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After picking up some much-needed groceries, you head toward your car. Your day turns upside down as you discover someone has put a sizeable dent in the passenger side. There’s no note, and no witnesses come forward. If you have liability auto insurance but not collision coverage, a loan could be the solution for the repair costs. Meanwhile, here are several steps you can take to get to the bottom of the accident.

How to Handle a Parking Lot Hit & Run

File a Police Report

Contact the police right away to get an official report on the accident. Police officers can be on the lookout for a vehicle with suspicious damage and may be able to locate the culprit. Additionally, you should notify your car insurance provider regardless of the situation, so a police report will be necessary.

Look for Cameras

loansCheck for cameras located in the parking lot, as the accident may have been captured on video. If cameras are present, ask if you can get a copy of the tape to check the footage.

Today’s surveillance cameras can zoom in on license plates, which may be used to locate the person who hit your car. If your insurance coverage doesn’t include collision costs, a loan could help pay for the repair costs while you’re waiting for a resolution to the case. 

File a Claim 

If the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run accident can be located, you can file a claim with their insurance company. To build your case for financial recovery, you’ll need pertinent details such as the person’s name, vehicle type, insurance information, and driver’s license. Be sure to include the police report and, if available, access to video footage of the accident. If you secure a loan for the repairs, you may be able to reimbursed later for the costs. 

Contact Your Insurance Company

Let your insurance agent know about the accident. Provide as many details as possible, including the police report and photos of the damage. There’s a chance the person who hit your car can still be located. Regardless of how many details you have, it’s in your best interest to let your insurance company know. This step may protect you from a lawsuit or claim denial down the road.

 

While you try to track down the driver who struck your car, repairs may be needed to get you to work and around town. Coastal Finance Company in Savannah, GA, provides emergency cash loans up to $5,000. The locally owned and operated lender makes the application process easy and often delivers decisions in less than an hour. To apply for a loan, stop by the office or call (912) 303-9979. Or apply online using the secure and confidential form. 

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