Does hitting a parked car affect car insurance rates?
You've hit a parked car. So will hitting a parked car increase car insurance rates? That depends on the circumstances; if it’s your first accident, you may be able to secure accident forgiveness.
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Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
UPDATED: Jul 28, 2024
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Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 28, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- If you hit a parked car, you should leave your contact info for the vehicle owner to get in touch with you
- You may be eligible for accident forgiveness if you have a clean driving record and no prior claims
- Your insurance rates can increase significantly if you are responsible for more than one accident within a two-year period
Accidents happen, and we all want our insurance costs to stay as low as possible. Understanding car accidents and finding out more about how hitting a parked car with your vehicle could affect your insurance rates.
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If I hit a parked car will my insurance go up?
The first logical thing to question after you are in a vehicle accident is whether or not your rates will increase. Depending on how many at-fault accidents you have on your record, there is a chance your premium may remain the same. In other words, if this is your first offense, you may be off the hook.
There are two possible outcomes, and we’ve gone into more detail on them below.
You Receive Accident Forgiveness
Many car insurance companies offer accident forgiveness if it is the first time you are responsible for an accident. In this case, your rates will remain the same, even after you report the accident.
You Are Deemed a Risky Driver
If you already have a few at-fault accidents on your driving record, your insurance rates will likely increase after the parked car incident. Anything that qualifies you as a high-risk driver will increase your rates, even if you did not make a claim for the damages.
Your driving record is what insurance companies review when assessing your insurance package. Insurance companies receive updates on your driving record much quicker than in the past so keep this in mind.
What do I do if I hit a parked car?
Accidents happen to even the best drivers and we all need to be protected. After all, that’s what car insurance is for.
If you happen to hit a parked car, the right thing to do is get out and check for damages. If you notice damage to the other vehicle, leave a note with your contact information so that person can reach you if they file a claim. Their insurance may cover the damages, but if it doesn’t, yours may, and it would be the right thing to do.
In a no-fault insurance state, each owner is responsible for their own damages. In other states, the person at fault may be liable.
Read more:
- Compare Car Insurance Rates After an At-Fault Accident
- Does an accident in a parking lot affect car insurance rates?
- How do you deal with insurance after someone hits your parked car?
- How much do parking tickets affect car insurance rates?
- Does my car insurance go up if someone hits me?
What if people were in the parked car?
If you hit a parked car that had people sitting inside of it, this becomes a different story. If any of the people report injuries due to the crash, this can result in higher insurance rates for you and is quickly noted on your driving record. In the event that people are in the car you have hit, do not drive off. You must report the incident. In most states, it is illegal to drive off in such a situation.
If you are found to have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash, whether people are inside the vehicle or not, you may end up with higher rates. A police report must be filed, and you will likely face legal consequences for driving under the influence.
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Accident Forgiveness is a One-Time Option
If you receive accident forgiveness from your car insurance, it means you will not pay more for your car insurance premium due to an accident or claim. However, if you happen to have another accident within a 12 or 24-month period, your rates may increase more than expected.
This is because the insurance provider will take your past accident into consideration when assessing the damages of the subsequent accident. Car insurance claims remain on your record, and even a new insurance provider can easily access that information.
Will hitting a parked car increase car insurance rates for me?
If you hit a parked car, your insurance won’t necessarily increase, but there are a few other factors that come into play. If you have a clean driving record and there were no injuries, you may be able to maintain your current rates.
Be sure to keep your driving record as clean as possible over the following one to two years to ensure your rates won’t increase. If you are responsible for hitting a parked car, it’s a good idea to do the right thing and report it. If you are caught escaping the scene of a hit and run, your insurance rates will certainly increase, and you may also face legal consequences.
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Navigating Insurance After a Parked Car Accident
When your car is hit while parked, will insurance go up? The answer depends on your insurance policy and whether the other driver is identified. A hit-and-run involving your parked car can lead to complications, often resulting in an insurance increase if the at-fault party is not found.
If you accidentally scratched someone’s car and left, it could be considered a hit-and-run, leading to significant penalties and potential rate hikes. Knowing how much insurance increases after an accident can help you prepare for the financial impact.
