IndependentIt happens more often than you think: you arrive at your parked vehicle and see that it has a serious dent or scratch. But there is no trace of the motorist, e-scooter or cyclist who crashed into your car. Does your insurance cover that damage? And what do you have to do to file a ‘complaint against strangers’? Independer.be explains.
In collaboration with Independer
04-30-24, 09:10
Latest update:
09:13
Source:
Independer.be
Step 1: Go to the police
Whether it concerns a major dent due to a wrong maneuver, a scratch due to a abruptly opened door or actual vandalism: always report the damage to the police. If there is no note under the window and you do not know who caused the damage, file a complaint against strangers. The police will then draw up a report based on your statements. Describe the damage in as much detail as possible, and take photos of your damaged car that you can also provide to the police.
By the way, don’t think that such a ‘report against unknown persons’ is a shot in the dark. Thanks to camera images and ANPR cameras, there is a real chance that the incident has been registered and that the perpetrator can be found this way.
Parking your car in a garage versus storing it on the street: what does that do to your insurance premium?
Step 2: file a report
You can then take the report to your insurer to report the damage. State the police report number of the complaint you have submitted and complete the file with photos.
Please note that not every car insurance policy will cover damage caused by strangers.
Civil Liability (BA)
This insurance only reimburses the damage you cause to the other party if you cause an accident. If the perpetrator is unknown, you will have to pay for the repairs to your own car yourself. The same goes for vandalism.
Important: if you have taken out additional legal assistance insurance, it will intervene if the perpetrator of the damage to your vehicle is found afterwards. The insurance can help you with legal assistance or a lawyer to recover the repair costs from the other party.
Mini comprehensive
This insurance also does not cover damage to your car caused by an unknown motorist. Nor does it intervene in vandalism. Additional legal assistance insurance is also very useful here if the perpetrator is found afterwards.
Reading tip: What does a mini comprehensive cover? And for which coverage should you opt for a ‘full’ alternative?
Fully comprehensive
This is the most complete insurance available. It also covers your own material damage to your car, even if you are at fault or if damage is caused by strangers. Please note that many policies provide a deductible, so that you will still have to pay part of the damage yourself.
First check which deductible amount is stated in your policy before you report it to the insurer. If the damage amount is not too bad, it is better to do the repairs at your own expense. You then do not call on your insurance, and this way your insurance premium does not increase due to a claim.
Accident at fault? Even with a full comprehensive, you do not always enjoy a refund.
How much can you save with a different car insurance policy? The box below will help you compare.
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Read more on Independer.be:
Parking garages: who is responsible in the event of an accident or burglary?
Put your wheels to the curb and protect your key: with these five tips you reduce the chance of your car being broken into
Car theft with keyless entry technology: what is it and how do you protect your car?
This article was brought to you by our partner Independer.be.
Independer.be is an independent comparator that helps you compare and take out insurance, telecom packages and other fixed costs.
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