Think I may have scratched a car

real_world

When I got home from the shop yesterday there was a small gash in the front/side of my car. Now I'm not actually sure this gash was caused yesterday it's on the passenger side. I only saw it because I walked down that side of the car to get the shopping out the boot. I probably still won't know about it if I hadn't... so I've got no idea how long it's been there.

If it wasn't already there I'm worried it could have happened when I pulled into a parking space yesterday.. although I would have thought I would of heard something if that was the case... I did glace at the car next to me while I was putting my shopping in the boot and nothing caught my attention (same car as when I pulled in).

Anyways as soon as I had my freezer stuff away I got back in my car and went back to the shop to see if the other car was still there. First of all to have a look at it and if I had caused a mark leave a note.

By the time I got there the other car was gone... I'm wondering what if anything I should do?

Calling my insurance company occurred to me but as I said before, I'm not sure if anything actually happened yesterday or not.. so I wouldn't want them to mark something down when It may not have happened.

Calling the police also occurred to be but again I kinda see that as over kill.

Of couse I'm happy to do either of the above if people think I should I'm just not really sure.

Also when I was pulling out of the space a guy with one of those mobile wash your car carts walked between be and the other car.. the gap can't have been that big and I'm wondering if the mark on my car could have been caused by the cart. Also I'm not sure how the gash could have been caused by another car it looks like more something thin and metal would have caused it.

scotsbob

You find out cost of repair and either pay it or claim on your insurance and possibly lose no claims, you choose.

It is always a good idea in car parks to park well away from other cars. Have you seen the way some parents let their kids push trolleys around.

real_world

Sorry I don't think I made myself clear.. I don't care about my car. It's more the other drivers.. I've got no idea who they are or how I would find out who they are to contact them.

real_world

Could very well have been caused by a trolly or one of the people with the washing car carts I guess.

bryanb

There could be another driver worrying about finding you, thinking they have scratched your car

Car_Complaints

Can I add, firstly do not call your insurance company yet, unless there is going to be a claim against you and have no choice

As for the police, if you have the smallest idea that you may of hit another car then just call the police explain what you said here, all they will do is write down your details and if someone reports it pass it on.

If you dont tell the police then if the other owner comes forward with CCTV footage or your reg plate, then you could be done for failing to report an accident.

My misses did the same thing but she knew she hit a car freaked out and drove off, same as you I told her to go back, but the car had gone, she reported it to the police and still to this day we have heard nothing,it was near on 7mths ago

Just cover your !!!! and like mentioned dont phone insurance they love keeping records

real_world

I just rang the non emergency police number for my region.. they wouldn't take my details and told me to go into the local station to report it.

Car_Complaints

real_world wrote: »

I just rang the non emergency police number for my region.. they wouldn't take my details and told me to go into the local station to report it.

They should take down the details of an incident over the phone, each region may be different, if you go down I suggest you take your Insurance, MOT & Licence, as they may end up giving you a producer, if you dont, it could mean two trips

Mark_Mark

real_world wrote: »

I just rang the non emergency police number for my region.. they wouldn't take my details and told me to go into the local station to report it.

Good for them, you should know you need to report a collision in person. Although at the moment there is no evidence you've had a reportable one.

real_world

Thanks, I just got back I took all my documents with me just in case.
The lady didn't seem to impressed that the people on the phone had told me to go in. She seems to think they should have taken my details down over the phone.

But she checked the system and nothing had been reported yet which I guess is good. They will hold the details for 28 days and then get rid of them if no one comes forward.

real_world

Mark yes and I was totally happy to do that. But it was a bit of a catch 22 I'm still not sure anything actually happened and didn't want to waste anyone's time.