Who is responsible for a car being scratched in a parking lot?
3 Answers
There are various types of parking lots, and the responsibility for a scratched vehicle varies accordingly. Below is an introduction to the responsible parties when a car is scratched in a parking lot: 1. Shopping mall parking lot: If a car is scratched in a shopping mall parking lot, the owner can report it to the management department to check if video surveillance can be accessed. As long as the parking lot charges a fee, it must bear the corresponding custodial responsibility. Therefore, if a car is scratched in a shopping mall parking lot, the owner can seek compensation from the mall's responsible unit for the damage. 2. Residential community parking lot: If a car is scratched in a residential community parking lot, whether it is an indoor or outdoor parking space, the owner can first call 110 to report the incident and wait for traffic police to arrive at the scene to understand the situation and collect evidence. This can reduce unnecessary trouble and conflicts, eliminating the need for the owner to personally advocate for their rights. Additionally, the property management company also needs to bear corresponding legal responsibilities.
I remember once my car got scratched in a parking lot, and I was so anxious. That day, after parking and going shopping, I came back to find a scratch on the rear door, clearly caused by another car. I asked the security to check the surveillance, but unfortunately, it wasn’t captured, so I had to bear the cost myself. From that lesson, I learned: the responsibility usually lies with the at-fault driver, but if you can’t find them, you have to rely on your own insurance or pay for repairs out of pocket. My advice is to choose a visible parking spot to avoid blind spots, take photos or videos when leaving your car, and report any scratches to the police immediately for documentation to facilitate future claims. Repair costs can range from a few hundred to thousands, but having comprehensive insurance can save you trouble. Parking lot management is generally not liable unless there’s proof of improper setup. In short, prevention starts with yourself—like paying attention to the distance from surrounding cars and avoiding parking too close to walls.
As a seasoned driver, I've seen countless parking lot scrapes. If your car gets scratched, who's responsible? Generally, the car that hit yours is liable for compensation; if they flee the scene, your own insurance might cover it but you'll have to pay the deductible. Parking lot management usually isn't responsible unless they were negligent, like having poor lighting. Prevention is key: park in spacious spots, avoid squeezing near corners or trucks; install a dashcam that records continuously; take photos of the scene immediately after being scratched and look for witnesses. When handling the situation, don't rush into arguments—calmly report to your insurance company and provide location, time, and evidence. In daily driving, I make it a habit to walk around my car after parking to avoid small mistakes turning into big losses.
