Discovering your car has been damaged while parked can be frustrating and stressful. Whether the driver is present or has left the scene, knowing what to do when someone hits your parked car in Australia can make all the difference in handling the situation calmly and efficiently. This guide outlines the necessary steps to take, your legal rights, and how support services can help streamline the claims process.
Immediate Actions to Take
Responding promptly and correctly can help ensure a smoother resolution, reduce stress, and protect your legal and insurance rights. Acting quickly also increases the chance of identifying the responsible driver and collecting accurate information. Whether it’s checking for damage, securing evidence, or contacting authorities, your initial response plays a crucial role in the outcome of the incident.
Assess the Situation
Ensure Safety and Stay Calm
Before approaching your vehicle, assess your surroundings. Ensure you are not in any immediate danger from passing traffic. Stay calm and avoid jumping to conclusions, especially if another party is nearby. If the car is in a public location, such as a shopping centre or street-side parking area, take a few moments to observe the area and make a mental note of any people or vehicles that may be connected to the incident.
Check for Injuries
If you or someone else was in the car at the time of impact, check for any injuries. Call emergency services if necessary. Even if injuries aren’t immediately visible, it’s wise to seek medical attention as a precaution. Internal injuries or shock may not be apparent at first and can have long-term effects if untreated. Keep in mind that documenting any injuries early also supports future insurance or legal claims.
Document the Incident
Photograph the Damage
One piece of information you should collect after the car accident is photos of your vehicle from multiple angles. Include close-ups of the damage, wide shots of the surrounding area, and any signs left by the other driver, such as a note or vehicle debris. Capture landmarks, signage, and road conditions as they can provide useful context. If there are any skid marks, broken glass, or paint transfer, make sure to photograph these as well.
Note the Date, Time, and Location
Accurately record when and where the incident occurred. This information is essential for police and insurance reports. Use your smartphone to record the details or write them down in a notebook if you prefer. Check nearby businesses for CCTV cameras that may have captured the event. Surveillance footage can be instrumental in identifying the vehicle responsible.
Engaging with the Responsible Party
How you respond depends on whether the other driver is still at the scene. Your next steps will vary based on whether you can engage with the at-fault driver or need to begin gathering evidence for a potential hit-and-run situation. Being prepared for either scenario will help you act confidently and protect your legal position.
If the At-Fault Driver Is Present
Exchange Contact and Insurance Details
Request their name, contact number, driver’s licence details, and insurance provider. Be respectful and document their vehicle registration as well. Confirm the information by sighting their licence and insurance card if possible. If your car is leased or financed, notify your provider of the incident immediately, as there may be reporting obligations.
Avoid Admitting Fault
Do not make statements that suggest blame, even if you are trying to be polite. Simply gather information and leave the assessment to authorities or insurers. Avoid emotional reactions or accusations that may escalate the situation. Stay focused on collecting the necessary details, and if you feel uncomfortable, wait for the police to arrive or contact them directly.
If the At-Fault Driver Is Absent
Check if the Driver Left a Note
In Australia, it’s a legal obligation for drivers to leave their contact details after damaging a parked car. A note should include their name, phone number, and licence plate. If there is no note, the incident could be classified as a hit and run parked car no witness case. This can significantly complicate the claims process and may require police involvement and additional investigation.
Seek Witness Statements
Speak with any passers-by, shopkeepers, or nearby residents who might have seen the incident. Ask if they noted a registration number or have security footage. Some witnesses may have taken photos or videos. If a witness is willing, take down their contact details and a short written or recorded statement. This information can be valuable when filing police and insurance reports.
Reporting the Incident
Reporting ensures the incident is officially recorded and may help track down the responsible driver. A formal record provides important documentation of the event, which is vital not only for identifying the at-fault party but also for strengthening your insurance claim. Timely reporting shows that you’ve taken the appropriate steps as a responsible vehicle owner and can help prevent issues if legal action or claim disputes arise later on. Even in minor cases, it’s wise to report the incident to ensure every detail is documented accurately.
Filing a Police Report
When It’s Necessary
You should report the incident to the police if the other driver fled the scene, if the damage is significant, or if you feel threatened. A report is essential in someone hit my car and drove off scenarios, especially where no contact details were left. In Australia, failure to report a serious incident can lead to complications in the claims process or legal penalties. It’s advisable to file a report within 24 hours of discovering the damage.
How It Assists in the Claims Process
An official police report supports your insurance claim and helps document your non-fault position. In some states, a report is mandatory for claims involving uninsured or unknown drivers. The report provides credibility and structure to your claim, showing that you took all reasonable steps to document and report the event. It may also help with recovering excess charges if the at-fault party is later identified.
Notifying Your Insurance Provider
Understanding Your Coverage
Contact your insurer as soon as possible. Whether your policy is third-party or comprehensive affects how your claim is handled. If you’re not at fault, your insurer may recover costs from the responsible party’s insurer. Some policies also cover you for not-at-fault car accidents, meaning your premiums and no-claims discount may be protected in certain situations. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for policy-specific inclusions.
The Claims Procedure
Provide all gathered information: photographs, police reports, and witness details. Your insurer will guide you through the next steps, including assessing the damage and arranging repairs or replacement. In many cases, you will be assigned a claims manager who coordinates the process. Keep records of all communications and follow up if you don’t receive timely updates. If the at-fault driver cannot be identified, you may need to pay an excess depending on your policy.
How I’m in the Right Can Assist You
Accidents involving parked cars can be frustrating, especially when the other driver has fled. If you’re not at fault, I’m In The Right can support you with a replacement vehicle and help manage your claim. We work alongside Spectre Law to provide efficient legal and insurance support, ensuring you’re back on the road as soon as possible. With a national fleet of over 900 vehicles, we offer quick assistance whether your car was damaged in a suburb, shopping centre, or business district.
Founded by two brothers with just five cars, I’m In The Right is now one of Australia’s largest providers of accident replacement vehicles. Our goal is to make post-accident recovery simple and stress-free. Contact us to get help after your parked car is hit.
