That Gut-Wrenching Moment

There’s nothing quite like returning to your car after a quick shop and spotting a new scratch or dent that definitely wasn’t there before. It’s annoying, unfair, and all too common in tight UK car parks. Whether someone clipped your bumper or you caught a pillar while reversing, the trick is to handle it calmly and correctly. Small damage can usually be sorted quickly; but how you act in the first few minutes can make all the difference.

Step One: Check the Damage Safely

Before anything else, make sure the area’s safe. Don’t stand in moving traffic lanes or block other drivers. Once it’s clear, take a close look at the scrape. Is it surface paint damage, or has it gone deeper into the metal or plastic? If another car’s involved and still nearby, exchange details; even for minor marks. Under UK law, leaving the scene without giving your name and address counts as a hit-and-run, even for low-speed car park bumps.

If the other vehicle’s owner isn’t there, leave a note with your details under their wiper. It’s the right thing to do and protects you if there’s CCTV evidence later.

Step Two: Gather Evidence

Take photos of both cars (if relevant), number plates, and the wider car park surroundings. Include close-ups and wide shots to show the context. Look for CCTV cameras; many supermarkets and retail parks have them; and note where they’re positioned. Ask the store or car park operator how to request footage; they’ll usually need the time, date, and location.

If your car was damaged while you were away, ask nearby drivers or attendants if they saw anything. A quick chat can sometimes turn up a registration number or description that helps your insurer later.

Step Three: Decide Whether to Claim

For minor scrapes, claiming on insurance isn’t always worth it. A small repair might cost less than your excess, and even a minor claim can nudge up future premiums. Before you call your insurer, get a few quotes from local body shops or mobile repair services. If the bill’s modest, it may be cheaper to pay privately and keep your no-claims discount intact.

That said, you should still inform your insurer about the incident, even if you don’t claim. Failing to report it could cause problems later, especially if the other driver decides to file a claim after the fact.

Step Four: Getting It Fixed

Superficial scratches can often be polished out with a little care and the right products. A decent scratch-removal kit can handle light paint transfer or scuffs from bumpers. For deeper marks that cut through paint to the primer or metal, it’s best to visit a professional. Modern cars use layered paint finishes that are hard to match by eye, and a poor DIY job can make the damage stand out even more.

Many mobile smart-repair technicians can fix scratches and dents in your driveway for less than you’d expect. Check reviews and ask for a written quote first.

Step Five: Preventing Future Scrapes

Some car parks are designed more for pushchairs than cars, so a bit of strategy helps. Try to:

• Park at the end of rows, near pillars or walls where one side’s protected.
• Avoid bays next to large 4x4s or vans with wide doors.
• Reverse into spaces so you can drive out cleanly.
• Take an extra 10 seconds to centre your car in the bay; it really helps.
• Use folding mirrors and parking sensors if you’ve got them.

You can’t stop careless drivers, but you can make yourself a smaller target.

When You Can’t Find Who Did It

Unfortunately, many car park scrapes happen when the other driver simply disappears. If that’s the case, report it to your insurer and provide as much evidence as possible; photos, location, and any witness details. If it’s on private land, tell the car park operator. For supermarket car parks, customer service desks can sometimes pass information to their security team to review footage.

Police rarely investigate minor car park damage unless there’s evidence of a deliberate act, but reporting it gives you an incident number, which insurers often require.

Useful UK Resources

• GOV.UK – Report a Road Traffic Incident
• AA – Reporting an Accident
• Autoglass – Minor Damage Repairs