What to Do When You Scratch Someone Else's Car While Parking?
2 Answers
You should immediately contact the car owner to resolve the issue. You can check if there is any contact information for the owner on the car's windshield. If not, you should contact the parking management unit, residential property management, or parking lot administrator to inquire about the owner's contact details. If you really cannot reach the owner, you should write down your contact information on a piece of paper and attach it to the car so the owner can reach you. Do not leave without leaving any contact information, as this will make it difficult for the owner to file an insurance claim.
If I accidentally scratch someone else's car while parking, the first step is to stay calm, stop the car immediately, and get out to assess the damage. Carefully examine the size of the scratch, take photos as evidence, including the license plate and surrounding environment. If the owner is present, approach them directly to apologize, exchange names and phone numbers, and ask if they need to file an insurance claim. If the owner isn’t around, I’ll find a piece of paper in my car to write down my contact details and a brief description of what happened, then place it under the other car’s windshield wiper. Next, call my insurance company to report the incident—they usually provide guidance on next steps, such as whether to involve the police to prevent future disputes over claims. Remember to stay composed; handling the situation properly can prevent future troubles like traffic police involvement or credit issues. After all, it’s always better to handle minor incidents with grace.
