What to Do When You Scratch Someone Else's Car?
2 Answers
When taking photos, be mindful of passing vehicles nearby. After taking photos, immediately notify the car owner and have them come to the scene to assess the accident damage. If the responsibility is clear, send the photos to the insurance company. If the responsibility is unclear, call the traffic police to determine liability and report the incident to the insurance company to assess the vehicle damage.
If I accidentally scrape someone else's car, the first thing to do is to stop immediately, turn on the hazard lights, and not rush to leave to avoid being accused of hit-and-run. I remember helping a friend move their car last year and encountering a similar situation—I panicked at first but calmed down, checked the other vehicle for damage, and tried to find the owner to exchange contact details. If no one is around, it's best to leave a note on the windshield with my name, phone number, and a brief explanation, while also taking photos of the scene and details of the vehicle's position with my phone. Afterward, I should contact my insurance company as soon as possible to file a report—they will guide me on how to handle the compensation process. When driving, I need to pay extra attention to blind spots, especially in tight spaces like parking lots, and reduce speed to minimize the risk of scratches. For repairing my own car afterward, it depends on the depth of the scratch—minor ones can be buffed out with wax, while deeper ones require a professional repair. In short, being honest about minor accidents saves more trouble in the long run.
