Sentry Vid of person denting my car - what should I do?

[BrianLees]

I have video, including an extremely clear shot of the license plate, of someone dinging my car. It's a significant ding - probably a few hundred to pull out and then it will need to be repainted. It feels like it goes down to the metal.

So, what should/can I do? I'm guessing I can't really get the Police involved, can I? Doesn't seem like something they would care about. It seems like if I involve my insurance company, it will somehow end up costing me more.

#Stuck

 

[TMThree]

Several people have had the police involved for stuff like this, and the perp got arrested.

 

[Kuhz]

You can absolutely file a police report. Most jurisdictions do small damage/theft reports online now. Then take it to insurance, which should be a not-at-fault claim since you have the other persons info.

 

[jhsocal]

I would think someone hitting your vehicle with theirs and then not leaving any sort of identification/insurance for follow up or staying at the scene would be considered a hit and run.

 

[Obsoletion]

If it was a hit and run, that is a felony in many states. The police will get involved. Also, your insurance company will repair and be able to go after the other party since you have the info and that will be a not chargeable against your insurance or affect your rates

 

[zhu-]

I had this same exact thing happen. Called my insurance, sent the video, and they did a carrier lookup to find the other vehicle's insurance and had them cover the cost of the damage. I took it to my Tesla service center to get a quote and because it was only a small chip of paint with no dent, they actually repaired it for no charge. Was a surprisingly smooth process.

As others have mentioned, my insurance also said this is considered a hit and run. Though not sure if that's still the case if they didn't notice their door hitting you.

 

[BrianLees]

I feel like if I involve my insurance company (which seems like the correct course of action), my insurance would go up because a) I have a Tesla and b) I have a pulse.

Am I over-exaggerating?

 

[hmgolds]

I feel like if I involve my insurance company (which seems like the correct course of action), my insurance would go up because a) I have a Tesla and b) I have a pulse.

Am I over-exaggerating?

Isn't "over-exaggerating" redundant?

In any case, if your video clearly shows the vehicle at fault then I'd go to police and insurance company.

 

[BrianLees]

Isn't "over-exaggerating" redundant?

Will of course it is...that was my point!

Tired...long day...had a glass or two of wine.

 

[AmeliaR]

I have video, including an extremely clear shot of the license plate, of someone dinging my car. It's a significant ding - probably a few hundred to pull out and then it will need to be repainted. It feels like it goes down to the metal.

So, what should/can I do? I'm guessing I can't really get the Police involved, can I? Doesn't seem like something they would care about. It seems like if I involve my insurance company, it will somehow end up costing me more.

#Stuck

Hi,
Call the police.it's important to file a police report and File an insurance claim.

 

[Leeclanual]

Door ding isn’t the same as a hit and run... it’s not a moving violation.