What to Do When You Scratch Someone Else's Car?
3 Answers
Include close-up and overall shots of the scratch. Don't hesitate to take multiple photos, clearly showing the positions of both vehicles and their license plate numbers. Contact the police, provide a detailed description of the scratched area and the process of the scratch, and inform the police that the owner of the other vehicle is not present. Have the loss assessor from your insurance company come to the scene to determine the damages for both parties.
My heart was in my throat when I just scraped someone else's car. As a new driver, I was really afraid of messing up. I immediately took a deep breath, stopped the car, turned on the hazard lights, and made sure no one was hurt—safety first. I used my phone to take photos of the scene: the scratch points, license plate number, and overall position. These pieces of evidence can be lifesavers in critical moments. When talking to the car owner, stay polite and avoid arguments. Exchange phone numbers, license plate information, and copies of driver's licenses. If the other party is aggressive or there are serious injuries, call the police immediately—new drivers shouldn't settle privately as it can lead to losses. Afterward, contact your insurance company to report the details and follow up on the compensation process. Recalling my last accident, I forgot to take photos due to nervousness, which made it hard to provide evidence and cost me extra money. I recommend keeping an accident logbook in the car and handling incidents step by step. This experience can help stabilize your driving mindset and prevent repeating mistakes.
I'm quite familiar with handling minor car scrapes—experienced drivers prioritize efficiency and practicality. Park the car, turn off the engine, engage the handbrake, and turn on the hazard lights to avoid blocking traffic. After ensuring safety, the first step is to take photos: front, rear, sides, and close-ups of the damage, making sure license plates are clearly visible. Simplify exchanging information to just name, phone number, and license plate number, but don’t forget the insurance policy number for smoother claims. For minor issues, negotiate directly with the other party to settle privately and save time; for serious cases, call traffic police to assign liability. Experience says: stay calm, speak sparingly, and prioritize photos—missing shots can drag disputes out for days. Finally, report to your insurer promptly—don’t delay. Pro tip: minor scratches don’t need escalation; daily driving awareness of blind spots and shock absorption helps prevent accidents.
