What to do if you hit a parked car in the UK
If you hit a parked car in the UK, you must stop immediately, exchange your details with the owner, and report the incident to the police within 24 hours if they can’t be found.
It makes no difference whether the damage is a faint scuff or a deep dent—failing to follow this process is a criminal offence. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, “failure to stop” and “failure to report” are taken seriously. Drivers can face fines of up to £5,000, between five and ten penalty points, and, in severe cases, a driving ban or even imprisonment.
Picture this—you’re reversing out of a tight supermarket space, your bumper clips another car, and there’s no sign of the owner. Even if no one witnessed it, the law still requires you to take responsibility. That means leaving your contact details in a secure, visible place and notifying the police if you can’t speak to the owner directly.
Research shows that around 38% of hit-and-run collisions involve a driver hitting a stationary vehicle. Despite the seriousness of this offence, surveys reveal that nearly half of UK drivers admit they might drive off without leaving details—risking an unlimited fine and up to 10 penalty points.
Understanding these obligations is the first step. Next, we’ll look at exactly what to do in those first crucial minutes after the collision to stay within the law and protect yourself from disputes.
How to handle the situation at the scene
If you’ve hit a parked car, pull over safely, assess the damage, and leave a clear, secure note with your contact details if the owner isn’t around.
Steps to take straight away:
- Stop in a safe position without obstructing traffic.
- Check for witnesses or nearby CCTV.
- Photograph the damage and both vehicles from several angles.
- Write a note with your name, phone number, address, and vehicle registration.
- Secure the note so it won’t be lost to wind or rain.
Once you’ve done this, take a moment to think clearly. While the law doesn’t always require you to wait for the owner, showing responsibility can make all the difference later—both in reassuring the other driver and in protecting your position if an insurance claim follows.
Looking to compare car insurance? Get your quote today!
Get QuotesDo you need to report the incident to the Police?
You must report hitting a parked car to the police within 24 hours if you cannot exchange details with the owner at the scene.
Key points to remember:
- Reporting is a legal requirement under the Road Traffic Act 1988 if the owner is absent.
- You can report in person at a police station or by calling the non-emergency number 101.
- Provide full details of the incident, your contact information, and the vehicle registration.
- Keep a record of the report reference number for insurance purposes.
Even if the damage seems minor, failing to report when you cannot find the owner can lead to “failure to report” or “failure to stop” charges—both carry serious penalties, including fines, penalty points, or even disqualification from driving.
Some drivers think leaving a note is enough. In law, it’s not. The police need a record of the incident when direct contact hasn’t been made. This protects both you and the other driver, ensuring there’s a clear, official record if disputes arise later. Penalties for failing to stop or report can be severe: 5–10 penalty points, a fine of up to £5,000 (sometimes unlimited), and in some cases, a prison sentence of up to six months.
While prosecutions for hit-and-run offences in England and Wales have dropped by 28% over the past three years, the numbers remain significant, with the Metropolitan Police recording 1,670 prosecutions since 2021.
What information should you leave for the other driver?
Leave your full name, contact number, address, and vehicle registration if you hit a parked car and the owner isn’t present.
What to include:
- Full legal name (as it appears on your driving licence)
- Current home address
- Mobile or landline telephone number
- Vehicle registration number
- A brief, factual note explaining the incident
The goal is to make it easy for the other driver to contact you without delay. Avoid vague apologies or incomplete details—they’re not enough to meet your legal obligations. A note that simply says “Sorry, I hit your car” could leave you open to legal trouble, as it doesn’t fulfil the requirement to identify yourself.
It’s worth thinking about practicalities, too. Notes left under wipers can be blown away or damaged by rain. A more secure option is to place the note inside a clear plastic wallet or envelope and tape it to the windscreen. If you’re concerned about personal safety, you can choose to give an email address instead of your phone number, provided you also report the matter to the Police, so they have your full details on record.
How to notify your insurance company
You should inform your insurance company about the incident as soon as possible, even if you don’t intend to make a claim.
Steps to follow when notifying your insurer:
- Call your insurer’s claims or customer service line promptly.
- Provide your policy number and incident details.
- Share any evidence, such as photographs or witness contact information.
- Record the date, time, and name of the person you spoke to.
