What to Do When Someone Scratches Your Car and You Can't Find the Person?
2 Answers
When encountering a scratch situation, you should first choose to call the police and let the traffic police be responsible for finding the responsible party. The following is a related introduction about scratch situations: 1. If a scratch occurs in a paid parking lot: You need to call the relevant property management. If a vehicle is scratched during the custody period, it is due to inadequate care by the parking lot, and they need to bear corresponding responsibility. Generally, the time to report to the police is within 48 hours after the incident. 2. If a scratch occurs in a free parking area: You need to contact the insurance company after calling the police, and the insurance company will send a specialist to take photos for evidence. 3. Parking precautions: (1) Try to park in a formal parking lot. (2) Try to park in places with surveillance to avoid unnecessary losses. (3) During the thunderstorm-prone season, try to avoid parking under trees and in low-lying areas to prevent tree collapse and flooding. (4) Place valuables in the trunk or under the seat to prevent attracting thieves' attention and breaking windows for theft.
My car got scratched by someone who drove off, and I couldn't find the culprit. This happens way too often—I've been through it a few times myself. First, don’t panic. Get out of the car and inspect the damage carefully. Take multiple photos with your phone, capturing the full view of the vehicle, close-ups of the scratches, and the parking spot along with the surroundings for evidence. Check if there are any surveillance cameras nearby, like those at storefronts or residential areas, and ask the security guards or shop owners. Then, contact your insurance company ASAP. For instance, since I opted for comprehensive coverage, I could file a hit-and-run claim, and the insurer handled the rest—I only had to pay a small deductible for the repairs. When it comes to repairs, always go to an authorized auto shop. They’re skilled at paint touch-ups and can inspect the undercarriage to prevent rust. A tip: try parking in spots with good camera coverage to boost safety and avoid such hassles. Overall, staying organized in handling it saves a lot of headaches.
