Do you have to pay a deductible if someone hits your parked car?

Asked by: Prof. Hilbert Mueller  |  Last update: March 5, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (2 votes)

Damage to a parked car is covered under collision insurance, so you will need to pay your deductible before your insurance will start paying. A deductible is your share of the cost for a claim. A deductible is not the same as your premium, which is what you pay to maintain your policy.

Why do I have to pay deductible when it's not my fault?

Your deductible is owed regardless of fault. It's purpose is to deter insureds from filing a claim for anything and everything under the sun and doesn't take liability/negligence into consideration.

Should I file an insurance claim if I am not at fault?

Always File a Claim, Regardless of Who Was At-Fault

One of the primary questions we receive from clients who have been in an accident is whether they should report the accident to their own auto insurance carrier, particularly when the accident was not their fault. And the answer to that question is: always.

What to do if you lightly hit a parked car?

What to Do After Hitting a Parked or Unattended Vehicle
  1. Pull Over and Check for Injuries.
  2. Take Photos.
  3. Try to Find the Owner.
  4. Leave a Note on the Car.
  5. Contact Your Insurance Company.
  6. Legal Disclaimer.

Can I sue someone for hitting my parked car without insurance?

1. Yes, you can sue someone who does not have insurance, if you can prove liability from the person. 2. Can you prove he did it? Do you have witnesses, photos, license plate, contact information, a police report, etc. (most likely small claims case. Btw you can not have an attorney represent you in small claims...) 4.

Do I Have To Pay Deductible If My Car Is Hit While Parked?

20 related questions found

Do I have to pay a deductible if someone hits my parked car?

With both collision and uninsured motorist property damage coverage, you may be responsible for paying a deductible before your insurance provider will help pay for the damage. Your coverage will also be subject to your policy limits, which is the maximum amount your insurance will pay for a covered claim.

Is it worth suing an uninsured driver?

However, bringing a lawsuit directly against the uninsured driver will likely be a waste of time since, chances are, they will not be able to pay for your losses without insurance coverage.

What happens if you hit someone's car and there's no damage?

Technically speaking, without damage to a parked vehicle, there's probably no hit and run crime, and there's no financial responsibility to assume. Your obligation to stop, find the vehicle owner, leave a note, and/or report the accident all presume that the vehicle was damaged when you hit it.

What happens if you scratch someone's car and leave it?

If you hit a parked car and leave, a police officer can use witnesses, surveillance footage, your license plate, and other evidence to identify and arrest you.

What to do if someone claims you hit their car?

What to Do If Someone Falsely Claims You Hit Their Car
  1. Evaluate the Situation.
  2. Speak to the Other Party Politely.
  3. Take Photos and Videos.
  4. Gather Witnesses.
  5. Check for Nearby Cameras.
  6. Report the Incident.
  7. Explain Your Side Clearly.
  8. When to Consult an Attorney.

Do I have to pay deductible if I was not at fault progressive?

If a driver hits you, your collision coverage will still cover the damage to your vehicle, but you won't have to pay your deductible. In some states, the driver must also be uninsured for a CDW to apply.

Will my insurance go up if I'm not at fault?

California law prevents insurance companies from increasing your rates for accidents where you are not considered principally at fault.

What happens if I don't call my insurance after an accident?

There is no California law per se about notifying your insurance company after a collision, but your auto insurance policy is a contract. When you signed it, you agreed to the stipulations in the contract, which will almost certainly include the requirement to notify the insurance company promptly after an accident.

Do I have to pay deductible if I was not at fault AAA?

For collision claims, the deductible generally applies. In most markets, when you're not at fault for an accident, we can waive the deductible if we can identify the other party, that they're at fault, and their insurance carrier confirms they have valid liability coverage for the accident.

Do I have to pay deductible if I was not at fault with Allstate?

Your collision coverage helps pay to repair damage to your vehicle, regardless of who's at fault. Keep in mind you'll have to pay your deductible.

Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?

Remember that filing small claims may affect how much you have to pay for insurance later. Switching from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can save as much as 20 percent on the cost of your insurance premium payments.

Is it worth reporting a scratch on a car?

If the repair costs are less than your car insurance deductible, it makes sense to pay for the damage out of pocket. On the other hand, if the damage is more extensive and costly, it may make sense to file a claim for any dents or scratches that need to be repaired.

What to do if someone marked my car?

If you observe any suspicious marks on your car, swift action is essential. Begin by documenting these markings through photographs, ensuring you capture the details comprehensively. Subsequently, report the incident to the local police, providing them with the visual evidence to aid their investigation.

Is tapping a bumper considered an accident?

Yes, even a minor bumper tap is considered an accident.

Serious accidents, on the other hand, can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. The extent of the impact and resulting injuries differentiates these categories.

What to do if someone scratches your car while parked?

Don't leave the scene or move your car. Locate the person who hit your car and exchange information (if possible) Take photos and contact the authorities to file a police report. Contact your insurer and file a claim if necessary.

Does insurance cover if I hit my car?

If you have collision coverage, you're typically covered for damaging your own car. For instance, if you run into an object or other vehicle (even another of your vehicles), you can claim it on your insurance like any other car accident.

What to write when you hit a parked car?

Leave a note.

If you're unable to learn the other driver, jot down basic information — your name, phone number and a brief explanation of the accident — and place it in a secure spot on the car. Write down the license plate number and take a photo of the damage if you have a camera or smartphone with you.

How do insurance companies go after uninsured drivers?

Subrogation is a legal concept where the insurance company steps into the shoes of the insured to recover the costs of the claim from the party at fault. If the at-fault party is uninsured, the insurer may pursue subrogation against the driver personally.

Is it worth suing someone with no money?

Essentially, you might think suing someone with no money is futile, but that's not the case. The law protects your rights and allows you to seek compensation if someone causes you harm or loss, regardless of their financial status.

Can I sue if I didn't have insurance?

The fact that you don't have car insurance doesn't mean you are automatically responsible for the accident. Sure, it's against the law to drive without insurance, but you can still sue when you're injured by another driver in most states.