What to Do If Your Parked Car Gets Scratched and the Culprit Can't Be Found?
3 Answers
The measures to take if your parked car gets scratched and the culprit can't be found are: 1. Report to the police immediately, then provide the police with the approximate time, location, and details of the incident. Also, check if there are any surveillance cameras nearby. If there are, note their numbers and inform the police; 2. If the scratch is minor, you can handle it yourself. If the damage is severe, file an insurance claim and wait for the insurance adjuster to assess the damage; 3. If the person responsible cannot be found, the parking lot or property management may be liable for compensation. When parking, always try to choose a formal parking lot. If no parking lot is available, opt for a spot with surveillance cameras. Avoid parking in narrow spaces and always park within the marked lines.
When my car gets scratched while parked on the roadside and the culprit can't be found, I usually try to stay calm and not panic. The first thing to do is take photos at the scene as evidence—use my phone to capture multiple angles of the scratch details, parking position, and surrounding environment, including a timestamp for verification. Next, check if there are any surveillance cameras nearby, such as asking nearby shops or residents if they can provide footage. Reporting to the police is mandatory—call 122 to have traffic officers arrive and issue an accident certificate, which serves as proof for insurance claims. Then, contact my insurance company to report the situation—they'll guide me through filling out forms or visiting an assessment center to evaluate the damage. The claim amount depends on my insurance policy terms, and there might be a deductible I need to cover. If the scratch isn’t deep, I might consider DIY repairs using a touch-up paint pen; if it’s severe, I’ll need to go to a repair shop. In the future, I’ll park more carefully, avoiding blind spots or corners to minimize risks. In short, don’t delay handling it—safety comes first.
It's really frustrating when your car gets scratched and you can't find the culprit. As someone who's been through similar situations a few times, I suggest you take a deep breath and try not to get too upset. Start by taking photos of the damaged area and the parking environment. Don't hesitate to ask nearby residents or shop owners if they witnessed anything or have surveillance footage that could help. Remember to report it to the police to get an official record, which will be useful for insurance claims. When contacting your insurance company, describe the situation in detail—they'll usually determine the compensation based on the police report, though you might need to cover some costs upfront. If the scratch is minor, you might be able to fix it yourself with polishing compound; for larger damage, professional repair is the way to go. I usually park in well-lit, spacious spots, preferably under surveillance, to minimize risks. This incident is a reminder to always check your parking spot and avoid risky areas.
