Someone Hit My Parked Car in Fort Worth — Now What?

You walked back to your car and found a dent, scraped paint, or worse — and the other driver is long gone. It's one of the most frustrating situations a driver can face. Here's exactly what to do next.

Step 1: Document Everything at the Scene

Before you move your car, take photos of all the damage from multiple angles. Capture the surrounding area — nearby parking lot cameras, other vehicles, and any debris on the ground. If there's a note from the other driver, photograph it before picking it up.

Step 2: Look for Witnesses and Surveillance Cameras

Check whether any nearby businesses have exterior cameras that might have captured the incident. If anyone saw what happened, get their contact information. Even a partial license plate number from a witness can make a significant difference when filing a claim.

Step 3: File a Police Report

In Texas, you can file a police report for a hit-and-run even if the other driver is unknown. This report creates an official record of the incident and is often required by insurance companies when processing a claim for an uninsured or unidentified driver.

Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company

If the other driver left a note with their information, their liability insurance should cover your repair. If it was a hit-and-run with no identifying information, your uninsured motorist property damage coverage may apply — depending on your policy. Contact your insurer to understand your options before assuming you're on the hook out of pocket.

Step 5: Choose Your Own Repair Shop

In Texas, you have the legal right to choose where your vehicle gets repaired — your insurance company cannot require you to use a specific shop. Once you've filed your claim, let your insurer know you'll be using Excellence Auto Collision and we'll handle the estimate and repair process directly with them.

Step 6: Get a Free Estimate

Even if you're not sure whether to file a claim, a free estimate gives you the information you need to make the right decision. If the repair cost is close to your deductible, you may prefer to pay out of pocket rather than involve insurance.

📍 13181 Harmon Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76177
📞 (682) 250-3045
🌐 Get a free estimate at excellenceautodfw.com

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Collision Repair for Leased Vehicles — What Texas Drivers Need to Know

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