What to Do When Someone Hits Your Parked Car in Melbourne

Quick Answer: Someone Hit My Parked Car, What Do I Do?
If someone hits your parked car in Melbourne, take photos, look for witnesses/CCTV, record the time and location and report it if needed. If the other driver drove off, contact police and your insurer to start a hit and run insurance claim.

Finding damage on your parked vehicle can be stressful, especially if you were not there when it happened. When someone hits your parked car in Melbourne, there are clear and practical steps you should take to stay protected, deal with insurance correctly and follow the law.

This guide explains what to do if someone hits your car, covering what to do when someone hits your parked car Australia wide, with a clear focus on Victoria rules and local requirements.

What to Do If Someone Hits Your Car

If you notice damage on your vehicle, stay calm and take the right steps. Knowing what to do if someone hits your car helps you avoid mistakes and makes the next steps easier.

Check The Damage Carefully

Start by inspecting the entire vehicle. Look for dents, scratches, broken lights or bumper damage. Even small marks can hide bigger problems underneath. This is an important first step in understanding what to do if someone hits your car.

Take Clear Photos

Photos are very important, especially if someone hits your parked car and leaves Australia. Clear photos help with police reports and insurance claims. Make sure to capture:

• Close-up images of all visible damage
• The full car with number plates clearly visible
• The surrounding area of the car accident in car park, including parking lines or signs

What Information To Exchange After A Car Accident (Australia)

If the other driver is present, exchange:

• Full name + phone number
• Licence number
• Rego number
• Insurance provider + policy details (if available)
• Photos of both vehicles + the car park location

Also: do not argue about fault on the spot, just document everything.

Look for Witnesses or Notes

Check your windscreen and nearby ground for a note left by the other vehicle driver. If possible, ask nearby people or shop staff if they saw the car accident in the car park. CCTV cameras from shops or buildings may also provide helpful evidence.

What If Someone Hits Your Car and Drove Off Australia

Walking back to your car and finding damage with no note can be frustrating and confusing. When someone hits your car and drives off Australia, the most important thing is to slow down and gather facts before taking action.

Start by checking the area around your car. Look for broken parts, paint marks or tyre tracks that could help explain what happened. Take clear photos of the damage and the parking space, even if the damage seems small. These details matter later.

Is This a Hit and Run in Victoria

In Victoria, drivers are expected to stop and share their details after causing damage. If someone hits your car and drives off, the situation may be treated under hit and run parked car Victoria rules.

This does not automatically mean a criminal case, but it does mean the incident should be taken seriously. Whether the driver is found or not often depends on how quickly the situation is documented.

When It Makes Sense to Contact Police

Call police if:

• the driver drove off (hit and run)
• someone is injured
• the other driver refuses details
• the damage is serious or the car is unsafe

A police report can also help support a hit and run insurance claim, especially when no driver details are available.

Penalty for Hit and Run Parked Car Australia

Many drivers worry about what happens to the person who caused the damage. The penalty for hit and run parked car Australia can include fines or licence consequences, depending on the situation and state law.

For you, the key focus should be on documenting what happened and following the correct steps. Clear records often make the process easier, even when the other driver is never identified.

Who Is at Fault in a Car Park Accident Law Situation

Fault in a car accident in a car park depends on how the incident happened and which vehicle was moving at the time.

Common Car Park Accident Scenarios

• A moving vehicle hits a parked car. In most cases, the moving driver is at fault.
• Two vehicles reverse at the same time. Fault may be shared depending on speed and awareness.
• A driver fails to give way. This often places fault on the driver who ignored right-of-way rules.

In most situations, the driver who was moving or failed to take care is responsible under car park accident law.

Still Confused About Insurance, Reporting Or Your Car’s Condition?

Contact Sell The Car Australia for clear guidance on what to do next.

Do You Need to Report a Car Park Accident

Many drivers ask, “Do I need to report a car park accident in Victoria?” The answer depends on what happened and whether all required details were shared.

• Yes, if the other driver left the scene, refused to provide details, or there is significant damage.
• No, if the damage is minor and both drivers exchange full details and agree on what happened.

When Reporting Is Required

You should report the accident if any of the following apply:

• The other driver left the scene after the car accident in car park
• There is serious or noticeable damage to your vehicle
• Driver or insurance details were not exchanged

Reporting helps protect you if there are later disputes about fault or damage.

What If the Other Driver Refuses Insurance Details

If the other driver refuses to share their insurance details after a car accident in a car park, write down their number plate, the time, the location and any witness information, then contact police for guidance.

