How To Deal With Parking Lot Accidents | State Farm®

On any typical weekend, parking lots at restaurants, sports venues and supermarkets can be packed, increasing the possibility of a parking lot accident and even minor door dings on your car.

If you're involved in a parking lot crash, follow the same protocol you would for any accident. Remain calm, contact authorities, collect and document information, and contact your insurance agent or company to help you through the claim process.

If you hit, scrape or otherwise damage a parked car — or if you're the victim of such an accident — here are some steps to consider:

What to do when you hit someone's car in a parking lot

• Don't drive away from the scene of the accident, no matter how minor. If you leave the scene, you could face criminal hit-and-run charges and penalties.
• Call the police (if necessary). Depending on how extensively the car has been damaged, you may want to involve the police. They'll document the accident, and they may help you find the other car's owner.
• Wait for the other owner. If damage is minimal and you have time, consider waiting for the owner of the vehicle to return. This may not always be practical or safe — such as a nighttime or parking garage accident — so use your judgement.
• Track down the other car's owner. If you are at a business or store, you may be able to find the owner easily. Leave your name and phone number on a piece of paper with the car you hit, just in case you miss the owner. Then, head into the store and speak to someone at the customer service desk. Describe the car to the employee and ask if they can announce it over the store's loudspeaker.
• Leave a note. If you can’t find the owner or you don’t have time to wait, write down the basic information on paper — your name, phone number and a brief explanation of the accident — and place it in a secure spot on the car such as under the windshield wiper. Write down the license plate number and take a photo of the damage if you have a smartphone with you. Share your insurance information with the vehicle owner once you speak with them.