Can you claim if someone scratches your car?

Someone who accidentally scratched your car is clumsy, but not necessarily a bad person. You can always file a claim on your car, but you’ll need an assessment by a claims adjuster to attribute the cause of the damage. If it’s a small scratch, you might not even want to opt for an insurance claim.

What can I do if someone is damaging my car?

Steps to Take at the Scene

1. Call the police. An officer will document the incident and create an official accident report, which you will typically need to have when filing your claim with your insurance company, says the Insurance Information Institute (III).
2. Document the accident.
3. Notify your insurer.

Is scratching someone’s car a crime?

It most definitely is a crime. Vandalism is a broad category of crime that covers intentionally damaging or defacing another person’s property. Keying someone’s car, egging their home, breaking their window, slashing their tires, or painting on their property are all considered vandalism.

What is the penalty for malicious mischief?

Under Vehicle Code 10853 VC, malicious mischief is a misdemeanor offense. As such, it is punishable by: Imprisonment in the county jail for up to six months; and/or, A fine of up to $1,000.

Who are guilty of malicious mischief?

“Article 327. Who are liable for malicious mischief. – Any person who shall deliberately cause the property of another any damage not falling within the terms of the next preceding chapter shall be guilty of malicious mischief.”

How can you tell if a scratch can be buffed out?

An easy way to tell is by running your fingernail across the scratch. If it catches, chances are it needs some extra attention. Deeper scratches, however, go past the clear coat into the paint and require more effort to fix, many times by a professional detailer.

What should I do if someone scratches my car?

Do not argue or confront them. Tell the police what occurred and they will make a report. You should be able to get a copy of that report online or in person in a few days. Hopefully the person that scratched your car has insurance and it will be documented. If so call their ins co and file the claim.

Can I file a car insurance claim for scratches on my car?

Not knowing how your vehicle was scratched could be a problem. You can still file the claim and discuss the situation with the claim adjuster. Claim adjusters see so much damage that they may have a good idea of what caused the damage, just by looking at the scratches. Severe scratches are often caused by a collision.

What to do if someone damages your car and refuses to pay?

If someone damages your car, and refuses to pay to repair it, this is your best and least problematic course. Get together any evidence you have that the other person did do the damage you claim. If it is just your word against them, you might send an email and ask them to pay.

Can I file a police report for scratches to my car?

In some situations, it is best to not leave the scene of what happened and to contact the police. If you have significant damage to your car from scratches, it may be due to an act of vandalism. You may be able to file a police report.