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Someone Scratched Your Car and Drove Away: Now what?
You're walking through the parking lot when you spot it: a fresh scratch along the side of your car.
There's no note. There's no one around. And frustration starts to build.
Before frustration kicks into overdrive, there are a few practical steps you can take straight away to support a claim if you’re covered, or document the incident if you’re not:
- Document the damage
Take clear photographs of the scratch or dent from several angles. Take a few wider shots showing where your car was parked too.
If you notice paint transfer, broken pieces or anything else that may help explain what happened, photograph that as well.
- Check with security
If you're at a shopping centre, office park or managed parking area, speak to security. The other party or a bystander may have reported the incident to them, and there may be CCTV footage covering the area.
It's worth asking quickly, though, as footage may not be kept indefinitely.
It’s just as important to know what not to do immediately:
- Don't try to fix it just yet
Provided you have cover, such as a Scratch & Dent membership from The Unlimited, start by contacting us first and following our published claims process before heading to a panel beater.
Depending on the circumstances and the requirements of your particular claim, you may also be asked for additional documentation.
Once your claim is approved, you can then take your car to an authorized panel beater.
Scratches, minor dents and scuffed rims might seem small, but they can quickly make a car look a little worse for wear. While comprehensive car insurance may cover this kind of damage, claiming for every small cosmetic repair may mean paying an excess and could affect your claims history or premium.
Ready to give those everyday knocks and scratches less power over your day?
Click here to learn more about scratch and dent.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Product benefits, limits, eligibility requirements and terms and conditions apply. The Unlimited Group (Pty) Ltd is an authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP 21473).
