What to Do If Your Car Is Scratched by a Motorcycle and the Other Party Flees?
4 Answers
If your car is equipped with a dashcam, check whether it captured the perpetrator or the vehicle involved. Call the police, who can access nearby surveillance footage to locate the perpetrator or the vehicle involved. Contact your insurance company promptly to report the incident and arrange for compensation.
I've been in this situation before. That day, my car was parked by the roadside when a motorcycle zoomed past, scraping it and speeding away. I was frantic at the moment, but immediately reminded myself to stay calm. I moved the car to a safe spot, got out to carefully inspect the scratches, and took several photos with my phone, including the damaged areas and the surrounding environment. I also tried to look for any witnesses. Then, I called 122 to report the incident, and the traffic police instructed me to file a report at the nearby traffic management office. Later, the insurance company asked for an accident certificate to process the claim. Fortunately, I had comprehensive coverage, but I still had to pay a portion out of pocket. To prevent such incidents in the future, I now always park in areas with surveillance or heavy foot traffic. I strongly recommend installing a dashcam—it can be a lifesaver in critical moments. Hit-and-run incidents are the most frustrating, but handling them step by step can minimize the losses.
As someone who has been driving for decades, I believe safety should always come first in such situations. Don't rush to chase the offending motorcycle, as it could lead to greater dangers. First, stop your vehicle safely, turn on the hazard lights to warn other drivers, and avoid blocking traffic. Get out to inspect the scratches and try to recall the motorcycle's color, model, or escape direction—even fragmentary information should be noted in your phone. Then, promptly report the incident to the police, providing details of the time and location. Traffic police will file a case and investigate to help you pursue accountability. If you have insurance, contacting them for claims might require some time to prepare documents, but the normal process isn't too complicated. Make it a habit to park in edge spots and avoid areas frequented by motorcycles to reduce such risks in the future.
Having handled numerous insurance claims, I recommend gathering evidence promptly as the key. Use your phone to take photos and videos, including vehicle damage, surrounding road signs, or surveillance camera locations, to facilitate subsequent retrieval. Immediately report to the traffic police department to obtain an accident report, which is crucial for insurance claims. Most commercial insurance policies purchased by car owners can cover such hit-and-run losses, but minor scratches may require out-of-pocket expenses—don’t expect full compensation. When communicating with your insurer, clearly describe the incident; they will typically guide you through the process. To prevent future issues, installing a dashcam is highly recommended—it provides traceable evidence in case of accidents. In short, stay calm and follow the steps systematically.
