Hit a parked car?

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I have collided with a stationary vehicle. What steps should I take? In such a situation, there are right and wrong actions to take. Let’s explore the right course of action…

What to do if you hit a parked car

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of colliding with a parked car, take a deep breath – such incidents are more common than you might think. Remember, just like any other vehicular mishap, there’s an appropriate protocol to handle the aftermath.

It’s important to resist the temptation of leaving the scene, as that could lead to legal consequences. Instead, adhere to these steps to navigate the situation responsibly and ethically.

1. Stop

If there’s any sort of incident, even a small one, make sure you don’t just drive away. Remember, it’s the law! According to Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act, if you’re in an accident that hurts someone or damages another vehicle, property, or even an animal, you have to stop.

If you don’t, you could get into trouble with the law. Find a safe spot to pull over, turn off your car, and turn on your hazard lights. It’s not just a legal requirement – it’s about looking out for everyone’s safety and doing the right thing.

2. Leave your details

Remember to share your name and address, as well as your car’s registration number – these details are crucial. And if you’re driving someone else’s car, don’t forget to leave their information too – it’s all about being thorough!

If you find yourself in a situation where the driver of the parked car is nowhere to be found and you’re unable to leave your info, don’t worry. Call 101, which is the non-emergency police number.

This way, you’re taking the right steps to make sure the incident is properly reported, even if you can’t do it in person.

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3. Report the incident

Remember, if you’ve been involved in an accident, it’s crucial to inform the police as soon as possible. According to the Road Traffic Act, you have a window of 24 hours to do this.

Save 999 for real emergencies – for this situation, you’ll want to call 101 instead. It’s the non-emergency police number and they’re there to help you out without tying up emergency lines.

Your timely report ensures that the right people are involved and can take appropriate action.

4. Take notes

Take a moment to record key details that could come in handy when dealing with insurance matters. It’s a good idea to note down the exact time, date, and location of the incident, as well as any relevant weather conditions at the time.

Documenting the extent of the damage with photos is also helpful. If you don’t have access to a camera phone, consider getting the contact information of a potential witness who could corroborate your account of the events.

In case that’s not possible, a quick sketch outlining the sequence of events might also prove beneficial.

These efforts can significantly contribute to a clearer understanding of the situation should any disputes or claims arise.

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5. Contact your insurance provider

Reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible – this step is essential, even if you’re not intending on making a claim. Provide them with the relevant details, including any photographs you’ve taken and the contact information of any potential witnesses.

In scenarios where the damage is relatively minor, such as a small scratch or a chipped wing mirror, you might opt not to proceed with a claim. This decision stems from the understanding that making a claim for minor damages could potentially result in an increase in your insurance premium for the following year.

Interestingly, approximately two-thirds of drivers in the UK have encountered incidents involving their vehicles while parked in car parks. This situation is quite common, so there’s no need to feel overly concerned. What truly matters is taking the appropriate actions when faced with such circumstances while driving.

Did you know?

Damage sustained while a vehicle is parked ranks among the most frequent causes of car insurance claims in the UK. Classic examples include accidentally denting another car while opening your own door in a parking lot or grazing a parked vehicle while manoeuvring out of a tight spot.

Further examples include rear-end collisions and damage to windshields. These insights underscore the importance of both proactive driving and responsible parking practices.

What happens if you hit a parked car and drive off? 

If you choose not to stop, it’s highly likely that the Police will get in touch with you. It’s worth noting that the situation could involve CCTV or bystanders who can establish your presence at the site of the incident.

Even if you happen to collide with a vehicle on an isolated night-time street, it’s crucial to either provide your contact information or promptly report the occurrence.

Failing to take these steps could lead to potential legal consequences. You might find yourself facing charges for careless driving, as well as violations for neglecting to stop and failing to report the accident.

These offences carry weighty penalties, both in terms of fines and the accumulation of penalty points on your driving record.

Remember, the responsible course of action isn’t solely about adhering to the law – it’s also about upholding ethical standards and ensuring the safety and security of all road users.

So, in the event of any accident, even if it involves a parked car, make sure you take the necessary steps to address the situation appropriately.

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What should I do if someone hits my parked car and drives away?

If you discover that your parked car has been hit and the responsible party has left without leaving any contact information, the first action to take is to get in touch with your insurance provider.

It’s essential to inform them about any damage, even if you don’t have immediate plans to file a claim. Neglecting to do so might inadvertently invalidate your insurance.

In the event that you opt to proceed with making an insurance claim, it’s crucial to get as much information pertaining to the incident. Reach out to people in the vicinity to see if anyone witnessed the collision, and be sure to capture photographs of the damage.

Additionally, it’s worth investigating whether there is any CCTV in the area that might have captured footage of the accident. Local establishments, like nearby shops, could potentially provide assistance by sharing CCTV recordings.

Always remember to document the precise time and date, as well as the exact location where your car was parked at the time of the collision. Within a 24-hour timeframe, it’s important to contact the non-emergency police number 101 to report the incident.

This proactive approach helps ensure that proper documentation is established and that the authorities are aware of the situation. By taking these measures, you’re both safeguarding your rights and contributing to the overall integrity of the road safety ecosystem.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I don’t tell my insurance company about damage to my car?

Should you choose not to notify your insurance company about any damage sustained while your car was parked or in the aftermath of a collision with a parked car, there’s a possibility that your insurance cover could be invalidated.

This could potentially lead to a situation where you’re required to cover repair expenses out of your own pocket for future claims, irrespective of whether the fault lies with you or not.

Will my insurance go up if I hit a parked car?

Yes, it is highly likely your insurance premium increase, even in the scenario where you do not make a claim.

The rationale behind this is rooted in the increased probability of your being involved in a future accident and subsequently making a claim.

Will I lose my no-claims bonus if someone hits my parked car?

In the event that you make an insurance claim for any damage sustained by your parked car, there’s a strong possibility that your no-claims bonus could be lost, even if the fault doesn’t lie with you.

Is it illegal to not give your details after hitting a parked car?

Yes, it is considered illegal for a driver to hit a parked car and neglect to provide their details, as per Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act.

Upon causing damage to another vehicle, it is mandatory for drivers to stop and share their name and address, along with pertinent information about their own vehicle.

Additionally, if the owner of the parked car is not present, drivers are obligated to provide details about the owner’s name and address. This legal requirement is designed to ensure transparency and accountability in cases of vehicle damage.

What are the penalties for driving away after hitting a parked car?

Leaving the scene without stopping to provide your information after hitting a car constitutes a ‘hit and run‘ offence.

The repercussions for this offence are quite substantial. If found guilty, you might be subject to a significant fine, potentially amounting to £5,000.

Additionally, your driving record could incur a penalty of five to ten points, and in more serious cases, you could even face a prison sentence of up to six months.

These penalties underscore the seriousness with which hit-and-run incidents are treated, emphasising the importance of responsible behaviour in the event of any accident involving a parked car.