What to Do If Your Car Is Scratched While Parked on the Roadside and the Culprit Cannot Be Found?
4 Answers
Most car owners install a dashcam in their vehicles, as self-defense is crucial. It's essential to be cautious, as the saying goes, 'Better safe than sorry.' For instance, if your beloved car gets scratched and the culprit cannot be found, the dashcam can still prove useful. You can use the images recorded by the dashcam to gather relevant information and seek help from the police. However, it's important to note that you must report the incident to your insurance company before any culprit is identified. If you proceed with repairs without finding the responsible party, you will have to bear 30% of the costs. On the other hand, if the culprit is found, they will be fully responsible for all repair costs, and you won't have to pay anything. If your car is scratched while parked in a paid parking lot, you can approach the parking lot administrator. The administrator can assist in identifying the culprit, as it is relatively straightforward to track down the responsible party in such cases. Since you paid for parking, the parking lot administrator has a responsibility to ensure your safety, and you can always request an investigation from them under any circumstances.
I just encountered this situation once. My car was scratched while parked on the roadside, and the other party fled without a trace. I immediately got out to inspect the scratches and took several photos of the panoramic view and details with my phone, including the license plate number and surrounding environment. Then, I went to nearby stores to ask if there was any surveillance footage, but unfortunately, no leads were found. Next, I called 110 to report to the police. After the police arrived, they recorded the situation and gave me an accident certificate. Finally, I contacted the insurance company to report a single-vehicle accident. They asked me to fill out a form, upload the photos, and arranged for a repair shop to fix the damage. The whole process took some time, but the documentation and records are crucial. I recommend parking in crowded areas or places covered by cameras, or installing a dashcam in advance for easier evidence collection. Always be mindful of parking spots to reduce risks.
Don't panic in such an emergency. First, I immediately ensured my own safety without chasing anyone. After parking, I carefully assessed the extent of the damage and took multi-angle photos with my phone as evidence, capturing the location, scratches, and background clearly. Then, I checked for nearby surveillance devices or witnesses. If nothing was found, I went straight to the police station to file a report. Insurance companies require proof of the accident to process claims, and the deductible depends on the type of insurance. If it's just a minor scratch, I can go to a repair shop for a quick fix to save time. Staying calm throughout the process is key. To avoid similar issues, I make it a habit to park in busy areas or places with security and regularly check the safety of my vehicle.
As an experienced hand in vehicle maintenance, the first priority when your car is scratched and the culprit cannot be found is to take photos to document the damage location. Visit the police station to obtain an accident certificate for insurance claims. The insurance company will treat it as a single-vehicle accident, requiring you to report the incident and provide evidence within 48 hours. Out-of-pocket expenses vary depending on policy terms, so remember to check your contract. For daily parking, avoid high-traffic areas to reduce risks. Installing a dashcam can effectively prevent such disputes.