Many drivers believe they can skip telling their insurer if they plan to settle privately. In reality, most UK policies require you to report any accident, regardless of whether a claim is made. Failing to do so could leave you uninsured in the event of future disputes—and in some cases, it could be treated as non-disclosure, allowing your insurer to void your policy.
If your current policy no longer suits your needs or you’re concerned about how this incident might affect premiums, you can compare car insurance quotes with SimplyQuote. And if your car will be off the road for repairs, temporary car insurance can keep you covered in the meantime without committing to a long-term policy.
Do you always have to claim on your insurance?
No, you don’t have to claim on your insurance if you hit a parked car—you can agree to settle privately, but it carries risks.
When a private settlement might be considered:
- The damage is minor and both parties agree on repair costs.
- The other driver is comfortable avoiding an insurance claim.
- You want to protect your no-claims discount.
Settling privately can be quicker and may avoid a premium increase, but it relies heavily on trust. If the other driver later claims for more damage or injury, your insurer could refuse to help if you didn’t report the incident. This is why most insurance experts still recommend notifying your provider, even if you intend to pay out of pocket.
If your car is undriveable while repairs are carried out, temporary car insurance from SimplyQuote offers a short-term solution, allowing you to stay on the road without adjusting your main policy. This flexibility is useful if you need to borrow a friend’s car or hire a replacement.
Why witness statements and photos can protect you
Witness statements and photos provide independent proof of what happened, helping to prevent false claims or disputes after you hit a parked car.
Why they matter:
- Independent witnesses can confirm your version of events.
- Photos capture the damage and scene layout at the time of the incident.
- Evidence supports your insurance claim and protects against fraudulent allegations.
For example, if you clip a car while reversing out of a tight bay and another driver later claims you caused more damage than you remember, time-stamped photos and witness accounts can help your insurer challenge that claim. Without evidence, you may be left relying on your word alone—which rarely ends well in disputes.
If witnesses are willing, ask for their full name, contact details, and a short written statement of what they saw. For photos, capture the vehicles from different angles, include close-ups of any damage, and take wider shots to show the surrounding area. Save these files securely—either backed up to cloud storage or emailed to yourself—so they’re not lost.
How to avoid hitting a parked car in the future
Avoiding a collision with a parked car comes down to careful manoeuvring, good visibility, and spatial awareness.
Practical steps to reduce the risk:
- Use your mirrors and check blind spots before moving.
- Park slowly, allowing yourself time to adjust.
- Choose wider spaces away from high-traffic areas if possible.
- Make use of parking sensors or a reversing camera if fitted.
Drivers often clip parked vehicles in cramped supermarket bays, on narrow residential streets, or when rushing. Taking an extra 10 seconds to realign or adjust your steering angle can prevent costly damage. If you’re regularly parking in tight spaces, consider fitting aftermarket parking aids or using a dash cam, which can also capture evidence if another driver hits you.
Good habits build over time—practising slow, deliberate movements when parking can make them second nature, even under pressure. A little extra care now can save you from fines, repair costs, and awkward conversations later. Car park accidents, many involving stationary vehicles, make up a significant portion of UK insurance claims each year—showing just how common these incidents are.
Final thoughts
Hitting a parked car in the UK carries legal, financial, and ethical responsibilities you can’t afford to ignore.
From stopping at the scene and leaving the right information, to reporting to the police when necessary and informing your insurer, each step protects you from far greater consequences.
Taking time to document what happened with photos and witness statements strengthens your position, while careful driving habits can help you avoid the problem altogether.
Whether you choose to settle privately or go through your insurer, transparency is key. Following the correct process isn’t just about staying within the law—it’s about being a responsible road user.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Report it to your insurer promptly, gather any available CCTV or witness details, and document the damage with photos before moving the vehicle.
Yes, unless the other driver is identified and accepts liability. Even then, your discount might be reduced temporarily until recovery is complete.
Yes. Many dash cams have parking mode, recording when motion or impact is detected, which can help identify hit-and-run drivers.
Usually, the employer’s insurance covers the claim, though the driver may face disciplinary action if they were negligent.
Yes, if you fail to stop and exchange details. Even minor contact counts as a collision under UK law.
They assess evidence, witness accounts, and repair reports to determine liability. Sometimes fault is split if both drivers contributed.
Yes. They can tow the vehicle to a garage or safe location while you arrange repairs and insurance reporting.
Yes. It can appear on your claims history, and serious offences like failure to report can lead to penalty points or bans.