What to Do If Your Car Gets Scratched by Another Vehicle?
4 Answers
If your car gets scratched while driving, the first thing you should do is take photos as evidence. Then, both vehicles should pull over to the side to avoid obstructing traffic and causing congestion. Call the police to report the incident and let traffic officers handle it, determining who is at fault. If there is surveillance footage, it can be used to make a judgment. Insurance claims should be based on the extent of the vehicle damage. If the traffic police can determine full liability on one party at the scene, only the at-fault party's insurance company needs to be involved.
My car got scratched in the parking lot last time, which was really frustrating. At first, I stayed calm, parked the car in a safe spot, and turned on the hazard lights to avoid secondary accidents. Then, I got out to inspect the scratch location, took photos with my phone to document the other party's license plate, the scene, and the extent of the damage, and even recorded a video just in case. If there were any witnesses, I would politely ask for their contact information as potential testimony. Next, I approached the at-fault driver to calmly exchange information and insurance details, making sure not to argue to avoid escalating the situation. After that, I contacted my insurance company to file a claim, describing the incident in detail—they would guide me on how to proceed with the claim, including visiting an authorized repair shop for damage assessment. For minor scratches, I might buy a scratch repair kit to save money, but for serious damage, professional repainting is essential to ensure the car's protection. Remember, timely action is crucial—delaying can affect both the claim process and the car's safety condition.
The other day my new car got scratched, and I totally panicked. I immediately pulled over to check—the scratch on the door was quite noticeable, so I snapped a few photos for evidence. Then I looked around for the culprit; if no one was around, I’d leave a note on their car explaining the situation and wait for them to contact me. Next, I called a friend for advice, and he suggested I notify my insurance company to report the incident—they could help handle the follow-up. Honestly, minor scratches aren’t a big deal; I later learned to first go to a car wash to rinse off surface dust and assess the depth of the damage. If the primer is exposed, it’s best not to delay to prevent rust. For daily parking, I prefer spots with more surveillance cameras to reduce risks and stay more vigilant. The whole experience taught me the importance of car insurance, especially comprehensive coverage for such accidents—it saves a lot of money and hassle.
If your car gets scratched, the first priority is to ensure the safety of yourself and your family. Last time this happened when I was out with my child, I first had them get out of the car and stand on the curb for safety before inspecting the damage. If the scratch isn’t deep, try wiping it with a damp cloth to see if it can be repaired, but avoid excessive rubbing to prevent further damage. Remember to take photos for evidence, including ground marks and nearby signs, as this helps the insurance adjuster determine liability. Stay calm when communicating with the other party—don’t let minor issues escalate and affect your child’s mood. Afterwards, report the incident to the police or through a traffic police app to protect your legal rights. I regularly review my car insurance policy to understand coverage limits and prevent similar incidents. After handling the situation, visit a reliable repair shop promptly for a paint job to maintain a clean appearance and ensure safe driving.
