Someone Hit My Parked Car: Whose Insurance Do I Call?

If you come out to find your parked car has been hit, it can be a frustrating and confusing experience. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do and whose insurance to call.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Ensure Safety

• Pull over to a safe location if possible.
• Check for any injuries to yourself or others involved.

Step 2: Contact the Police

• If there is any damage to your car or property, or if anyone is injured, call the police.
• The police will create an accident report, which will be important for insurance purposes.

Step 3: Exchange Information

• Get the following information from the other driver:
  • Name, address, and phone number
  • Insurance company and policy number
  • License plate number and vehicle make/model

Step 4: Take Photos and Document the Damage

• Take pictures of the damage to your car, including close-ups and shots from different angles.
• Note the location and time of the accident.

Step 5: Call Your Insurance Company

• Contact your insurance company and report the accident.
• Provide them with the information you gathered in steps 3 and 4.

Whose Insurance Do I Call?

In most cases, you will need to call your own insurance company to file a claim. However, there are some exceptions:

• If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.
• If the other driver is at fault but denies responsibility.
• If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and the other driver is not insured or underinsured.

What to Expect from Your Insurance Company

• Your insurance company will assign you a claims adjuster to handle your case.
• The claims adjuster will investigate the accident and determine who is at fault.
• If you are not at fault, your insurance company will pay for the damage to your car, up to your policy limits.
• If you are at fault, your insurance company may still cover the damage to your car, depending on your policy. However, you may have to pay a deductible.

Pain Points and Motivations

Pain Points:

• Dealing with the hassle of a car accident
• Being without your car while it's being repaired
• Paying for repairs out of pocket

Motivations:

• Getting your car fixed as quickly and affordably as possible
• Holding the at-fault driver accountable
• Receiving fair compensation for your damages

Step-by-Step Approach

1. Stay calm and ensure safety.
2. Contact the police.
3. Exchange information.
4. Take photos and document the damage.
5. Call your insurance company.
6. Cooperate with the insurance adjuster.
7. Get your car repaired.
8. Follow up with the insurance company.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your insurance claim is processed smoothly and efficiently.

Additional Tips

• Always carry a pen and paper in your car so you can write down the necessary information if you need to.
• If you have a dashcam, check the footage to see if it captured the accident.
• Be prepared to provide your insurance company with a detailed account of the accident.
• Keep all documentation related to the accident, including the police report, insurance forms, and repair bills.

Conclusion

Dealing with a car accident can be stressful, but by following these steps and understanding whose insurance to call, you can help minimize the hassle and get your car fixed as quickly as possible.