If you have collision coverage on your insurance policy, you should be covered for any damage that occurs when your car is parked (or if you accidentally hit a parked car). But the exact process depends on the situation.

If the driver left a note

If the person who hit your car left a note — or, better yet, is still there when you arrive — you can treat it just like any other accident. You’ll want to get the following information:

Name and contact information

License plate number

Insurance policy number

If their note has their name or a way to contact them but no other information, reach out and ask for more.

Once you get their insurance information, you can call their provider to file a claim. If they hit you when you were parked, they are at fault. If they don’t have sufficient coverage, you may need to reach out to your insurer.

You’ll also want to take your car to a mechanic you trust for an assessment. If the damage is minor and repairs are cheap, it may be simpler to ask the other driver to just pay for everything out-of-pocket. If they refuse or if the repairs are more costly, insurance is the best way to go.

Be sure to ask the mechanic to consider small problems that could get worse later.

Key Takeaway Get the driver’s insurance information and call their insurance company to file a claim. Use a mechanic you trust to assess damages and estimate repair costs.

MORE:

Checklist for filing insurance claims reports

If it was a hit and run

Unfortunately, not every driver acts as nicely as they should—and sometimes they won’t leave a note. Situations involving hit and runs often require a little detective work. Here’s what you should do:

Take photos and videos from different angles to document the damage and where your car was parked—be sure to include every new scratch and the positioning of the vehicle.

Check for witnesses or security cameras—you might be able to get the license plate number of the car that hit you so you can track down the driver.

File a police report, which will give you a written record that may help with an insurance claim later on.

If you’re injured

If someone hits your parked car and you’re injured, you should immediately seek medical care.

Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s important to contact your insurance company. Some injuries from collisions, like whiplash, may only appear well after the accident—and contacting your insurance company from the outset will strengthen your ability to make a bodily injury claim if needed.

You can file for personal physical injuries under the other driver’s bodily injury liability. If you don’t have their information, you can instead file under your standard health insurance or under your

personal injury protection (PIP)

Key Takeaway If you’re hit in your parked car and sustain an injury, seek medical attention if necessary and contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

MORE: Will my insurance cover me if a drunk driver hit my parked car?

Filing an insurance claim

When you do decide to file a claim, file with the other driver’s property damage liability coverage. If you’re injured, you should also file with the appropriate coverage for those damages, like bodily injury liability.

If the driver doesn’t have insurance, you can file with your own

uninsured motorist property damage coverage

, if you have it. Keep in mind that this type of claim will normally require a police report and investigation.

A final option is to file with your own collision coverage. This will be faster, but you’ll have to pay your deductible. Your insurance premium is also likely to rise after the claim.

Key Takeaway Filing a claim with the other driver’s property damage liability coverage should be your go-to option. It will ensure you’re covered and prevent your insurance rates from rising due to a claim.

MORE:

What is the difference between underinsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist property damage?

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Frequently asked questions

What should I do if someone hit my parked car?

Trade contact information with the other driver. Document the damages and file a report with their insurance company to get quotes and payment as soon as possible.

If you don’t see the person nearby, look for witnesses or cameras—you might be able to track them down via their license plate number.

Should I call my insurance company if it wasn’t my fault?

Yes, it’s important to contact your insurance company, even if it wasn’t your fault. Your insurer may help contact the other driver’s insurance, file necessary paperwork, or cover damages not covered by the other driver.

Insurance companies will help you when your car has been hit, but some can help you more than others.

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