What to Do If Your Car Gets Scratched by Someone in a Parking Lot?
2 Answers
If your car gets scratched by someone in a parking lot, you should try to find the culprit and check surveillance footage. Here are some steps to take when your car is scratched: 1. Locate the culprit: After discovering the damage, first check if there are any surveillance cameras around where your car was parked and whether it was within the camera's coverage area. If you see a camera, there's hope of catching the culprit. Then, identify where your car was parked, go to the property management to explain the situation, and request to review the surveillance footage to find the person responsible. 2. Surveillance cameras: If there are surveillance cameras, go directly to the parking lot security, explain the situation, and ask to review the footage to identify the culprit. The parking fee you paid includes both parking and storage fees, so if your car is damaged during this period, you can demand compensation from the parking lot.
Last time I found my car scratched in the mall parking lot, I stayed pretty calm. First, I walked around the car to assess the severity of the scratches and took photos with my phone to document the exact locations and details, including the surrounding environment and other vehicles. Then, I immediately contacted the parking lot management office—they usually have surveillance footage or staff on duty who can help identify the responsible party. If the cameras didn’t capture it, I’d ask nearby car owners or security guards if there were any witnesses, while also filing a police report right away for official documentation in case of future disputes. After that, I contacted my insurance company with the photos and police report—they typically cover repair costs, and since I opted for higher third-party coverage, the claims process went smoothly. Finally, I shared the experience on social media, and a friend reminded me to park in monitored or well-lit areas next time to avoid the same issue. The key is not to panic and handle things step by step.