Generally, accidents can lead to a substantial premium increase, especially in cases of hit-and-run incidents. Understanding the parked car insurance cost is essential for drivers, especially in states like Florida, where the parked car insurance cost in Florida may vary based on location and risk factors.
If your car was hit while parked on the street, documenting the incident and reporting it to your insurer is crucial. Companies like AAA offer accident forgiveness, which can help prevent rate increases after your first at-fault accident.
For assistance with claims, having the Geico’s claims phone number or knowing the Geico claim phone number can expedite the process. Whether you hit a parked car and left or unknowingly hit a parked car, addressing the situation promptly and understanding your coverage can mitigate long-term costs.
Case Studies: Impact of Hitting a Parked Car on Insurance Rates
Case Study 1: Accident Forgiveness
John is a cautious driver with a clean driving record. Unfortunately, he accidentally hits a parked car while trying to park his own vehicle. Since this is his first accident, John’s insurance company offers him accident forgiveness. As a result, his insurance rates remain the same even after reporting the accident.
Case Study 2: Multiple At-Fault Accidents
Emily has a history of at-fault accidents on her driving record. One day, she hits a parked car, adding another incident to her record. Due to her previous accidents, Emily’s insurance rates increase, despite not making a claim for the damages caused by hitting the parked car.
Case Study 3: Hit and Run
Mike hits a parked car and decides to drive off without leaving any contact information. Unfortunately, he is caught by a witness who reports the incident to the authorities. In addition to facing legal consequences for the hit and run, Mike’s insurance rates increase significantly.
Case Study 4: Injury and Under the Influence
Sarah collides with a parked car that has people sitting inside. The occupants of the parked car report injuries as a result of the crash. Sarah’s insurance rates increase after causing the crash, and if under the influence, rates go higher, along with legal consequences for DUI.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if I hit a parked car?
If you hit a parked car, it’s important to take the following steps:
- Get out of your vehicle and check for damages.
- If you notice damage to the other vehicle, leave a note with your contact information so the owner can reach you if they need to file a claim.
- In a no-fault insurance state, each owner is responsible for their own damages. In other states, the person at fault may be liable.
What if people were in the parked car?
If there were people inside the parked car you hit, the situation becomes more serious. If any of the occupants report injuries, it can result in higher insurance rates for you, and this information will be noted on your driving record. In such a case, it is illegal to drive off, and you must report the incident.
Is accident forgiveness a one-time option?
Accident forgiveness is a benefit offered by some car insurance companies. It means that if you have an accident or file a claim, your rates will not increase. However, this forgiveness is often a one-time option, and if you have another accident within a specific period (usually 12 to 24 months), your rates may increase more than expected.
Will my insurance go up if I hit a parked car?
Yes, your insurance will likely go up if you hit a parked car.
How much will my insurance go up if I hit a parked car?
The increase varies, but it can be significant depending on your insurer.
If my car is hit while parked, will my insurance go up?
It may go up if the at-fault driver is not found or covered.
How much will my insurance go up with an at-fault accident?
It can increase significantly, often by several hundred dollars annually.
Will a hit-and-run claim raise my insurance?
Yes, a hit-and-run claim will typically raise your insurance.
How much does parked car insurance cost?
The cost depends on your coverage and location but is generally part of your comprehensive policy.
What to do if you hit a parked car but no damage?
You should still report it to the owner or leave a note with your contact information.
My car was hit while parked, will my Progressive insurance go up?
With Progressive, it depends on fault and your specific policy.
How much will my insurance go up if my teenager has an accident?
The increase can be substantial, often higher than for adult drivers.
Will a hit-and-run raise insurance rates?
Yes, a hit and run will usually result in higher insurance rates.
What happens if you hit a car in a parking lot and leave?
Leaving the scene is considered a hit and run, which can lead to legal and insurance consequences.
How many points for hitting a parked car?
The points vary by state, but it usually results in points on your driving record.
How much does insurance go up after an accident?
It can increase significantly, depending on the severity and your driving history.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
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Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.