Insurance specialist
What do you think if you arrive at your parked car and see it damaged? Don’t be upset as car insurance is going to take care of it and reimburse you, of course, if your policy provides such a service. Here is the type of coverage you take, which will decide whether or not your insurance company covers it and if yes, the amount you pay out of pocket. Some policies contain the required protection for parked car damage, while others need an extra one. Recently, the most frequent car repair costs have reached nearly $550. Therefore, the damage is a very important element of the variation in the cost of repair. It might depend on the type and scope of damage, too.
Companies are not out of the game yet. They still find new ways to cover cars without even being in motion. Along with the removal, the knowledge of coverage types and the way they operate will guide you in making sensible choices for your insurance package.
Best Car Insurance Companies in 2025
What Types of Car Insurance Cover Parked Car Damage?
Several car insurances can cover damage to parked vehicles. These options help you choose the best protection against such losses.
1. Collision Coverage
Collision insurance helps you pay the repair bill if another vehicle hits your parked car. It applies whether you are at fault or the other party is to blame. Here’s a brief scenario:
- If another driver has a car insurance policy, their liability coverage shall cover the expenses of your vehicle damage caused by the accident.
- Alternatively, it is possible that the other driver is uninsured or has left the scene; in such cases, collision coverage can come into play to cover the cost of repairs.
- Usually, you will have to cover a part (deductible) of the repair expenses before the insurance company takes care of the rest.
While collision coverage is not obligatory, it is wise to have it because it gives you protection if your vehicle is at fault for causing damage to others.
2. Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage offers reasonable protection against damages that occur without collisions. If your parked car is the victim of a criminal act, a thief, a natural disaster, or a falling object, no matter what it is, it is not your concern because insurance will give you the money for repairs. The most appealing aspects of this coverage are:
- Protection against weather damage, such as hail, flooding, and storms.
- Compensation coverage if theft, fire, or damage from animals occurs.
- Recharging of your car repair costs in case of a key scratch or vandalism.
Comprehensive coverage is particularly useful for those who park their cars in high-risk areas or locations prone to severe weather conditions.
3. Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) is a legal addition that takes care of the damage caused by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run incident. This protection is not available in all states. In areas where it exists, it effectively aids you in obtaining the repairs you need. Here’s how it works:
- If a driver without insurance crashes into your parked car and you have UMPD, the policy will cover the repair costs up to the limit.
- If the driver responsible for the accident leaves the scene and is not found, you can still seek UMPD.
- UMPD in certain cases may represent a substitute for collision coverage, and it may also mean that you won’t have to pay a deductible. But not in all cases like this, where the insurance company will refund you the money you paid if anything happens.
Check the availability of UMPD with your insurance provider to see if UMPD is available in your region.
4. Property Damage Liability Insurance
The law requires property damage liability insurance in virtually every state, and it covers the damages you or I may cause to others’ vehicles and property. Whereas it cannot cover your own parked car; instead, if someone else hits your vehicle, their liability insurance should cover the repair costs. Here’s what you need to know:
- If the driver who caused the accident has a connection to his or her insurance policy, then his or her property damage liability coverage should pay for your vehicle’s repairs.
- If an uninsured or underinsured driver causes the accident, you may need to use collision or UMPD coverage.
- This form of insurance is, to some extent, nice for those drivers who are at fault in accidents, but it does not provide complete coverage for the damage to a parked car.
5. Parking Damage Insurance
Parking damage insurance protects against damage from unknown drivers or specialized vehicles linked to a particular company. This coverage is beneficial for hit-and-run incidents or parking lots where cars may get minor dents or scratches. Parking damage insurance includes the following situations:
- Hit-and-run caused by other people’s cars, and no one is blamed for it.
- Scratches, dents, and fender benders are included in the coverage.
- You do not have to wait until the other drivers’ insurance companies pay you. You can file a claim with your own insurance company.
This coverage helps if you often park on the street or in busy parking lots. It offers sense of security in these situations.
What to Do If Your Parked Car Is Damaged?
When you come upon damage to your parked car, utilize the methods given below to sail through the claims process smoothly:
- Document the Damage: Capture in detail the damage via photos from all the possible perspectives and take images of the surrounding area that show any evidence (e.g., tire marks, broken parts, or paint transfer).
- Look for witnesses: Inquire around to find out whether some people have seen the occurrence of the accident and if they can provide identification details about the vehicle or the person responsible for the crime.
- Check for Security Cameras: If your car has been parked near a company or in a parking lot, do not hesitate to inquire whether there is security footage or not.
- File a Police Report: If the impairment is significant, the police report is a necessary procedure to claim the loss on the insurance policy, and the person at fault can be caught after doing so.
- Contact your insurance company: Inform your insurance company and give them all the important details, including snapshots and any accounts from the eyewitnesses.
- Get Repair Estimates: Gather the costs from the auto repair shops to find out how much it will actually cost to repair before releasing your claim.
Conclusion
In 2025, insurance companies are increasingly recognizing park insurance, which mainly covers cars when they are parked. Collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, or parking damage coverage are methods to secure against the financial liability of an automobile. Select the protection plan that best suits your needs and stay informed about the policy.
If you park your car in busy areas, it’s smart to get the right insurance. This can help cover unexpected repair costs. Consider reviewing your insurance contract and asking your agent about your options.
FAQs About Car Insurance and Parked Car Damage
1. Will my insurance go up if I file a claim for parked car damage?
Filing a claim may increase your premiums, depending on your insurer and whether you were at fault. If the damage was caused by another driver, their insurance should cover the cost.
2. Do I need to pay a deductible for a parked car damage claim?
If you use collision or comprehensive coverage, you will likely have to pay a deductible. However, if another driver is at fault and their insurance covers the damage, you may not need to pay anything.
3. What if I don’t know who hit my parked car?
If you cannot identify the driver responsible, you can file a claim under collision coverage or parking damage insurance if you have it.
4. Does insurance cover minor scratches and dents?
Comprehensive or collision insurance may cover minor damage, but depending on your deductible, filing a claim might not be worth it.
5. Is parking damage insurance worth it?
If you frequently park in high-risk areas, parking damage insurance can be beneficial, as it covers incidents where the responsible driver is unknown.
