No one wants to come back to their car only to find that it’s been hit. Does car insurance cover hit and run damage on a parked car? Here’s what you need to know about what coverage you need, what to do if your parked car is hit and safe parking tips to prevent damage in the future.
Understanding Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
Damage to your car is covered under collision and comprehensive coverage. In most cases, hit and run damage on a parked car is covered under collision insurance. This is an optional insurance coverage that pays for damage to your car if it hits another vehicle or stationary object or is hit by another vehicle.
If your parked car is damaged by a natural disaster, fire, theft, vandalism or by an animal, comprehensive coverage will apply. Comprehensive coverage is an optional coverage that pays for damages not related to a collision.
Having collision and comprehensive coverage is known as having “full coverage” on a vehicle. Full coverage is not typically required for auto insurance policies. If you owe money on your car, you may be required to carry full coverage as a term of loan or lease.
Full Coverage
Collision and comprehensive coverage are not typically required coverage. Check with your insurance company or agent to see if you have full coverage on your vehicle.
If you were in a parked car while it was hit, your own medical benefits, uninsured motorists and/or underinsured motorists coverage will help pay to treat your injuries.
Dealing with a Hit and Run on a Parked Car
Ideally, the other driver will be responsible enough to stick around or leave a detailed note. Unfortunately, not all people do the right thing.
If there isn’t a note, the first thing you should do is call the police and get a police report. If your vehicle is in a parking garage or in the lot of a local business, there’s a good chance there will be video surveillance that may have recorded the accident and the license plate of the other vehicle.
Steps to Take After a Parked Car Hit and Run Incident
- Call the Police
If you were the victim of a hit and run, call the police and have them file a report. Tell the officer everything you can remember about the accident. - Document the Scene
Take pictures of the damage to your car and of its surroundings. Pictures, along with a police report, are helpful for the adjuster when they investigate your claim. - Contact Your Insurance
Notify your insurance company or agent about the accident as soon as possible and file a claim.
How to Handle Hit and Run Claims
We know that filing any kind of auto insurance claim can be stressful. Our unique claims services will simplify the process, getting you back on the road in no time.
- File Your Claim
Please have your policy number ready. You can file a claim online or by contacting us or your agent directly. - Assignment and Tracking of the Claim
After you report your car insurance claim, you’ll receive a claim number to help track its progress. We’ll also assign you a friendly representative to answer any questions you may have. - Damage Evaluation
If your vehicle has damage and the applicable coverage applies, we offer these convenient options to get you back on the road as soon as possible:- CarPicsSM Photo Appraisals: Eliminate the need to schedule a claims inspection and receive your estimate within hours. You may even get paid that same day.*
- Crashbusters® Mobile Claim Service: Have a representative meet you to appraise the damage at a time and place that’s convenient for you, often issuing you a check on the spot.
- Door to Door Valet Claim Service®: Let us pick up your car and handle the repair process from start to finish. If you have rental coverage, we’ll even coordinate a rental car.
- Receive Your Claim Settlement
Based on your situation, Plymouth Rock may pay your claim to the repair shop or we may reimburse you directly. Your claim payment will be based on the terms and coverage in your car insurance policy.
Deductibles and Hit and Run Coverage
Damage to a parked car is covered under collision insurance, so you will need to pay your deductible before your insurance will start paying. A deductible is your share of the cost for a claim. A deductible is not the same as your premium, which is what you pay to maintain your policy.
Understanding Your Car Insurance Deductible
For example, say your collision deductible is $500, and it would cost $700 to repair. In this case, you would pay $500 and your insurance will cover the remaining cost.
Preventative Measures to Avoid Hit and Run Damage on a Parked Car
Park further away in a section of the lot without many cars. If possible, park in a spot where there aren’t spaces across from it. Avoid parking in the corners near the entrances or exits of the parking lot.
Defensive Parking: How to Prevent Your Car from Being Hit While Parked
Even if you park away from other cars, there are still some hazards to watch out for. Unfortunately, many people do not return their carts to the corral and leave them in the parking lot. Shopping carts can get blown by the wind and hit your car, so avoid spots where carts are lurking.
FAQs
It doesn’t matter if your car was in a parking lot or on the side of the road when it was hit.
In most cases, you will have to pay your deductible when you go through your own insurance. In the case of an accident with a driver who is uninsured or unidentified, you’re responsible for repairs for your own car.
* Certain restrictions apply.
