Car Hit in Apartment complex parking garage?

Question

My car was hit while parked in my assigned parking space in my apartment complex parking garage. The person in the space assigned beside mine did not leave a note or anything after the incident. I just moved in so I have no clue who this person is. However, I did take pictures of her front bumper with the scratches and silver paint from the side of my truck. I left a note on the persons car, but have not gotten a response yet. I am unclear on my next step. I know there cannot be a police report since this is private property. I have not contacted insurance yet, but it just happened yesterday. Just looking for some guidence.

Answer 1

First you need a police report and then you need to report it to an insurance company.  If the police are able to get the other parties info then file under their policy if the police don't get their info then file it with your company if you have to file with your company you will have to pay your deductible up front and then your company will subrogate for your deductible and their payout also.

Answer 2

The first thing I would do is contact security for the parking garage. I would ask them if they use surveilence video. If so, I would see if they would furnish a copy showing the loss. If they advised you that then can only release it to the authorities, I would go to the police. Additionally, I would keep trying to locate the tennant in the space next to yours. Your carrier will not be able to help you file a claim against that vehicle owner if they cannot be identified. It was good that you took pictures. Your insurance adjuster can help you locate the vehicle owner if you have a picture of the tag. I hope some of this helps you.

Answer 3

First, there can, and should be a police report.  Police do investigate things that happen on private property.  Do you think that murder is outside the jurisdiction of the police if it happens on private property?  Hitting a parked car and neither leaving a note, nor notifying either the owner or the police is illegal.

Your first steps would be:

1. Write down, or better yet, photograph, the license plate number of the car that has front end scratches.  You do NOT know that the person to whom the space is assigned is responsible.  If someone else parked in that person's space, either the owner of the car or the person who parked it is responsible, not the person to whom the space is assigned.

2. Ask the police if the person who hit your car reported the accident to them.

3. Ask the apartment complex management to whom the space is assigned.  If they keep track, also ask what that person's license plate number is (so you can compare it to the damaged car).