It’s a situation many have faced before – walking back to our parked cars that have just been hit. There may or may not be a note on the windshield from the driver that did the damage. In many cases, drivers speed off hoping that no one noticed. These types of accidents are more common than you think, and they aren’t too complicated to deal with.
Here is how to handle a parked car accident.
Collect information – If you see the accident take place, you can calmly ask the driver for their information such as name, contact details, insurance company information, and their explanation of the accident. If you don’t see the accident happen but the driver left a note, contact them to confirm you have all the above information.
Seek out witnesses – Perhaps other drivers or shoppers managed to witness the incident. If there are witnesses, write down what they saw, document the details, and get their names and contact information.
Call the police – Even if no one is injured, you should call the police to file a report. The police can also be helpful in determining what happened as well as locating any security camera that might have captured the incident.
Contact your insurer – Once you’ve completed these steps, it’s time to contact your insurance company. Will insurance cover the costs? While the driver at fault should cover the cost of damages, your own insurance policy may be able to step in to help. Your agent will walk you through the process and let you know what to expect.
These tips can help you if your parked car was hit. For affordable car insurance that will protect you and your vehicle, contact the team at Gee-Schussler Insurance Agency. We serve Orland Park and surrounding cities in Illinois.
