Take clear photographs of the damage, the whole car and the surrounding area. If there is another vehicle involved, record its registration and visible damage too.
Look for independent evidence
Nearby houses, shops or car parks may have CCTV or doorbell footage, but recordings can be overwritten quickly. If there are witnesses, take their contact details.
Tell your insurer when the policy requires it. Many policies require accidents or incidents to be reported even if you do not intend to claim. Check your terms and avoid promising the other driver that you will keep insurers out of it before you know what your policy says.
An unknown driver changes the practical options
If the other vehicle has gone and can't be traced, discuss the available routes with your insurer. Reporting the incident to the police may also be appropriate depending on what happened.
Do not rush into a cosmetic repair
Damage that looks like a scrape can hide broken brackets, sensors or deformation behind a bumper. Get the car assessed properly before agreeing that a small cash payment settles everything.
Powered by Quotezone ⓘWe are an introducer appointed representative of Seopa Ltd (FCA FRN: 313860). Seopa Ltd, trading as Quotezone, provides the insurance comparison service and we receive a commission for any policies purchased, at no cost to you. We do not offer financial information.