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Hit a car - left a note - what to do next? - Brandon Turley

Hi all,

Just looking for some advice from anyone who's been in this situation or is otherwise in the know!

Earlier today I was turning into a space and misjudged the amount room I had. As a result I tapped the rear wheel arch of the car in the other space. I got out and check for damage. There was a very light scratch on the car and some paint transfer on mine. I was only collecting a parcel so didn't stay around long. However, I took photos of both cars and left a note on the windscreen with my number, name, explanation and an apology! It's been about 4 hours now and I've not heard anything. I've since been back to the scene as it's only around the corner from my house and the car is gone so I assume the owner got the note. I did also call 101 but they told me as I left a note it's not a police matter (they also sent an email confirming this). Just wonder if I should do anything else? Other than wait to see if they call.

Thank you in advance for any guidance or responses.

Edited by Brandon Turley on 12/01/2020 at 19:37

Hit a car - left a note - what to do next? - FP

You have probably done all that is necessary.

A few years ago I was in a similar position; I grazed another car in a multi-storey car park, causing slight paint damage. I left a note with my details.

I never heard a thing.

Hit a car - left a note - what to do next? - Bromptonaut

Slightly surprised by police response given details were not actually exchanged (ie you don't know insurance/keeper details for other car) but as you say this advice is confirmed by e-mail you seem watertight. Have you informed your insurance company?

Some experience myself in 2015 when I made a similar misjudgement and seriously dented a BMW parked behind me. Left my name number but was called back later and a claim followed which respective insurers dealt with.

Edited by Bromptonaut on 13/01/2020 at 09:52

Hit a car - left a note - what to do next? - concrete

This situation has been examined on the forum previously. The normal advice is to do the right thing, which is what you did. The only rider is that, as you did, you take good photographs of the cars position, the general scene and specifically the damage. This is so that the facts cannot be disputed later. Unfortunately there are a few dishonest citizens out there who would see this as chance to have a full whole body refurbish and respray at your expense. Hopefully, as I did years ago, you will avoid this problem. Well done for your actions and I hope it is all resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned. Cheers Concrete

Hit a car - left a note - what to do next? - Engineer Andy

If the weather was bad (rain/wind), the note may have either blown away or is now unreadable, especially if the vehicle owner (like me) doesn't use their car very often - they may not see the note for days.

If you aren't that far away, it may be worth (to settle you conscience) to revisit the scene when you have more time and go door-kocking armed with your photos on your phone as proof as to what occured. Hopefully the person affected will take that as you being a good citizen and not try to escalate things into some confrontation. Keep to the facts as you saw them though, as some people (sadly) these days may try it on to get other damaged repaired that had nothing to do with you, a-la crash-for-cash.

A former neighbour dropped a broom (or suchlike) when loading his things into the moving van and broke my car's rear brake light, but he left a note - admitedly he found out whose car it was and posted the note through my letter box, even including the information he'd got from my local dealership with a quote for the repair and offering to pay in full. Which he did. No insurer involved, everything sorted, him £150 or so lighter.

You may find if the damage was light that they may not be bothered (especially if it's an older car in not that good nick to start with, or that the scratch can be removed easily if it's just transfer from your car and especially on plastic [no rust worries]). Really up to you how far you want to take this to clear your conscience.

I would follow up, but then I'm a mug for such things and would'nt be able to let it lie until it was resolved.

Hit a car - left a note - what to do next? - Bromptonaut

It would also be perfectly good grounds for a request for Keeper details from DVLA.