What to Do If Your Car Gets Scratched While Parked on the Roadside?
2 Answers
When most car owners purchase commercial auto insurance, they typically opt for coverage such as collision insurance, third-party liability insurance, and no-deductible coverage, which can be considered the standard package for car owners. In the event of your beloved car being scratched without identifying the responsible party, the car owner can call the insurance company to file a claim. In such cases, the insurance company will reimburse the expenses through the collision insurance. However, the insurance will only cover 70% of the damages, leaving the remaining 30% to be resolved by the car owner. Since parking fees are collected, there is an obligation to assist the car owner in retrieving surveillance footage to locate the responsible party. If the responsible party cannot be found, the incurred losses can legally be claimed for compensation.
When I discovered my car had been scratched, my heart sank but I immediately reminded myself not to panic. The first step was to assess the damage by walking around the vehicle to identify the location and extent of the scratches. I took clear photos from all angles, including front, rear, sides, wheel positions, and overall road conditions, as these could serve as evidence. If there were surveillance cameras nearby or eyewitnesses, I quickly noted the time and location, politely asked for their contact information, and recorded their statements as proof. Next, I reported the incident to the traffic police by calling 110, waited for them to arrive and fill out an accident report—this documentation is crucial for follow-up procedures. If the other party fled, I relied on the police to review surveillance footage to locate them or determine single-party liability. Then, I contacted my insurance company to file a claim, and they dispatched an assessor to evaluate the damage and guide me through the repair and claims process. Throughout the entire process, I made sure to keep all receipts and report numbers. Now, when parking, I prefer spots under surveillance or park securely by the curb to avoid similar troubles in the future.
