Parked Car Damaged in a Hit-and-Run: What to Do

Discovering that your parked car has been damaged in a hit-and-run accident can be frustrating and stressful. Whether it happened in a multi-storey carpark, or along the roadside, you may feel helpless — especially when the other driver is nowhere to be found.

If you are a motor vehicle owner whose car is unfortunately involved in such an accident, read on to learn more about the legal and practical steps that you can take in this step-by-step guide:

• Step 1: Stay calm and assess the damage
• Step 2: Check your dashcam footage
• Step 3: Look for eyewitnesses
• Step 4: Make a police report
• Step 5: Report to your insurer
• Step 6: Applicable if the hit-and-run driver remains unidentified
• Step 7: Decide how to proceed with repairs and claims
• Step 8: Know the law – penalties for hit-and-run drivers
• Step 9: Follow-up and stay informed

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Damage

First, start by checking the extent of the damage to your car. Be sure to take clear photographs and videos of:

• The damage to your car (from multiple angles)
• Your vehicle’s location and surroundings (e.g. carpark lot number, nearby CCTV cameras)
• Any paint transfer, scratches, debris, or tyre marks that may have come from the other vehicle

Even small pieces of evidence could be important for insurance purposes and police investigations.

Step 2: Check Your Dashcam Footage

Next, check if your dashcam or rear camera captured the incident. Some in-car cameras continuously record while parked, and may have caught the moment of impact or the license plate of the offending vehicle – this is very useful evidence to have on hand.

Even partial footage (e.g. a glimpse of the car’s rear or colour) can help the authorities narrow down suspects or confirm information from other sources (e.g. eyewitness reports).

Step 3: Look for Eyewitnesses 

Check the area for any witnesses who may have seen what happened — security guards, cleaners, passers-by, or other drivers. If someone witnessed the accident, ask them if they are willing to share what they saw and get their contact details. Some fellow motorists might also be willing to share footage from their dashboard cameras that might have captured the incident.

Next, look around for surveillance cameras. Many HDB, condominium, or commercial carparks have CCTV coverage. Approach the management office or building security to request if you can view the footage.

Step 4: Make a Police Report

Do file a police report for any hit-and-run accident as soon as you are able to do so. You can do this by:

• Visiting the nearest Neighbourhood Police Centre
• Calling the police at 999 if the damage is severe
• Filing a report online via the SPF e-Services portal

In your report, be sure to include as many details as possible, including:

• The time, date, and location of the incident
• Description of the damage
• Any witness statements, dashboard camera footage or CCTV leads
• Your vehicle’s details

Making a police report is crucial, especially if you intend to claim insurance or take legal action later. It also helps the authorities with identifying the responsible driver so further action can be taken where necessary.

Step 5: Report to Your Insurer

Under the Motor Claims Framework (MCF) in Singapore, all accidents — even if you’re not at fault — must be reported to your insurer within 24 hours or by the next working day.

Even if you do not intend to make a claim (for example, if you plan to cover the repair costs yourself), failure to report the incident could result in the rejection of future claims or loss of policy coverage.

Provide your insurer with:

• The police report reference number
• Photos and videos of the damage
• Any details you have gathered about the other vehicle

Some insurers have approved reporting centres where they will inspect your car and advise on next steps.

Step 6: Applicable If the Hit-and-Run Driver Remains Unidentified 

If the driver has not yet been identified, you can take practical steps to find them.

One way to do so is to share dashcam stills or car details (e.g. car make, colour, partial plate number) on platforms like Reddit or Facebook community groups and crowdsource for help with identifying the offending driver.

Some motorists also recommend getting your authorised car repair workshop personnel to try and contact the driver via their insurer. However, this would also depend on whether the offending driver reports the accident and/or has suffered damage to their own vehicle. Other motorists also recommend reaching out to your authorised workshop for further advice on this particular point (i.e. in terms of trying to identify the driver while concurrently having the police carry out their investigations).

Step 7: Decide How to Proceed With Repairs and Claims

Depending on your insurance coverage and whether the other driver can be identified, you may have the following options:

Identified Driver (with video and/or witness evidence)

If the driver is identified and found liable, your insurer may help you pursue a Third-Party Claim against them. This allows you to recover the cost of repairs without affecting your No-Claim Discount (NCD) – i.e. this is an incentive given to you if no claim has been made under your policy for a year or more with your current/existing insurer.

Unidentified Driver

If the offender cannot be found, you can still claim for repairs under your own policy — provided you have comprehensive coverage. However, this may result in:

• A loss of the NCD
• Payment of the excess under your policy

If you only have Third-Party coverage, you will likely have to pay for repairs yourself unless the offending driver is later identified.

For more information, please see our dedicated article for hit-and-run victims on making claims.

Step 8: Know the Law – Penalties for Hit-and-Run Drivers

In Singapore, failing to stop and provide information after a traffic accident is a serious offence under the Road Traffic Act. A hit-and-run driver who causes property damage (such as hitting a parked car) may face:

• A fine of up to S$3,000 and/or
• Imprisonment of up to 12 months if the driver had caused serious injury or death to another person.
• Disqualification from driving

Repeat offenders can be fined up to $5,000 and/or jailed for up to 2 years.

Step 9: Follow Up and Stay Informed

After making your police report and notifying your insurer, be sure to follow up with them regularly on your case. Ask for updates from the investigation officer (IO) assigned to your case. If you later receive information about the offending driver, update both the police and your insurer.

Keep all documentation — for example, reports, correspondence, and repair invoices — safely filed in case you need them for any claims.

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Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident involving your parked car is not just a nuisance — it also carries financial and emotional costs. By acting promptly and taking the necessary steps, you can maximise your chances of getting the appropriate remedy.

If you’re unsure about your insurance rights or face difficulties with your claims, consider getting in touch with a personal injury lawyer.