Imagine this: you walk back to your car, only to realize it's been damaged. It's not a pleasant situation at all. If you're lucky, the person who hit it left a note. If not, well, you're dealing with a hit-and-run. Either way, it’s the last thing you want to see when you return to your car. So, what should you do next if someone has hit your legally parked car? And how can your car insurance help? Let’s break it down.
What steps should I take if someone hits my parked car?
You’ve just finished your errands, only to come back and find your car has been hit. It's frustrating, but try not to panic! No matter the damage, the steps you'll take are pretty similar to handling any other car accident. Let's break it down into a couple of scenarios.
Scenario one: someone has hit your parked car but left a note
In the best-case scenario, someone hits your car but leaves a note, so you can easily get in touch and go through their insurance to handle the repairs. Sometimes, the person responsible will even wait around (which, legally, they should!), but a note is more common since they don't know how long you're going to be before you return to your car.
Usually, it'll be placed somewhere obvious, like under the windshield wiper. A good note will include the driver’s name, phone number, and licence plate number. Here's what you should do:
1. Gather as much information as possible
The more details you can collect, the better. Here’s what to document after the accident:
- The location of the accident
- Approximate time it happened
- The date
- The weather conditions
- Whether there were any potential witnesses
Next, take pictures of the damage for evidence. Taking photos is a great way to keep track of everything. Most of us have a camera right on our phones, so it's super easy. Here’s what to snap pictures of:
- The damage to your car
- Any debris left behind
- Markers that show the location
- Damage to nearby cars or anything else like tire marks
2. Contact the authorities
In some cases, reporting a car accident to the police is legally required. For instance, in Ontario, you're required to file a police report if the total damage between both vehicles is over $2000 or if anyone was injured.
If you estimate that the damage to your vehicle is worth more than $2,000, contact the police. However, if you believe the damage to your car is worth less than $2,000, head to your nearest accident reporting center. Or, if you can't drive, call a tow truck.
Then, give the person filing the report all the details you have. Show them the note, any pictures of the damage, and any witness statements, if available. They'll use that information to open a case and contact the other driver.
3. Contact your insurance company
If you plan to submit a claim through your car insurance, it's time to contact your insurance provider or broker. Share the same details with them, including the other driver’s contact information. Your insurance company will then connect with the other driver’s insurance company to sort out your claim.
If you're unsure whether you want to submit an insurance claim, reach out to your insurance broker. They can help you decide whether it's better to submit an insurance claim or fix the damage on your own.
Scenario two: someone has hit your parked car but has not left a note
While you'd like to think that anyone who hits your car would leave a note, hit-and-runs for parked cars are actually pretty common car accidents in Canada. If you find yourself dealing with one, here are some helpful steps to follow:
1. Gather as much information as possible
Just like we mentioned in the first scenario, you'll need to gather as much information as possible. You'll want to note down:
- The location of the accident
- Approximate time it happened
- The date
- The weather conditions
Also, if it was a recent hit, there may still be witnesses nearby, so don't forget to ask around and get their statements and contact information. If you're parked across from any restaurants or businesses, head inside and ask if anyone witnessed the accident.
Finally, you'll want to take several photos of the damage from multiple angles, as well as any debris on the ground, any damage to nearby vehicles, or any tire tracks leading away from the accident. If you can, try to take a picture of your vehicle with a location marker in the background to show where you are.
Pro tip: Look around for security cameras, especially in places like shopping malls or grocery store parking lots. You might be able to get footage if you're dealing with a hit-and-run.
2. Inform the police immediately
Now it's time to call the police.
If you feel the damage is worth less than $2,000, you might be tempted to just head to your nearest collision reporting centre; however, because this accident involves a hit-and-run criminal code offence, you need to call the police. Technically, you have 24 hours to report the accident, but it's best if they come to you at the accident site. When they arrive, give them all the details and photos you’ve gathered. They’ll likely check the area for evidence and talk to any witnesses if possible.