Refusing to provide details after a car park accident law incident in Victoria is a serious matter and should not be ignored.

Insurance Steps After Someone Hits Your Car

Understanding the insurance process early can help reduce stress and avoid delays after someone hits your car.

Whose Insurance Should You Contact

If the other driver left their details, contact their insurance company first. You should also inform your own insurer, even if you are not at fault. This helps record the incident and explains what to do if someone hits your car from an insurance point of view.

Information Insurers Usually Request

Most insurers will ask for the following details:

• Date, time and location of the accident
• Photos of the damage to your vehicle
• Police report number, if one was issued

Providing clear and accurate information helps speed up the insurance process.

If You Were Not There At The Time

What to do if someone hits your car and you are not there applies to your situation, treat it as a possible hit and run. Gather photos, check for witnesses or CCTV and follow your insurer’s instructions carefully.

Not Sure How Insurance Works After Someone Hits Your Car?

Sell The Car helps Melbourne drivers understand insurance requirements, timelines and next steps so you can move forward with confidence.

Victoria Legal and Paperwork Basics

Knowing the legal process helps you avoid delays and confusion when someone hits your parked car in Victoria. Taking the right steps early can make reporting and insurance much easier.

Reporting and Documentation

Depending on the situation, you may need to report a car accident in the car park to the police. Reporting is especially important if the other driver left the scene or refused to share details.

To protect yourself, always keep the following documents after what to do if someone hits your car becomes necessary:

• Photos and videos of the damage and the surrounding car park
• Police confirmation or report number, if you contacted police
• Insurance correspondence, including emails and claim references

Having these records ready helps if you need to make a hit and run insurance claim or confirm whether you need to report a car park accident that applies to your situation.

For official reporting rules and next steps, always check Victoria Police and VicRoads guidelines.

Timeline After a Parked Car Accident

The First 24 Hours

The first day is the most important after someone hits your parked car. Use this time to take photos, collect any witness details, report the incident if required and contact your insurer. Acting early helps you understand what to do if someone hits your car and prevents delays later.

Inspections and Possible Delays

Insurance inspections may not happen right away, especially after a hit and run parked car Victoria case. Delays can occur if the other driver cannot be found or if more information is needed. Keeping clear records and photos can help move the process forward faster.

Repairing or Reviewing Your Options After Damage

After a car accident in a car park, repairs are not always the best or fastest option. When someone hits your parked car, the right next step depends on the damage, repair time and insurance outcome.

When Repairs May Make Sense

Repairs may be a good option if:

• The damage is minor
• Repair costs are reasonable
• Insurance approval is clear and quick

In these cases, fixing the vehicle may help you get back on the road sooner.

When Repairs May Not Be Practical

If repair costs are high or delays are long, it is important to pause and review your options. After what to do when someone hits your parked car Australia situations, long wait times or expensive repairs can add stress. Understanding all available options before committing can help you avoid unnecessary delays.

Local Guidance for Melbourne Drivers

Local factors play an important role when deciding next steps after what to do when someone hits your parked car Australia searches, especially in Carrum Downs.

What Melbourne drivers should expect

• Standard Victoria paperwork requirements
• Inspection timelines that may vary depending on demand
• Clear and organised records to help reduce delays

Keeping documents, photos and reports in one place makes the process smoother when someone hits your parked car and you need to move forward confidently.

Ready To Take Your Next Step?

Sell The Car helps Melbourne drivers understand what to do after a parked car accident, including paperwork, timelines and practical options.

Car Dealership Option vs Private Option After Damage

Understanding both paths helps after a car accident in a car park.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common issues when someone hits your parked car:

• Waiting too long to take photos
• Not reporting when required
• Starting repairs before insurance advice
• Losing important documents

Final Thoughts

When someone hits your parked car in Melbourne, the situation can feel confusing and stressful, especially if you were not there at the time. Taking calm and informed action helps you stay in control and avoid mistakes that could cause delays later.

Understanding what to do if someone hits your car is the first step toward protecting yourself, your vehicle and your rights.

By following the correct steps, such as gathering evidence, knowing when to report a car park accident and understanding how car park accident law works in Victoria, you can handle the situation with more confidence. If someone hits your car and drives off Australia wide rules apply, knowing when to contact police and how a hit and run insurance claim works becomes especially important.

Need Clarity After A Parked Car Accident?

Connect with Sell The Car to get clear, local guidance on what to do next, without pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions: What to Do If Someone Hits Your Car

Related Blogs