Does my car insurance cover damage to my car if I hit a parked car?

Not all car accidents involve two moving vehicles. In some cases, you may run into a stationary object like a parked car, and this may make you wonder, “Does car insurance cover damage to my car if I hit a parked car?” Another situation that can leave you questioning your coverage, “Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a hit-and-run driver if I cannot identify them?” It’s essential to review your insurance policy to understand the extent of coverage in such circumstances.

To ensure you’re covered for this type of accident, you’ll need collision insurance for your vehicle repair. Read on to learn more about how this coverage works when you hit a parked car so you can make sure you know how much car insurance you need.

Read more: Can I choose where to get my vehicle repaired after an accident?

Car Insurance for Collisions With Parked Cars

Basic liability insurance, which is a car insurance requirement in nearly every state, only covers damages or injuries you cause in an accident. If you hit a parked car, it will pay for damages to that vehicle (and possibly injuries to anyone in it). However, it won’t cover any damages to repair  your own vehicle.

To get compensated for repairing or replacing your car after you hit a parked car, you’ll need collision insurance. This type of car insurance covers damages to your vehicle when you’re at fault in an accident. Whether you collide with another driver or hit a stationary object, collision insurance applies.

How Collision Insurance Works When You Hit a Parked Car

When you cause an accident with a parked car, your vehicle can suffer considerable damage. Even though the other car wasn’t moving, you may cause damage to your car’s body, engine, or other parts that are expensive to repair.

Read more: Does my car insurance cover damage to my own car if I am at fault in an accident?

If you have collision coverage, though, you won’t have to pay most of these costs out of pocket. Your collision coverage includes a car insurance deductible, which is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket for claims when you sign up for a policy.

This can range between $100 and $2,000 — the lower the deductible you choose, the higher your premium will be. When you file a claim and your insurance company approves it, you’ll just have to pay your deductible, while your insurance company will take care of the rest.

This is true even if your car is damaged beyond repair when you hit a parked car. In that case, your insurance company will cut you a check for the car’s actual cash value (as determined by your insurer), and you can use this money to purchase a new vehicle.

Beware, though, this may not be enough to buy an equivalent car, especially if you still owe money on a loan.

How to Report a Collision With a Parked Car

To file an insurance claim for damage to your vehicle and to the parked car that you hit, you will need to treat the accident the same way you would any other that happened on the road.

Always check that no one has been injured in the collision, including any pedestrians or bystanders. If there are any injuries, contact emergency services.

If the driver of the parked vehicle is in the car at the time of the collision, exchange insurance and contact information with them before you leave the area.

If their vehicle was not parked legally or there is some other information you need to record about the accident, take pictures before you leave. These might be useful for processing your claim, and their liability insurance might cover the damage.

Once you have the necessary information and have documented the incident, you can reach out to your insurance company. If there is significant damage to either vehicle, you might also need to file a police report.

Read more: Parked Vehicle Insurance: What To Know & How To Save

Case Studies: Car Insurance Coverage for Damage to Your Car if You Hit a Parked Car

Case Study 1: Liability Insurance Excludes Damage to Own Vehicle

Amy was in a rush and accidentally bumped into a parked car while trying to park her vehicle. She only had liability insurance, which covered the damage to the other car but did not provide any coverage for her own vehicle. As a result, Amy had to pay for the repairs to her car out of pocket.

Case Study 2: Collision Coverage Protects Against Parked Car Accidents

David was driving in a tight parking lot and misjudged the distance, causing him to collide with a parked car. Fortunately, David had collision coverage as part of his car insurance policy. His insurance company covered the damages to both his own vehicle and the parked car, alleviating the financial burden for David.

Case Study 3: Filing a Claim for Parked Car Collision

Sarah accidentally scratched the side of a parked car while trying to maneuver out of a narrow street. She immediately contacted her insurance company to report the incident. Since Sarah had collision coverage, her insurance provider assessed the damages to both vehicles and covered the necessary repairs, allowing Sarah to resolve the situation without significant financial implications.

Understanding Insurance for Collisions With Parked Cars

Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle when you hit a parked car or other stationary objects.

You’ll have to pay your deductible, but your insurance company will cover the rest of the costs to repair or replace your vehicle if your claim is approved. Compare the best collision car insurance companies to find a policy that’s right for you.