Will My Insurance Cover Damage To My Car Whilst Parked?

What Types Of Car Insurance Cover Parked Vehicle Damage?

The type of insurance policy you have determines whether or not damage to your car whilst parked may be covered. In the UK, car insurance generally falls into three categories: third-party, third-party fire and theft, and fully comprehensive. Each type of policy offers different levels of protection.

Here’s a breakdown of the cover offered by each type of policy:

• Third-party: This is the minimum level of cover required by law in the UK. It only covers damage you cause to other people, their vehicles, or their property. Unfortunately, this type of policy does not cover any damage to your own vehicle, including whilst it is parked.
• Third-party, fire, and theft: In addition to covering third-party damage, this policy may cover your car if it’s stolen or damaged by fire. However, it won’t protect you against damage caused by other incidents, such as a hit-and-run or vandalism whilst your car is parked.
• Comprehensive cover: A comprehensive policy is the most complete form of insurance. It covers not only third-party claims but also damage to your own car, including incidents that occur whilst your vehicle is parked. Whether it’s a minor scratch, a hit-and-run, or damage from falling debris, comprehensive insurance typically provides protection.

What Should You Do If Your Parked Car Is Damaged?

If your parked car has been damaged, it’s important to take the right steps to ensure that your insurance claim is handled smoothly. Whether the damage was caused by another vehicle, vandalism, or an unexpected event, acting quickly can help speed up the process and improve your chances of a successful claim.

Here’s what to do if your car is damaged whilst parked:

• Gather evidence: If you look for that your car has been damaged, take photos of the damage from different angles. If there are any witnesses or CCTV cameras nearby, try to gather as much information as possible to support your claim.
• Report the incident to the police: If the damage was caused by a hit-and-run or vandalism, report the incident to the police and obtain a crime reference number. This may be required by your insurance company when filing a claim.
• Notify your insurance provider: Contact your insurer as soon as possible to report the damage. Provide them with the details of the incident, including any evidence you have collected, such as photos or witness statements.
• Get a repair estimate: Your insurer may require a repair estimate from an approved garage before processing your claim. In some cases, your insurer may arrange for the repairs directly through one of their authorised repairers.

Acting promptly and gathering the necessary information can help ensure that your claim is processed efficiently and that you receive the appropriate compensation or repair service.

Are You Covered For Hit-And-Run Incidents Whilst Parked?

One of the most frustrating situations a driver can face is discovering that their car has been damaged by a hit-and-run driver whilst parked. Unfortunately, these incidents are all too common, and it can be difficult to identify the culprit if they fail to leave a note or take responsibility.

If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, you’re likely to be covered for hit-and-run damage, even if the other driver can’t be identified. Your insurance might cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle, though you may be required to pay an excess fee. It’s important to report the incident to the police and your insurer as soon as possible to ensure your claim is valid.

However, if you only have third-party or third-party fire and theft cover, you won’t be able to claim for the damage to your car in a hit-and-run situation. In this case, you would need to pay for repairs out of pocket unless you can track down the responsible party and pursue them for compensation.

Does Insurance Cover Vandalism Damage To A Parked Car?

Vandalism is another concern for drivers who leave their cars parked on the street or in public areas. From scratched paintwork to broken windows, vandalism can be both upsetting and expensive to fix. Whether your insurance covers damage caused by vandalism may depend on the type of policy you have.

• Comprehensive cover: If you have comprehensive insurance, vandalism is typically covered. This means that if someone deliberately damages your car whilst it’s parked, your insurer should cover the cost of repairs, subject to your policy’s excess.
• Third-party policies: Unfortunately, third-party and third-party fire and theft policies do not cover damage caused by vandalism. If you only have this level of cover, you could be responsible for paying for any repairs out of pocket.

If your car is vandalised, be sure to report the incident to the police and your insurer. You might likely need to provide a crime reference number when making your claim.

Can You Protect Your Car From Damage Whilst Parked?

Whilst insurance can help cover the costs of repairing damage to your parked car, taking steps to prevent damage in the first place is always a good idea. There are several precautions you can take to reduce the risk of accidents, vandalism, or other incidents whilst your car is stationary.

Here are some tips to help protect your car whilst it’s parked:

• Park in a safe location: Whenever possible, park your car in well-lit, secure areas. Parking in a garage, driveway, or monitored car park can help deter vandals and reduce the risk of hit-and-run accidents.
• Use a car cover: If you park your car outside for extended periods, consider using a car cover. This can protect the vehicle from environmental damage, such as falling debris, bird droppings, or harsh weather conditions.
• Install a dashcam: Some dashcams have parking mode, which can record footage if your car is hit whilst parked. This can help you identify the responsible party and provide valuable evidence for your insurance claim.
• Use wheel locks or steering locks: These devices make your car harder to steal and can act as a deterrent to vandals or opportunistic thieves.

By taking these precautions, you can reduce the likelihood of damage occurring and keep your car safer when it’s not in use.

Will Your Insurance Premium Increase After Making A Claim For Parked Car Damage?

If your car is damaged whilst parked and you make an insurance claim, there’s a chance that your premium could increase at your next renewal. Insurers view claims as an indicator of risk, and even if the damage wasn’t your fault, making a claim can still impact your future premiums.

However, whether your premium increases and by how much might depend on several factors, including:

• Your no-claims discount (NCD): If you’ve built up a no-claims discount, making a claim could reduce or eliminate it, which may lead to higher premiums. Some insurers offer NCD protection, allowing you to keep your discount even after making a claim.
• The nature of the claim: If the damage was caused by a hit-and-run or vandalism, your insurer may view these incidents as less indicative of your driving risk. However, frequent claims can still lead to higher premiums.
• Your insurer’s policies: Each insurer handles claims differently, so it’s worth speaking to your provider to understand how your claim might impact your future premiums.

If you’re concerned about the cost of making a claim, consider the value of the damage compared to your excess. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to pay for minor repairs out of pocket rather than risk a premium increase.

Want to ensure your car is fully protected against damage whilst parked? Compare car insurance policies today to look for the best cover for your vehicle and keep your mind at ease.

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