What to Do if Someone Hits Your Parked Car and Leaves

Coming back to find your parked car damaged with no note or sign of who did it is one of the most frustrating experiences a driver can face. Whether it’s a dented bumper, scratched door, or shattered mirror, a hit-and-run on a parked car can leave you feeling stuck and unsure of what to do next. This guide walks you through the steps to take right away, how to file a claim, and how your GEICO coverage may be able to help.

Immediate Steps After Discovering Someone Hit Your Parked Car

Finding your parked car damaged with no sign of the other driver can be a stressful situation, but taking the right steps immediately can make a big difference. Acting quickly can help support your insurance claim and increase the chances of identifying the person responsible.

Document the Scene

Begin by taking clear photos of the damage from different angles if safe to do so. Capture wide shots of your vehicle, close-ups of dents or scratches, and the surrounding area, including nearby vehicles, traffic signs, or anything that might help piece together what happened. Don’t forget to document any debris, paint transfer, or broken parts left at the scene.

Check for a Note

Before assuming the driver left without taking responsibility, check your windshield, driver’s side window, or dashboard for a note. If the driver did leave one, it should ideally include their name, contact information, and insurance details. Take a photo of the note and keep it in a safe place for your records.

Look for Witnesses

If you’re in a public place or parking lot, there’s a chance someone saw the collision. Ask nearby pedestrians, employees, or security personnel if they witnessed anything. If someone did see what happened, try to get their name and contact info, and write down their statement while the details are still fresh. If applicable, look around for any security cameras that may have caught the incident and write down the name and/or location of the camera.

Filing a Police Report

A police report provides a documented account of the hit-and-run, which can be helpful for both legal and insurance reasons. It shows that you took the proper steps after discovering the damage and gives your insurer a third-party record of the incident. Some states may even require a report for insurance purposes.

How to File a Police Report

If you're still at the scene, call the non-emergency police line and ask for an officer to come out. In some areas, especially if the damage is minor, you may need to file the report online or at a local station.

Be ready to provide the location, time of discovery, photos, and any witness information. Make sure to request a copy of the report or a case number—your insurance company may ask for it when you file your claim.

Understanding Insurance Coverage Options

When someone hits your parked car and leaves the scene, it can feel like you're left to pick up the pieces on your own. Fortunately, depending on your auto insurance policy, you may have coverage that can help cover the cost of repairs, even if the at-fault driver is never identified.

It’s important to understand how different types of car insurance coverage apply in a hit-and-run situation so you can take the right next steps and avoid unexpected expenses.

Collision Coverage

If your parked car is damaged in a hit-and-run, collision coverage is often your primary source of protection. This coverage helps pay for repairs or the replacement of your vehicle, even if the at-fault driver can’t be identified. You’ll typically need to pay your collision deductible, and then GEICO will cover the remaining costs up to your policy limit. Collision coverage isn’t required by law, but if you lease or finance your vehicle, it’s often mandatory. Without it, you’d likely have to pay for repairs out of pocket if the driver responsible isn’t found.

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage may step in when the other driver doesn’t have insurance, or when they leave the scene entirely. Because a hit-and-run driver is technically “uninsured” in the eyes of the law in some states, this coverage can sometimes help pay for the damage.

UMPD isn’t available in all states, and it may have limits or deductibles that apply, so it’s important to review your policy or speak with a GEICO agent to see if this coverage is included and how it applies in your state.

How Filing a Claim May Impact Auto Insurance Rates

It’s natural to wonder whether filing a hit-and-run claim will cause your insurance rates to go up. In general, if you’re not at fault, a single claim like this is less likely to have a significant impact on your premium, if any – though other factors may still influence your rate.

Insurance companies take a number of factors into account when determining premiums, such as your driving history, claim frequency, and state regulations. You can learn more about how accident claims may affect your rate and speak directly with a GEICO representative to understand your specific situation.

Navigating the Claims Process with GEICO

Once you’ve reported a hit-and-run, GEICO’s digital claims system makes it easy to take the next steps. From uploading photos to tracking your claim status, you can handle filing a claim online using GEICO’s online claim center.

Support is available if you need it - but the majority of claims can be filed and managed through GEICO’s self-service tools.

Providing Necessary Documentation

To help process your claim quickly and accurately, you’ll want to upload clear photos of the damage, the location of the incident, details from any witnesses, and a copy of the police report if one was filed. GEICO’s online claims process allows you to submit these materials directly through the claim center for faster review.

Understanding the Role of Your Claims Representative

While GEICO’s digital tools guide most customers through the claims process, support is available when needed. If your case requires further clarification, such as understanding coverage, scheduling repairs, or addressing more complex questions, a claims representative can step in to assist.

Paying for Repairs

If you have applicable coverage like collision or uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD), your insurance policy can help cover the cost of repairs, less any applicable deductible.

GEICO’s claims portal can help you understand what’s covered based on your policy. Your GEICO claims representative can also walk you through what’s covered and help you explore your payment options based on your policy.

Protecting Yourself After a Hit-and-Run

Discovering that someone has hit your parked car and left the scene is never a pleasant experience, but taking quick, informed action can make all the difference. And when you work with GEICO, you don’t have to go through it alone— our claims team is there to guide you through every step.

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GEICOs’ claim team is here for you 24/7 to help you file a claim, or provide support whenever you need it.