Discovering that someone has hit your car in a parking lot is frustrating. But even worse – if they hit and run but fail to leave a note. However, it’s important to stay calm and take the right steps to protect yourself and your vehicle. In this blog post, we will discuss what to do if someone hits your car in a parking lot and flees the scene without leaving their insurance information.
Assess the Damage
The first step is to assess the damage to your vehicle. Make note of the location and extent of the damage and take photos for documentation. This will be important when you file an insurance claim.
Look for Witnesses and CCTV
Walk around the area and ask to see if anyone saw the accident. Look for witnesses who may have seen the accident occur, or who may have watched the other driver leaving the scene. Obtaining contact information for witnesses will aid when filing an insurance claim. Also, don’t forget that many parking lots are equipped with security cameras. Check with the property owner or manager to see if there are any cameras that may have captured the accident. If there is footage of the incident, it can be used as evidence to support your insurance claim.
Contact Police
If the damage to your vehicle is significant, or if you suspect a crime has been committed, contact the police immediately. They can take a report and investigate the incident. Additionally, if you file an insurance claim, a police report can help support your claim.
File an Insurance Claim
If the other driver is not identified, or if you manage to locate them and determine they do not have insurance, file a claim with your own insurance company. Provide them with all the information you have gathered, including witness statements, video evidence, photos, and police reports. Your insurance company will investigate the claim and determine if they will cover the damage.
Check Out Hit and Run Reward Programs
Many cities and states offer hit and run reward programs. These programs offer a reward to anyone who provides information that leads to the identification and conviction of a hit and run driver. Contact local law enforcement agency or department of motor vehicles to see if there is a program available in your area.
Being the victim of a hit and run accident in a parking lot can be frustrating, but it is important to stay calm and take the right steps to protect yourself and your vehicle. Assess the damage, look for witnesses, contact the police, check for security cameras, file an insurance claim, and consider a hit and run reward program. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of identifying the driver and obtaining compensation for the damage to your vehicle.
About DG Collision Center in Covina, California 
If your car has big dents or little dings, we would love to help restore it to perfect condition. DG Collision Center in Covina, California is your one-stop-shop in Covina for auto body repair after car accidents. Our highly trained team includes specialized technicians. We work directly with all insurance companies. This enables our customers to file a claim without even needing to be present. Additionally, if you don’t want to leave your home in Covina right after the accident, you can request an online estimate for auto body repairs or any other auto restorations. We have a smartphone app that allows us to provide estimates without coming to your home or place of business. We pride ourselves in providing excellent service.