What to Do If Your Car Is Scratched and the Perpetrator Cannot Be Found?

[MaryRose]

Public security authorities should promptly accept and register reports, accusations, and tip-offs. Copy the surveillance footage and preserve the evidence first. If the person who scratched the car can be identified, negotiate compensation with them. If negotiation fails, you can file a lawsuit.

[SanCalvin]

I discovered my car was scratched early in the morning and felt both anxious and angry. I immediately got out to carefully inspect the damage. The first thing I did was look around for any surveillance cameras or witnesses, but this time, I found no leads. I promptly took high-definition photos of the scratches, including the time and location, then headed straight to the police station to file a report. The officers documented the incident, though the chances of solving the case were slim—at least it was on record. Next, I contacted my insurance company to confirm if a claim was necessary; my policy covered accidental damage, and they arranged for an assessment. If the insurance didn’t cover it, I planned to handle the shallow scratches myself—I’d already ordered touch-up paint tools online to try a DIY fix. Reflecting on it now, I realize I should park in monitored spots or install a small dashcam next time to capture evidence. I truly hope all car owners stay vigilant to reduce such frustrating incidents.

[VanColton]

Finding your car scratched with no culprit in sight is indeed frustrating, but experience tells me not to act impulsively. Immediately taking photos for evidence is crucial—I photograph scratches from multiple angles, documenting parking location and time. While reporting to police may not always solve the case, it helps deter similar behavior. Then I check my insurance manual—my comprehensive coverage includes scratch compensation, so I contacted customer service to file a claim. For repairs, minor damage can be DIY-treated with professional scratch repair paste, while deeper ones require professional repainting at a body shop. Preventive measures matter more: I make it a habit to park under streetlights or surveillance areas, and regularly inspect my car's exterior. After the last incident, I joined neighborhood group chats to share experiences—having neighbors watch out for each other actually reduced risks.

[DeKennedy]

My car got scratched and I can't find the culprit, so I'm taking immediate action. First, I carefully examined the depth of the scratches: shallow ones can be handled myself with a touch-up pen or polishing compound; deeper ones require professional paint shops, with costs ranging from hundreds to thousands. Taking photos for evidence is essential—I captured both panoramic and detailed shots before reporting to traffic police. Regarding insurance, I checked if my policy covers paint damage—mine does, so the claim went smoothly. Additionally, I'm considering installing a dash cam with parking surveillance that automatically records unusual incidents. This issue is quite common, so don't blame yourself too much. The key is to learn protective measures after getting the car repaired.

[MacLillian]

Finding my car scratched with no one to claim responsibility left me feeling helpless. After taking deep breaths to calm down, I prioritized taking photos of the scratches and the surrounding environment. Filing a police report is necessary for documentation, but keeping expectations low is wise—my experience shows most cases are untraceable. Insurance claims are the priority, so I called customer service to check coverage. If insurance doesn’t cover it, I’ll assess the cost and decide whether to pay for repairs myself: minor scratches can be fixed with DIY touch-up paint, while severe damage requires a professional shop. Emotionally, I accept such losses, reminding myself that a car is just a tool. For prevention, I now use secured parking lots or apply a protective film to the paint. Life is full of unexpected incidents, and facing them positively is more effective.