Someone Hit My Parked Car — What Should I Do?

If you return to a damaged parked car, photograph the vehicle and surroundings before moving it if safe, look for notes or witnesses, identify possible CCTV and notify your insurer. If the other driver left without providing details, police reporting requirements may apply.

Photograph before cleaning or repairing

Start with safety. Stop somewhere safe where required and possible, check whether anyone needs urgent help and avoid creating a second hazard. Once the immediate situation is under control, record the date, time, exact location, vehicles involved and the basic sequence of events.

Where another driver does not provide details, note the registration number, vehicle description and direction of travel if you can do so safely. Never put yourself in danger to obtain evidence.

Look for identifying evidence

Record names, addresses and vehicle registration numbers where they are available and appropriate. Add insurer details, contact information, vehicle make and model, visible damage and any reference numbers you receive. Check spellings and registration characters carefully.

If information is unavailable, write that down rather than filling the gap from memory later.

Check for witnesses or CCTV

Take photographs only when it is safe. Useful images can include the wider scene, road or car-park layout, signs and markings, vehicle positions, registration plates and damage. Ask independent witnesses whether they are willing to provide contact details and note nearby CCTV or dashcam possibilities.

Preserve original images and messages. Do not crop or edit the only copy of evidence you may later need.

Notify the right organisations

Notify your insurer as required and keep the claim or notification reference with the incident record. Where police reporting is required, keep the police reference as well. Store later emails, repair information, estimates, medical or recovery documents and follow-up notes with the original incident.

Requirements vary by circumstances, so use official guidance and your insurer’s instructions for the particular event.