The responding officer will create an official accident report—make sure you ask for a copy for your records and insurance purposes. It’s also a good idea to get the officer’s name and badge number for reference.
3. Contact your insurance provider
After an accident, especially a hit-and-run, it’s really important to contact your insurance provider right away. Let them know from the start that it was a hit-and-run and that you’ve already filed an official police report. Give them all the same details you provided to the authorities.
Once they have that, they’ll create their own report, assess the situation, and conduct their own investigation. Your insurance broker will then let you know if they need any more information from you.
Who is at fault in a parking lot accident?
Sadly, parking lot accidents are actually pretty common. People often assume both drivers are automatically equally at fault if two cars collide in a parking lot accident. But that’s not true. Parking lot accidents are treated like any other accident—there are still right-of-way rules, traffic signs you must follow, and other laws that apply in a parking lot.
For example, if someone hits your legally parked vehicle, they will likely be found at fault. However, if you're parked illegally, you can be found partially or fully at fault. Insurance companies use fault determination rules to figure out who’s responsible. Just like with any other accident, they’ll gather statements, assess the damage or injuries, and decide who’s at fault based on the specifics of the situation.
In the case of a hit-and-run, leaving the scene of an accident is actually a crime, and anyone caught fleeing can face serious penalties, including fines or even jail time. By law, all drivers must stay at the scene of an accident, no matter who’s at fault.
How does a parked car accident affect your car insurance?
It depends on whether you're found at fault. As we mentioned, if someone hits your legally parked car, they’ll likely be found at fault. However, if you’re parked illegally, you could be held partially or even fully responsible.
If the other driver is fully at fault, then the accident won't affect your insurance premiums. The claim will be made through the other driver's insurance company and be placed on their driving record, not yours. However, if the insurance company determines that you were even partially at fault in any way for the accident, you could see a premium increase.
What type of car insurance covers parked car accidents?
If you discover that your parked car was involved in an accident, insurance should cover at least some, if not all, of the costs. Fortunately, a few types of auto insurance can help in situations like this.
When the other driver can be identified, their insurance should cover the damage to your car because they were at fault for the accident. It will fall under their third-party liability insurance, which covers any claims of third-party injuries or property damage, like your vehicle. Standard liability coverage limits vary by province, but most, like Ontario, require a minimum of $200,000.
If, for some reason, this doesn't cover the amount of damage done to your car, having uninsured motorist coverage can help offset the difference. This coverage is mandatory in several provinces, including Ontario. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if the other driver either does not have insurance or doesn't have enough insurance. It also covers hit-and-runs where the at-fault driver cannot be later identified.
And speaking of hit-and-run accidents, you may also want to have collision coverage. Collision coverage is optional and covers damage to your car if it’s hit by another vehicle or in a hit-and-run where the at-fault driver can’t be identified. Your insurer will pay to repair or replace your car, usually up to its actual cash value. However, you’ll need to pay your deductible before the coverage kicks in.
Are you in need of car insurance? BrokerLink can help
Getting auto insurance can feel overwhelming, which is why we recommend using a broker. An insurance broker takes care of the legwork for you so you can focus on what matters most. At BrokerLink, we compare different options to find the best price for a policy that fits your specific needs.
You can reach BrokerLink by phone or email or visit one of our locations across Canada. Plus, you can easily get a free car insurance quote using our online tool.
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Parking lot accident FAQs
Do I have to prove anything if my car got hit while parked?
If someone hits your parked car, you should document everything by taking photos and calling the police. You need a police report to file a claim with your insurance company.
My parked car got hit a few days ago while I was on vacation. Should I still call the police?
Yes, you should call the police as soon as you are aware of the incident.
My parked car got hit by a young person on ayoung on a bicycle and caused some damage. Will that be covered?
It depends on your level of coverage. Some policies might cover this damage, and others won’t. Contact your insurance broker to determine the exact type of coverage you have.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
