Parked car hit and run in Maryland: what to do

Photograph the damage, the whole car, its position, the location, and any paint transfer or debris.

Why: Photos show what happened and when.

Look for a note on the car, and ask nearby people and businesses whether anyone saw it or has a camera that covers the spot.

Why: Many cameras record over footage within days, so ask quickly.

Report it to police, ask for a report number, and give them any plate number or footage.

Why: Insurers often require a police report for hit-and-run claims, and police can trace a plate.

Check your state's crash reporting rule (see your state below).

Why: Some states require a report for damage above a set amount.

If you answered “Collision” to “What coverage do you have?”

Call your insurer: ask whether collision or uninsured motorist property damage coverage applies, what your deductible is, and the deadline to report.

Why: Your own policy may pay even when the driver is unknown; deadlines are in your policy.

If you answered “Not sure” to “What coverage do you have?”

Ask your insurer whether you have any coverage that applies, and what the policy says about hit-and-run damage.

Why: Coverage for hit-and-run damage depends on your policy and your state.

If you answered “They left a note or info” to “Do you know who hit your car?”

If you know who hit you, contact them and their insurer to open a claim, and get a repair estimate.

Why: Their liability insurance should pay for damage they caused.

If you answered “A witness or camera caught them” to “Do you know who hit your car?”

If a witness or camera identified the driver, give the information to police and to the driver's insurer.

Why: Police can find the owner from a plate number.

Get one or two written repair estimates.

Why: Estimates support your claim amount.

If you answered “Liability only” to “What coverage do you have?”

With liability-only coverage, your own policy usually does not pay for your car. Ask your insurer whether you have uninsured motorist property damage coverage, and focus on finding the driver (police report, witnesses, cameras).

Why: Liability coverage pays for damage you cause to others, not damage to your own car.

If the driver is known but will not pay, send a demand letter and then consider small claims court for your repair costs or deductible.

Why: Small claims court is designed for people without lawyers.

If your insurer denies the claim, ask for the reason in writing and see the plan for a denied insurance claim.

Why: You can complain to your state insurance department.

Watch your state's deadline to sue for property damage.

Why: After it passes you usually cannot sue.