What to Do When You Scratch Someone Else's Car While Reversing?
3 Answers
If you scratch someone else's car while reversing, you should promptly notify the traffic police and your insurance company. Below is relevant information regarding minor scratches: 1. Report to the police: Reporting to the police can help locate the responsible party through surveillance and facilitate a claim. 2. File an insurance claim: If the car was parked legally on the roadside and was scratched, you can directly file a claim with your insurance company. If the responsible party is not found, the insurance company typically has a 10-30% deductible rate, meaning they will cover 70% of the repair costs, while the remaining 30% will be the car owner's responsibility. 3. Repair methods: For minor scratches, repainting is usually sufficient.
I had a similar incident while reversing before. I immediately stopped the car to prevent any further movement and turned on the hazard lights to alert surrounding vehicles. Then, I checked the scratched area, took photos and recorded the scene, including the other party's license plate and the damage to my own car. If the other car owner was present, I approached to apologize and explain the situation without arguing about who was at fault. We exchanged key contact information like phone numbers and insurance details. I also called the police (122 or 110) to file a report to prevent future complications, which can simplify the process. Later, when filing an insurance claim, I provided detailed records. I’ve handled minor scratches this way before, and the insurance covered everything without any hassle. In summary, the key points are to stay calm, take action without avoiding responsibility, document the scene with photos, communicate sincerely, and comply with legal and safety requirements. Otherwise, fleeing the scene could result in fines or penalty points.
I've seen this situation several times. First, stay calm, park the car, turn off the engine, and wait a few minutes to avoid escalating the issue. Check the size of the scratch, take photos covering all angles, including the body position and orientation. Then try to find the other car owner to communicate face-to-face, express apologies, and prepare a compensation plan such as a small cash payment or contacting their insurance for repairs. If the owner isn't present, write a note and place it on their car, clearly stating your contact details without delay. Depending on the extent of the damage, consider reporting to the police or insurance—minor accidents can be settled privately through negotiation, but always document the process to prevent disputes. In short, the core of handling such incidents lies in sincerely resolving the issue and minimizing conflict. Don’t let small mistakes affect your daily driving mood.
