Someone Hit My Parked Car in Australia — What Do I Do Now?

You walk back to your car in a Geelong car park, shopping centre, or street, and there it is — a dent, a scrape, or worse. And nobody in sight.

It's a frustrating situation that happens to thousands of Australian drivers every year. The good news is there's a clear process for handling it, and your options are better than most people assume.

Here's exactly what to do.

Step 1 — Stay Calm and Don't Move Anything Yet

Before you touch anything or start making calls, take a moment to assess the scene and document it exactly as you found it.

Step 2 — Document Everything Thoroughly

This is the most important step — and the one most people do too quickly in the emotion of the moment.

Photograph:

• All damage to your vehicle from multiple angles — close up and from a distance
• The surrounding area, including nearby parked vehicles
• Any debris on the ground (paint chips, bumper fragments, broken glass)
• Any skid marks or scrapes on the ground
• The time and location (street signs, car park level signs)

If the other vehicle has left paint transfer on yours, photograph it clearly — the colour and type of paint can help identify the vehicle.

Check for a note. Most people who accidentally damage another vehicle do leave a note. Check your windscreen and wiper. If there's a note, photograph it before picking it up.

Step 3 — Look for Witnesses and CCTV

Car parks and busy streets often have CCTV cameras. Note the location — your insurer or police may be able to request footage. Some shopping centres will assist with CCTV access if you report the incident to their management.

Ask nearby businesses if they have external cameras. Ask people in the area if they witnessed anything.

If someone did witness the impact, get their name and phone number.

Step 4 — If the Other Driver Is Still Present

If the other driver is still at the scene — whether they left a note or are nearby:

• Get their full name, phone number, address, driver's licence number, and vehicle registration
• Note their insurance company and policy number if they'll provide it
• Take a photo of their licence and registration plates
• Be civil — this is a claim situation, not an argument

Do not accept cash on the spot without thinking it through. If the damage looks minor but turns out to be more significant than it appears (which is common with car park bumps), cash acceptance may forfeit your rights to make a claim for the full repair cost.

Step 5 — If It's a Hit and Run

If the other driver has left without providing details, you still have options.

Report to Victoria Police. You can report a hit and run online at police.vic.gov.au. While police won't always investigate minor car park damage, a police report establishes a record and is sometimes required by insurers for unidentified third-party claims.

Report to the car park or venue. Shopping centres and car parks often have incident reporting procedures. Approach customer service or management and ask for assistance accessing CCTV footage. Do this as soon as possible — footage may only be retained for a short period.

Contact your insurer. Most comprehensive insurance policies cover damage from unidentified vehicles, subject to your excess. This is typically treated as a not-at-fault claim and shouldn't affect your no-claims bonus — confirm this with your insurer.

Step 6 — Assess Whether to Claim on Insurance

This is the key decision point.

Claim on insurance if:

• Damage is significant and repair cost will clearly exceed your excess
• You've identified the other driver and they're disputing fault
• It's a hit and run and your insurer covers unidentified vehicle damage

Consider paying privately if:

• Damage is minor and repair cost is close to or below your excess
• You want to avoid any potential premium impact
• You've identified the other driver and they're willing to pay directly

At NGARC, we can give you a free assessment and written quote for the repair cost. This lets you make an informed decision about whether to claim before you commit to anything.

Step 7 — Getting the Repair Done

Once you've decided on your path, getting the repair done correctly is the priority.

For insurance claims, remember you have the right to choose your own repairer. You don't need to accept the shop your insurer nominates. See our full guide: Can I Choose My Own Panel Beater?

For private repairs, get two or three written quotes. Be wary of quotes that are dramatically cheaper than others — see our guide: Why Cheap Panel Beaters Cost You More.

Common Questions About Parked Car Damage

Will my premium go up if the other driver is at fault? Generally, no — a not-at-fault claim typically doesn't affect your no-claims bonus. Confirm this with your insurer as policy terms vary.

What if the other driver gave me false details? If you discover the details they provided don't match (e.g., the registration belongs to a different vehicle), contact police and your insurer. This is a legal matter and your insurer should handle it as a not-at-fault unidentified vehicle claim.

What if the damage is just a small scratch — is it worth claiming? Probably not if the repair cost is close to your excess. Get a free quote first so you know the actual number before making any decisions.

How long do I have to report the incident to my insurer? Most policies require "prompt" reporting — generally within 24–48 hours of discovery. Check your policy for the specific requirement. Don't sit on it.

Get a Free Assessment From NGARC

If you've come back to a damaged car and want to understand your options, call us before you do anything else. We'll assess the damage, provide a written quote, and help you understand whether to claim or pay privately.

There's no cost and no obligation.

03 4244 8938 | Book online | 6 Freedman St, North Geelong VIC 3215

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