flee, the insurance company can only compensate within the liability scope of the compulsory traffic insurance. Following the principle of responsibility, after getting out of the car, what you should do is take photos for evidence and contact the car owner. The process of taking photos is the same as handling a regular traffic accident. After taking photos, you can contact the car owner or call the police, depending on two scenarios: if the scratch is severe, such as a dented fender or a fallen bumper, call the police and report to the insurance company first.
I once did something really stupid when I was younger—I drove off after scraping someone else's car. That time, while reversing, I scratched a parked car by the roadside. In a hurry to get to a date, I just left. Turns out, it was caught on camera, the owner reported it, and the police came knocking. That’s when I realized how dumb I’d been. Fleeing the scene of a traffic accident is illegal—it can lead to fines ranging from hundreds to thousands, suspension of your driver’s license, or even administrative detention. Worse, insurance companies might refuse to cover damages from a hit-and-run, leaving you to pay for repairs out of pocket. So, I sincerely advise you to make it right: go back to the scene immediately to apologize to the owner. If they’re not there, leave a note with the time and your contact details. Alternatively, call 122 to report yourself to the police. Then, contact your insurance company to understand the process. Facing it head-on not only reduces penalties but also eases the mental burden. If the other party is understanding, you might even settle things amicably. Remember, don’t gamble on running away—safe driving starts with responsibility.
