What to do if your car is scratched in the residential area and the perpetrator cannot be found?
3 Answers
Find the person who scratched the car and prove that the car was scratched in the residential area. Copy the surveillance video and secure the evidence first. If the person who scratched the car can be found, negotiate compensation with them. If negotiation fails, you can file a lawsuit.
My car has been scratched several times in the neighborhood, and I can't find the responsible party, which is really frustrating. Start by checking the surveillance—contact the property management immediately to see if there are any video records, as this is the most direct evidence. Then file a police report to have an official record documented. Don’t overlook insurance—check your policy to see if you have collision coverage, as most accidental damages can be claimed, saving you the cost of repairs. If you don’t have insurance or the damage isn’t covered, you’ll need to visit a repair shop to assess the scratches and get a minor touch-up. When parking, choose well-lit or high-traffic areas to reduce the risk of scratches. Building good relationships with neighbors is also important—they might provide clues if something happens, since everyone in the neighborhood should look out for each other to prevent such incidents from recurring.
If your car gets scratched in the residential area without clear reasons, you should respond systematically. First, gather evidence by taking detailed photos of the scratches. Check with the property management to see if there’s any surveillance footage available, and request it immediately if there is. Filing a police report is a crucial step, as it provides an official record for future accountability. Next, address the damage: review your auto insurance policy, as comprehensive coverage typically includes vandalism. Contact your insurance company to initiate the claims process and follow their instructions, whether it’s visiting an approved repair shop or submitting evidence photos. If you don’t have this coverage, find a reputable repair shop on your own. For prevention, park in areas covered by surveillance or near pedestrian walkways, and consider installing a simple dash cam as a deterrent. Stay calm and handle the situation methodically to minimize losses.
