What to Do When Someone Hits Your Parked Car

By Kevin Quinn and the Mercury Team

Discovering that someone hit your parked car and left is never a good feeling. Whether it happened in a busy parking lot or right outside your home, it’s normal to feel stressed and unsure about what to do next. Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect yourself, document the damage, and get your car repaired.

Here’s what to do after a hit-and-run involving your parked vehicle, and how Mercury Insurance can help make the claims process faster and less stressful.

Step-by-Step: What to Do When Someone Hits Your Parked Car

If someone hits your parked car, stay calm, document the damage, and contact your insurer as soon as possible. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown on what to do after a hit-and-run collision involving your parked car.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Check for Damage

Before doing anything, take a deep breath and assess the situation. Make sure you and any passengers are safe, then look over your vehicle for visible damage. Avoid moving it until you’ve taken photos of the scene. If the car was hit in a parking lot or along a street, note whether there’s debris or paint transfer that might help identify the other driver.

Step 2: Look for a Note or Witnesses

Check your windshield and the surrounding area for a note. An honest driver will usually leave their contact and insurance details.

If there’s no note, check for witnesses nearby. Ask if they saw what happened or if local businesses have security cameras that may have captured the incident. The more details you can collect, the easier it will be to file your claim.

Step 3: Document the Incident

Thorough documentation is key to a successful insurance claim. Use your smartphone to take clear photos and videos of the damage to your car. Capture close-up shots of the dents and scratches, as well as wider photos that show your car’s position and the surrounding area. Also, write down the time, date, and location of the accident, plus any information from witnesses.

Step 4: File a Police Report

Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal, and a police report creates an official record of the crime. When you call, the dispatcher will instruct you on the next steps: either wait for an officer to arrive or head to the nearest station to file the report yourself. That report becomes an important part of your insurance claim because it helps your provider verify the details and expedite the process.

Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Provider

Once you’ve filed a report, reach out to your insurance company to start your claim.

“We know this kind of situation can be stressful, but giving your insurer as much information as possible about the accident really helps speed things up,” says Kevin Quinn, VP of Auto Claims at Mercury Insurance.

Mercury policyholders can call the 24/7 Claims Hotline at (800) 503-3724 or file an auto claim online. Your claims representative will guide you through the process and explain your coverage options.

Step 6: Get a Repair Estimate

Finally, get an estimate from a trusted auto repair shop. Mercury’s vehicle repair program connects you with approved facilities that meet high standards for quality and service, so you can get back on the road quickly and safely.

Understanding Insurance Coverage for Parked Car Accidents

When your parked car is hit, your coverage type determines how much protection you have, and what costs you might need to pay out of pocket. Here’s how different types of car insurance can help after a hit-and-run or parking lot collision.

When Collision Coverage Applies

Collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your vehicle after an accident, whether the other driver is identified or not. If someone hits your parked car and leaves, this coverage can step in to cover the damage once you’ve paid your deductible. It’s especially valuable if you live in an area where parking lot accidents are common or if you frequently park on busy streets.

How Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) Can Help

If the at-fault driver can’t be found (or doesn’t have insurance), your uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage may help pay for repairs. Not all states offer UMPD, and coverage limits can vary, so it’s a good idea to review your policy or talk to your Mercury agent to see what applies to you.

Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Costs

A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage begins. For example, if your repair cost is $2,000 and your collision deductible is $500, you would pay the first $500, and your insurance would cover the remaining $1,500. Choosing your deductible amount is a balance. A higher deductible usually means a lower premium, but you’ll pay more upfront if you need to file a claim.

How to Prevent Hit-and-Runs on Parked Cars

While you can’t control other drivers, there are a few smart ways to reduce your risk of a hit-and-run in a parking lot and keep your vehicle safer when it’s parked.

• Choose well-lit, monitored parking spots: Choose parking spots near streetlights, building entrances, or security cameras whenever possible. Well-lit, high-traffic areas make it less likely that someone will hit your vehicle, and more likely that any incident will be caught on camera if it does happen.
• Install dash cams or parking sensors: A dash cam that records while your car is parked can capture valuable evidence if an accident happens. Some models can detect impact and start recording automatically. Parking sensors can also help you park more safely, reducing the chance of minor scrapes.
• Keep your insurance updated and comprehensive: Make sure your auto insurance policy includes collision coverage and, if available in your state, uninsured motorist property damage coverage. These options protect you financially if someone hits your parked car and flees the scene.

Why Mercury Insurance Has You Covered

If someone hits your parked car, the last thing you want to worry about is dealing with a complicated claims process. Mercury Insurance is different. Our goal is to get you back on the road quickly with personal support and protection you can count on.

Fast, Simple Claims Process

Accidents are stressful enough. Mercury’s 24/7 claims service lets you report damage anytime, online or by phone, so you can start your claim as soon as you’re ready. Our agents guide you through every step, from documentation to repair authorization.

Trusted Local Agents

Mercury agents live and work in your community. They understand the challenges drivers face in your area and can help you choose coverage that fits your needs, without pushing what you don’t need.

Guaranteed Repairs You Can Trust

Through Mercury’s vehicle repair program, you’ll have access to a network of trusted repair shops that meet strict quality standards. That means expert technicians, top-quality parts, and repairs backed by a lifetime guarantee for as long as you own your vehicle.

Comprehensive Protection for Every Driver

From collision coverage to uninsured motorist protection, Mercury offers reliable car insurance for parked vehicles and peace of mind for every driver on the road.

Get the Right Protection Today

A parked car hit-and-run is an unfortunate reality, but with the right coverage, it doesn’t have to derail your day. A solid insurance policy provides you with financial protection and peace of mind, knowing that experienced professionals are here to help when you need it most.

Mercury Insurance offers affordable, reliable protection with fast claims, trusted repair shops, and agents who care about keeping you covered.

Contact us today for a fast, free quote!