What to Do After Hitting a Car in a Parking Lot

Hitting a car in a parking lot can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if it's your first time being involved in such an incident. Here, we'll guide you through the steps to take, ensuring you handle the situation properly and legally.

Understanding the Implications of a Scratch

Although a scratch might seem minor, it can still carry significant costs. Depending on the damage to the vehicle, the paint may need repainting, which can cost thousands of dollars. Even a minor scratch may be enough to trigger the need for a police report. The Criminal Code of Canada requires that all traffic accidents resulting in property damage, no matter how small, must be reported to the authorities. However, it's often unnecessary to have the police physically present at the scene. Instead, you should report the incident to the other party or involve the insurance company.

Reporting the Incident and Providing Insurance Information

When the other party requests your contact information, it's a sign that they are concerned about the damage to their vehicle. You should provide them with your insurance company's name and policy number. It's essential to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. They will guide you through the necessary procedures, including providing evidence of insurance.

Always be honest and upfront with your insurance provider. Avoid admitting liability at the scene, as this can have legal implications. Let the insurance companies handle the claim process, as they will assess the damage and determine responsibility based on the evidence gathered.

Insurance Claims and Cost Sharing

If the damage is covered by third-party property damage or comprehensive insurance, your insurance provider will likely cover the repair costs. If you have only CTP (Compulsory Third-Party) insurance, which only covers the other party's bodily injury and not property damage, you might be responsible for the repairs yourself.

There are a few scenarios where the cost could fall to you:

If the other party does not have any form of vehicle insurance. If they have insurance but are unable to submit a claim or if their insurance does not cover property damage. If the repair costs exceed the insurance coverage limit.

In some cases, you might be able to offer to buff out the scratch if it's minor and visible. However, always let a professional handle major repairs to ensure the result looks natural and professional.

Handling Alignment Issues Quietly

In some incidents, the damage might not be immediately visible, like an alignment issue. This can arise from the collision, and while it might not be noticeable, it's still a form of damage that needs to be reported. It's your legal responsibility to report any accident, even if it appears to be minor. Failing to do so can lead to legal consequences, such as fines or penalties.

To summary, maintain integrity, report the accident, and engage your insurance company to manage the process. Being proactive and thorough will help you navigate the situation with minimal stress and risk.

ldquo;When two 2000-pound objects collide, there is always some damage. A scratch IS damage. - Under any circumstances, do not ignore a reported collision, and always follow through with proper documentation and reporting procedures.