Parking Lot Scratch: What to Do When Someone Hits Your Car
You come back to your car and find a new scratch on the fender, a dent on the bumper, or a ding on the door. No note, no witness in sight. Here is exactly what to do — step by step.
Stay calm and document everything
Before touching anything, take photos:
- The damaged area, close-up.
- The full car in its surroundings.
- The parking space with its markings.
- The time on your phone visible in the frame (or make sure photo metadata and GPS are enabled).
These will be essential for your insurance claim and, if needed, a police report.
Look for witnesses or CCTV
Before you leave:
- Security cameras: Most mall, hospital, train station, and airport car parks have CCTV. Ask the car park operator or security staff whether cameras cover your spot.
- Direct witnesses: Security staff, parking attendants, cart collectors.
- Neighbouring cars: Check whether an adjacent vehicle has paint matching your car's colour on its bumper.
If you find footage or a witness, note their name and ask for a written copy of the video (operators may be obligated to provide it with a formal request).
File a joint damage report if the driver is found
If the responsible driver is still there:
- Insist on a joint damage report (in France: constat amiable européen). Never leave without one, even if the person says their insurance "will handle it."
- Note plate number, name, insurer, and policy number.
- If they refuse to cooperate, fill the form yourself noting their refusal, and call the police (17 in France).
Notify your insurer within 5 business days
Whether or not you identified the responsible driver, file a report within 5 business days. After that deadline, your insurer can legally refuse coverage.
Prepare:
- The joint damage report (or a detailed description of circumstances).
- Photos taken on site.
- Any police report reference number.
Which cover applies? If the driver is identified: their third-party liability covers your repairs. If unknown or fled: your collision or comprehensive cover applies with your excess. Third-party-only policies won't cover you if the driver can't be found.
File a police report if they drove off
Hit and run is a criminal offence (in France: art. L. 231-1 of the Highway Code), even in a private car park open to public traffic. You can report it:
- At a police station or gendarmerie, for a formal complaint or logbook entry.
- Online for property damage with no injuries (in France: masecurite.fr).
A report activates any camera investigation and formally documents your insurance file.
Prevent it from happening again
- Dashcam in parking mode: Some models stay on standby and capture the hit. Under €100 for a basic model.
- Anonymous contact QR code: If you were ever the driver at fault, a windshield QR code like Klaxie lets the affected driver contact you directly — without either party sharing their phone number.
- Covered or surveilled parking: For valuable vehicles, choose car parks that clearly advertise CCTV.
Want people to be able to reach you if something happens to your parked car? Discover Klaxie — the QR code that connects you without exposing your number.
Read next: Find the owner of an illegally parked car · QR code on windshield: is it legal?
