Hit and run parking scenario? Know what to do next 09th November 2021
Imagine how you would feel while returning to your parked car and finding it dented out of nowhere. You went to your neighbourhood store for some groceries; that was enough to ruin your day as well as harm your pockets, right? Unfortunately, hit and run parking scenarios are the frequent incidents to be noticed around.
The driver's fleeing with no apology or contact note is the least you can expect to worsen your situation. Such incidents might result in a reactive scenario as well. Here is the guide to help you handle such a situation, considering all the factors and possibilities.
The first step
Note the incident in detail. You may or may not have a witness around or any CCTV camera present always. So, take the notes—the time, date, day, damage level, surrounding, etc. Also, take pictures of the damage/dent/scratch caused to your car.
Inform the cops
After the incident, if the damage is severe, it is essential to follow the legalities and inform the police. Report it to police and solve the incident peacefully. This will also help you get your insurance claim depending on the severity level. Sometimes, a personal injury is likely to happen if you are present in the car at the time of the incident.
Search for the accused driver
A well-mannered driver would always be present at the spot till you return and get it resolved. Or least leave a detailed apology note after such an incident with the contact details. But it's rare to find such. That is why it makes it 'Hit and run,' because people tend to leave the spot irresponsibly out of fear. You may hunt the accused driver either by asking the witnesses about it or watching the CCTV footage if available.
Contact your insurance company
Contact your insurance company immediately and register your complaint. Even if you don't have details of the driver who damaged your car or any CCTV footage to prove it, your insurance policy may still save your costs and help you recover damage. Hence, it's always helpful to have a vehicle insurance policy. While many people don’t calculate such risks and ignore the features of a good car insurance policy, get an online car insurance policy that provides financial cover for such damages.
Now you would question what if the driver fled? Will your car get covered in such a situation? Yes, you will get the claim! If the offender runs away from the accident spot without informing or compensating for your loss, then you can contact your insurance company. There are two types of coverage provided by insurance companies.
a. Uninsured motorist/driver coverage
This claim is possible when the person who hit your car is uninsured. Additionally, this is applicable for physical injury, so don’t claim it if there is no human presence in the vehicle at the time of the incident.
b. Coverage of collision
This coverage is a super shield. Regardless of who was at fault, this covers all the compensations for your car accident. You just need to prove that your car suffered a loss due to an unfortunate incident, and that’s it; you get the claim.
On a conclusive note, try to engage with the witnesses. Once in a while, everyone faces such incidents, so remain calm and follow the legal procedures. Consider the opposite person's explanation and look at the whole picture of the accident.
And, the good news! You will be compensated in every possible way if you have a low-risk driving profile and a good insurance policy for your car. So, check online car insurance policy features and see if it provides a comprehensive cover for your vehicle.
Click HERE to learn about the best insurance plans to protect your car.
Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.