Hit-and-Run Parking Damage: If Nobody Reports the Damage
You get into your car in the morning – and discover a scratch, a dent or even a mirror housing that has been ripped out. No note, no information – the person who caused the damage has simply disappeared. Now what?
Such cases are not uncommon. “My parked car has been damaged, perpetrator unknown” is one of the most common claims made to motor insurance companies. In this blog post, you will find out what to do in the event of a hit-and-run, who pays and what rights you have as the injured party.
We also clarify whether you will be upgraded, which insurance company is responsible – and how such cases, even with total losses, can be settled via providers such as Copart.
What Exactly Is a Hit-and-Run in the Event of Parking Damage?
A hit and run – or officially “unauthorized removal from the scene of an accident” (§ 142 StGB) – is when someone causes an accident and then leaves the scene without leaving their personal details or informing the police.
A classic case: Someone hits your car while pulling out of a parking space and disappears without reporting it.
Important: Even small dents or scratches are legally considered accident damage – hit and run is always a criminal offense, regardless of the amount of damage.
What to Do if You Hit and Run? The Most Important Steps
If you discover that your car has been damaged and the person responsible is not known:
- Secure the Scene of the Accident and Take Photos: Take pictures of the damage, location, surroundings and all traces (e.g. paint residue, tire marks).
- Inform the Police: It is also important to report minor damage. The police will officially document the incident.
- Look for Witnesses: Perhaps someone witnessed the incident or a note was removed. Neighbors, passers-by or surveillance cameras can help.
- Report the Damage to the Insurance Company: Inform your car insurance company promptly, even if it is still unclear who caused the accident.
Who Pays in the Event of Hit-and-Run Parking Damage?
If the person who caused the damage cannot be identified, the question arises: who will pay the costs?
- Partial Casco: Not responsible – parking damage caused by unknown third parties is not covered.
- Fully Comprehensive Insurance: Yes – here the insurance will cover you if the person who caused the damage flees. However, you may have to pay an excess and your no-claims bonus will be upgraded.
- Liability Insurance: Only responsible if you yourself were the cause – not for damage to your own parked vehicle.
Tip: Check carefully whether fully comprehensive cover is an option for you – especially for new cars or valuable used cars, this is worthwhile in the event of a hit-and-run.
Are You Upgraded in the Event of a Hit-and-Run Accident?
As the injured party: Only if you make a claim on your fully comprehensive insurance.
If your vehicle is damaged by a hit-and-run driver and you do not report the damage to the insurance company but bear the costs yourself, you will not be upgraded.
The situation is different if you settle the claim via your fully comprehensive insurance – in this case, you may be upgraded despite not being at fault, as your insurance company will make a claim.
What does upgrading mean?
If you are upgraded, you will be downgraded to a lower no-claims bonus class.
→ This usually leads to a higher insurance premium, as you will be considered a higher risk in future – even if you did not cause the damage yourself.
The exact downgrading depends on the insurance contract, the tariff and your previous class.
What Can I Do as the Injured Party in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
- You must report the accident to the police – even if you have no witnesses.
- Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible – ideally on the same day.
- If the damage is high, obtain an expert opinion if necessary – this is helpful if the settlement is unclear.
- Keep receipts and photos in a safe place – in case the person who caused the damage contacts you later.
- Observe deadlines – with many insurers, the damage must be reported within 7 days.
What if the Damage Is a Total Loss?
In particularly serious cases – e.g. if your parked car has been economically destroyed in a hit-and-run accident – the insurance company may release the vehicle for recovery.
In these cases, a partner like Copart often takes over the further processing. Copart specializes in the professional marketing of the residual value of damaged vehicles and works closely with many insurers.
Your vehicle is then auctioned digitally, the proceeds go to the insurance company and you receive the corresponding payout amount based on the replacement value.
For you, this means that you do not have to take care of the processing or sale yourself – the insurance company handles the process in cooperation with Copart.
Conclusion: Hit-and-Runs Are Annoying – but You Are Not Powerless
A hit-and-run parking damage is not only annoying, but can also be expensive – especially without comprehensive insurance. But with the right approach, you can safeguard your claims and increase the chances of the damage being settled.
Important: Document everything carefully, report the incident immediately and seek advice if necessary. In the event of a total loss, your insurance company will work with service providers such as Copart to ensure professional handling.
FAQs on the Subject of Hit-and-Run & Parking Damage
What can I do if someone damages my car and takes off?
Call the police, take photos, look for witnesses and report the damage to the insurance company.
Who pays for a hit and run?
Comprehensive insurance – if available. Partial cover is not sufficient.
What does the insurance company pay for hit-and-run parking damage?
The repair costs minus the excess, possibly also the replacement value in the event of a total loss.
Are you upgraded as the injured party?
Not automatically – you can only be upgraded if you have your own comprehensive insurance.
How does the total loss process work?
The insurance company releases the vehicle, Copart takes over the marketing of the residual value if necessary, and you receive the amount paid out.
