How to handle minor damages to your car after parking

Why do cars get minor damages in parking lots?

It is easy to get a scratch, dent, or have a door bumped into your car when you park in public places. Often, the damages occur because cars are parked closely, or someone overlooks small obstacles in poor visibility. Regardless, it is annoying, and many wonder what to do if they discover damage to their car after visiting the store, gym, or workplace parking.

The first step when you discover damage

Do you come back to the car and find a dent, scratch, or damaged paint?

• Take photos of the damage from multiple angles as well as the whole car, license plate, and any traces of another vehicle.
• Write down the time and place as accurately as you can, and note the weather conditions and lighting if it is relevant.
• Check if anyone has left a note or contact information on your windshield – it is mandatory if someone caused the damage and you cannot reach them (The Police).

Find the opposing party or witnesses

If you see that the damage may have occurred recently and there are surveillance cameras in the area, it may be wise to contact the parking company or owner of the parking lot to see if they can save video footage. Check also with neighbors in the parking lot and any nearby stores. If there are witnesses, you should write down their contact information and ask them to describe what they saw.

What do the rules say?

The law states that if you cause damage to a parked car, you should immediately try to find the owner. If this is not possible, you must leave information with your name, phone number, and any explanation. Failure to do so is considered vandalism and may lead to police charges (The Police).

How to report to insurance?

Before you contact the insurance company, you should gather documentation: details about the damage, photos, any witnesses, and information about the opposing party if available. If you have contacted the driver responsible, you should fill out an accident report (car form) together.

It is quickest and safest to fill out the accident report form digitally together, so all details are included, and signing can be done on the spot. Services like Skademeldinger.no make this very easy, where you fill out one form together, sign digitally, and get a joint copy that can be sent directly to the insurance company – completely without paperwork hassle.

When to contact the police?

Minor damages, such as a scratch or dent where the opposing party is honest and contact has been made, generally do not need to be reported to the police. However, if there is no opposing party or the owner is unknown, you should always report to the police (The Police).

What about deductibles, bonuses, and economy?

Insurance companies usually cover minor damages if you have a comprehensive or partial comprehensive policy, but be aware that you must pay a deductible – typically from 3,000 kroner and up. If the opposing party is known and takes responsibility, you avoid bonus loss. If the opposing party is unknown, you often have to use your own insurance and may risk a significant bonus loss. Always read the terms with your own company for precise rules.

What to do if the opposing party has not come forward?

Many sadly experience finding a dented car with no trace of the opposing party. In this case, you should:

• Document the damage thoroughly with photos.
• Seek video surveillance if possible.
• Report to the police within a reasonable time (The Police).
• Report the incident to the insurance company along with all documentation.

Compensation payments are evaluated according to the companies' rules, and deductibles typically must be paid. Larger damages where the opposing party is unknown may result in bonus loss.

How to fill out the accident report form easily?

Traditionally, paper forms are used, but now both parties can fill out the form digitally on their phones via Skademeldinger.no, sign on the spot, and have the accident report sent automatically to email – ready for use by the insurance company. With a digital joint version, you avoid misunderstandings and save time for both you and the opposing party.

Repair, workshop, and rental car

After a damage, you will be contacted by an adjuster or workshop for assessment and possibly an offer for repair. Most insurance companies have agreements with specific workshops, and in some cases, you may be offered a rental car while repairs are ongoing – this varies between companies, so check your own terms (NAF).

Summary: Take minor damages seriously

It is important to document even minor dents and scratches, and always be honest if you have caused damage. Skademeldinger.no makes the process smooth and secure with a joint digital form and electronic signature, so you receive a message delivered ready for further processing by the insurance company. Remember that honest and thorough documentation always pays off, both for your economy and conscience.