If Someone Hits My Parked Car, Is It Collision or Comprehensive?

When a parked car sustains damage, understanding which type of auto insurance coverage applies can be confusing for vehicle owners. The type of incident, whether a collision or a non-collision event, determines the relevant coverage.

Understanding Collision Coverage

Collision coverage covers damage to your vehicle. This coverage typically applies when your car collides with another vehicle or an object. It provides financial protection for repairs or replacement regardless of who was at fault for the incident.

Scenarios where collision coverage would apply include hitting a parked car, colliding with a fence, or rolling your vehicle over. Even damage from hitting a large pothole can fall under collision coverage. Collision coverage is often a requirement if you have a loan or lease on your vehicle. When filing a collision claim, a deductible, typically ranging from $250 to $1,000, will apply, which is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage begins.

Understanding Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage, also known as “other than collision” coverage, protects your vehicle from damage caused by events not involving a collision with another vehicle or object. This coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement of your vehicle due to such occurrences.

Common events covered by comprehensive insurance include theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters like hail, floods, or windstorms. It also extends to damage from falling objects, such as a tree limb, or from hitting an animal. Like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage is usually optional unless your vehicle is financed or leased, in which case lenders often require it. Comprehensive claims are also subject to a deductible, which can range from $100 to $2,000.

Determining Coverage for Parked Car Damage

When your parked car is damaged, the type of insurance coverage that applies depends on the circumstances of the incident. If another identifiable vehicle strikes your parked car, the damage typically falls under your collision coverage. While the at-fault driver’s property damage liability insurance should primarily cover the costs, your collision coverage can pay for repairs, and your insurer may then seek reimbursement from the other party’s insurance.

A hit-and-run incident is a common scenario for parked car damage. In these cases, your collision coverage will often cover the repairs to your vehicle. Alternatively, Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage might apply for hit-and-runs. UMPD coverage typically has a property damage limit, which can be around $3,500 in some jurisdictions.

If the damage to your parked car results from a non-collision event, comprehensive coverage is usually applicable. This includes damage from acts of vandalism, such as keying or slashed tires, or from a tree falling onto your vehicle. Damage caused by natural events like hail, fire, or even hitting an animal, also falls under comprehensive coverage.

Filing a Claim and Next Steps

Upon discovering damage to your parked car, immediate documentation is important. Take clear photographs of the damage from various angles, capture images of the surrounding area, and note any debris present. If the at-fault driver is present, gather their contact and insurance information. File a police report, especially for hit-and-run incidents or if the damage exceeds a certain monetary threshold, which can range from $1,000 to $1,500 depending on the jurisdiction.

Next, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the incident. Provide them with all the information you have gathered, including photos and any police report details. Your insurer will typically assign a claims adjuster to assess the damage and guide you through the process. Remember that you will be responsible for paying your policy’s deductible before your insurance coverage pays for the remaining approved repair costs, up to your policy’s limit which is often the actual cash value of your vehicle. If another driver is found to be at fault, their liability insurance should cover the damage, and your deductible may be waived or reimbursed by your insurer.