Someone Hit Your Parked Car! Are You Covered By Your Auto Insurance In Missouri?

Imagine stepping out of a store or your home or work in Missouri, only to find your parked car has been damaged. Whether it’s a dented bumper, scratched paint, or worse, it’s an unsettling moment. The immediate question that comes to mind is, “Who pays for this?” This blog will guide you through this stressful scenario, covering whether your auto insurance protects you, what type of coverage you need, and how to better safeguard yourself in the future.

Who Pays for the Damages to Your Parked Car?

When your car is hit while parked, determining who pays for the damage boils down to a few factors:

1. The at-fault party’s insurance (if they are identifiable).
2. Your own insurance coverage type.
3. Unfortunate situations such as hit-and-runs.

Understanding your coverage and knowing what steps to take can make all the difference in how quickly and effectively your damages are resolved.

Are You Covered If You Carry Comprehensive and Collision Insurance?

The most direct way to ensure your parked car is covered is by carrying comprehensive and collision insurance. Here’s how each works in this case:

• Collision Insurance: If your car was damaged as a result of another car hitting it (while parked), your collision insurance can step in to pay for the repairs. This typically applies whether or not the at-fault driver is identifiable.
• Comprehensive Insurance: While collision insurance focuses on accidents caused by vehicles, comprehensive insurance takes care of damages caused by non-collision incidents. For example, if a falling object or vandalism damages your car while parked, comprehensive coverage will help.

However, it’s important to note that if your own insurance company pays for the damages, you’ll still be responsible for paying your deductible before the coverage kicks in.

What Happens If You Only Carry Liability Insurance?

If your auto policy only includes liability insurance, you need to be aware of its limitations. Liability insurance solely covers damages or injuries you cause to others. Unfortunately, it doesn’t help with repairing your own car if it’s damaged while parked.

For instance:

• Your parked car is hit, but the at-fault driver leaves the scene.
• Liability insurance will not contribute to covering your repair costs.

If you’re a Kansas City, Missouri, or Kansas driver relying solely on liability coverage, you may want to reconsider adding comprehensive and collision insurance, given the potential gaps in protection.

The Role of the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance

If the person who hit your parked car is responsible and stays at the scene or leaves their contact information, their liability insurance is required to cover the cost of repairs. This process typically involves filing a claim with their insurance company and working out the costs.

But what happens if the at-fault driver doesn’t come forward? This unfortunately leads to one of two scenarios:

1. Filing a claim with your collision insurance (if you have it).
2. Paying for the damages out-of-pocket if you don’t.

This brings us to a common issue many drivers face when dealing with hit-and-run incidents.

Dealing with Hit-and-Runs

Hit-and-runs can be one of the most frustrating car accident scenarios. Without the ability to identify the at-fault party, the responsibility of covering damages often falls on you. Here’s how your coverage or preparation can help:

• Collision Insurance: While you’ll still need to pay the deductible, collision insurance ensures the repair costs don’t fully fall on you.

The best way to avoid the financial burden of a hit-and-run is to prepare in advance.

Ways to Protect Yourself

While no one can fully predict when someone might hit their parked car, there are smart precautions you can take to protect yourself financially and practically:

• Carry Comprehensive and Collision Insurance: Ensure your auto policy includes these coverages to minimize financial strain in case of unexpected damages.
• Invest in a Dash Cam: Modern dash cams can be hardwired to your car’s battery, allowing them to monitor your car 24/7. Many models activate automatically when motion is detected near your car, and this footage could help identify the at-fault driver in hit-and-run situations.
• Park Smart: Whenever possible, park in areas with good lighting or visible security cameras. The less isolated the area, the less likely someone is to damage and flee.
• Review Your Insurance Policy Regularly: Regularly reviewing your coverage ensures you’re well-protected. If you’re unsure about your current policy, it’s worth getting a second opinion from a trusted provider.

By taking these simple steps, you can reduce stress and safeguard your parked car from unforeseen incidents.

Why Choose Bargain Insurance Connection

Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Bargain Insurance Connection offers affordable comprehensive and collision auto insurance plans tailored to your needs. If you’re looking to safeguard your vehicle from the unexpected, we’re here to help. Alongside competitive rates, we pride ourselves on helping our customers feel secure, no matter the driving situation.

Key Benefits of Partnering with Bargain Insurance Connection:

• Extensive experience in auto insurance solutions for drivers in Kansas City.
• Affordable rates on comprehensive and collision insurance.
• A commitment to excellent customer service.

Take Action Now

Don’t wait until the worst happens to ensure you’re covered. Whether you’ve experienced an accident with a parked car or want the peace of mind that comes with robust insurance, Bargain Insurance Connection has your back.

Protect your car today. Get a free insurance quote here.

Read More:

What Is a Deductible in Auto Insurance? A Kansas City Driver’s Guide

Hail Damage: Is It Covered by Your Auto Insurance?