Someone Hit Your Parked Car — Who Pays?

Walking out to your car and finding it dented, scraped, or worse — with no note in sight — is one of the most frustrating experiences for a driver. Whether it happened outside your apartment, in a store parking lot, or even on your own street, the question hits fast: Who's paying for this?

Here's what you need to know about what happens next — and how to protect yourself from getting stuck with the bill.

Start With What You Know

If you witnessed the accident or found a note with the other driver's information, you're in a better position than most. In these cases, the at-fault driver's liability insurance should cover the damage. That includes repairs and sometimes even a rental car while yours is in the shop.

Make sure to:

• Take photos of the damage and surrounding area.
• File a police report if required in your state (some insurers won't process claims without one).
• Contact the other driver's insurer directly to file the claim.

What If There's No Note?

Unfortunately, hit-and-runs on parked cars happen often — and when no one takes responsibility, things get trickier. That's where your own insurance coverage comes in.

If the other driver is unknown or uninsured, the following types of coverage can help:

• Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD): Available in some states, this can kick in if an unidentified or uninsured driver hits your car.
• Collision coverage: This pays for damage to your vehicle, no matter who's at fault — but you'll likely have to pay your deductible.
• Comprehensive coverage: While this usually covers non-collision incidents (like theft or vandalism), it may apply depending on how your insurer categorizes the event.

Check your policy or talk to your provider to understand what's covered — before you need it.

When You Might Be on the Hook

If you don't carry collision or uninsured motorist coverage, and the driver who hit you is never found, you might end up paying for repairs out of pocket. That's why having the right coverage matters — even for situations where you're not behind the wheel.

Also, keep in mind:

• Minor damage might cost less than your deductible, so it may not make sense to file a claim.
• Filing a claim could affect your premiums, depending on your insurer's rules and your claim history.

Don't Forget About Witnesses or Cameras

Before assuming you're out of luck, look around. Security cameras from nearby buildings or dash cams from other parked vehicles might have caught the incident. A neighbor, passerby, or store employee could also provide helpful info. If you find anything useful, pass it along to your insurer or the police.

The Bottom Line

A parked car accident can be both stressful and expensive — especially if the other driver doesn't take responsibility. But the right insurance coverage can save you from footing the entire bill yourself. Whether it's time to add collision coverage, increase your limits, or just shop around for a better policy, it's worth checking in.

And while you're thinking ahead, this is also a smart time to check in on your insurance policy. If your driving habits have changed, your coverage needs have shifted, or you just want to be ready for the unexpected, comparing quotes could reveal new ways to save — especially if you've gone a while without reviewing your policy.