Whoops, you did it! You dinged up someone’s car in a Sioux Falls, SD parking lot. Now what do you do? Run for it? Cameras are everywhere, so maybe that’s not a good idea. Leave a note? You don’t want to get sued for more than you owe. Leave cash? It can get stolen. Resist the urge to panic.
Here’s what you have to do:
Own What You Did
No matter how minor the damage, leaving the scene counts as hit-and-run. You could be on a surveillance camera, so keep that in mind. You need to try and track down the vehicle’s owner. Go to the nearest business, where the owner is most likely to be, and ask someone at the service desk to page someone with a car matching the description of the one you damaged.
If the person doesn’t show, then it’s time to leave a note. Write down your name, phone number, and other info along with a brief explanation, and leave the note under the windshield wiper. Take down the license plate number and photograph the damage. If the damage was very severe, you might have to call the police and explain what happened. It’s better than having someone call the police on you.
Working With Your Insurance Company
Report the incident to your insurance company right away. If you have property damage liability coverage that will cover the cost of the damages. Will your insurance rates go up? That depends. Were you ticketed? Did the damage reach the company’s chargeable accident threshold? Have you made a habit of getting into vehicular scrapes? These can all make your rates go up considerably.
Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. Is Here To Help
If you are in the Sioux Falls, SD area and are in need of auto insurance contact Wilcoxon Insurance Inc. We will get you the help you need.
