You’ve just had a great night out with friends in the city and are walking back to your car when you discover that somebody has hit it, causing some damage. As you stand on the street looking at your previously undented vehicle, you wonder what to do. While we hope that this unfortunate occurrence never happens to you, here are some tips to follow in case you find yourself in such a situation.

Involve the Police

The moment you discover that an unknown person has hit your car and run away, be sure to notify the local police department right away. They will help you fill out an official report that will document the time, place and other circumstances involved in the incident. Even if the person who hit your vehicle is never found, having a police report is very important. Be sure to also write down the name and badge number of the police officer who helped you for your records.

Document the Scene

Before you leave the location at which your car was damaged, document the entire scene both on paper and in photographs. Write down the exact time you discovered the vehicle had been hit, the weather conditions, time of day etc. Then, take pictures of not only your car, but also the street and surrounding environment. While it’s easy to think that you will remember every detail about such a bad experience, time has a way of blurring the essential facts about a situation. Take a few minutes before you leave the scene to record all important facts about the incident.

Notify the Insurance Company

As soon as possible, call your insurance company and alert them that your car was damaged while you were away from it. The insurance company representative will help you file a claim and what you can expect from the claim submission process. Be sure to provide to the insurance company a copy of the police report, photographs and other information that you took the time to document.

Will Insurance Pay to Fix My Car?

The question of whether your insurance company will pay for a body shop to repair your car back to its pre-accident condition will largely depend on what kind of coverage you purchased. If you bought liability coverage only, any physical damage to the vehicle is not covered. However if you have a comprehensive and collision policy, the insurance company will cover the repairs, after you satisfy your deductible.  Another coverage that might come into play here would be uninsured motorists insurance that will pay for damage done by an uninsured or hit and run driver.

Contact Us Today

Since 1986, the friendly and professional staff at Insure On The Spot has helped over 1,000,000 families get the right auto coverage to suit their exact needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you find the perfect policy too!