What to Do When Someone Scratches Your Car?
2 Answers
If someone scratches your car, the first thing to do after discovering it is to check if there are any surveillance cameras around the parking spot, whether it's within the camera's coverage, or if it's a blind spot. Spotting a camera gives hope of catching the perpetrator. Below is a detailed guide on what to do after your car gets scratched: 1. Finding the Culprit: First, check if there are surveillance cameras around where your car was parked, whether it's within the camera's coverage or a blind spot. Seeing a camera increases the chances of identifying the perpetrator. Next, consider the location of your parking spot. If it's in a residential area, directly approach the property management to explain the situation and request surveillance footage to identify the culprit. If parked in a parking lot with surveillance cameras, inform the parking lot security, explain the situation, and similarly request to review the footage to find the perpetrator. The third scenario involves parking on the roadside. In this case, if there are cameras, you'll need to call the police and seek their assistance in obtaining the surveillance footage to locate the perpetrator. 2. Insurance Compensation: You can seek compensation from your insurance company. This involves determining which type of insurance coverage applies, typically either collision damage or scratch insurance. Nowadays, many people don't purchase scratch insurance, so does that mean you can't claim compensation? Not necessarily. You can first report the incident to the police, obtain an accident report, and then file a claim under collision damage insurance for approximately 75% of the repair costs. 3. Paying Out of Pocket: In cases where there's no surveillance and the perpetrator can't be found, before filing an insurance claim, you should weigh the number of claims you've made. Compare whether the increase in next year's premium after making a claim is more significant than the repair costs. If they're similar, or if the repair costs are slightly higher, it's advisable to handle it yourself. After all, going through the insurance process can be cumbersome, wasting both time and energy. However, if the damage to your car is severe, requiring repairs that could cost thousands or even tens of thousands, then it's better to proceed with an insurance claim.
The other day my car got scratched while parked in front of the supermarket. In such situations, the first thing is to stay calm and not get agitated. Immediately inspect the vehicle damage and take photos of the scene with your phone - make sure to fully capture the scratch location, the other party's license plate, and the surrounding environment. Then contact the vehicle owner to negotiate. If the other party is cooperative and willing to compensate, exchange contact information and record their driver's license details. Don't forget to call 122 to report the incident and create an official record - traffic police will issue an accident determination certificate. For repairs, it's recommended to go through a proper auto body shop. Small scratches typically take about two days to repaint. Pay special attention to color matching issues - there can be noticeable differences between original factory paint and later touch-ups, so it's best to choose a repair shop with professional paint mixing equipment.
