Neighbour Reversed Into My Parked Car – What Should I Do?

[M3Driver]

I live in a block of flats with a communal car park accessed by a barrier and entry key fob. All the spaces were occupied when I arrived home last night (at 23:30), so I parked my car in the car park, but against the kerb (across from the end of the footpath, so I wasn’t in anyone’s way). There was a car parked in the space nearby to the front corner of my car. I recognised this car as being regularly (but not always) parked in the car park. I remember the registration plate and the make / model of car.

When I looked out of my window at approximately 08:00 this morning, I see that this car is no longer anywhere to be seen, and my car is very badly damaged, with the front nearside wing ruined, and the door and lower sill damaged.

Where do I stand, and what should I do next? I can’t approach my neighbour directly as it is a row of large buildings with many flats in each one, and I have no idea which building or flat he lives in. I have a feeling that the car in question will not return this evening, therefore my opportunity to inspect his car for damage and gather photographic evidence may be limited!

What advice would people offer in terms of contacting police and insurance companies etc.? I want to ensure that the claim is made against his insurance company rather than mine, in order that it doesn’t count as a claim that I’ve made and effect my NCB etc. Does it make a difference whether I contact my insurance and they contact the other party on my behalf, or should I try to contact his insurance company directly? Both cars are only a year or two old and I want the repair properly carried out through insurer approved repairers.

Thanks for any advice anyone may be able to offer.

[M3Driver]

What if the police pay him a visit and he admits it though?

There aren't many people come and go in the middle of the night, it's a small car park. There really isn't any other realistic possibility. The corner of the car that was hit was in the direct line of where he would reverse to get out of the car park.

I just want to get the best outcome to this scenario and do the right thing while making sure the person who did it takes some responsibility for it.

[M3Driver]

The neighbour did not return last night, as expected.

However, the car isn't usually in the car park every night anyway. It's more a case of "it's not there for a few days and then I see it again, maybe for a couple of days and then it's away again".

I suspect that he either has a job like a sales rep where he spends a lot of time away from home, or he spends time with a partner who lives elsewhere, or lives elsewhere and visits a partner who lives in my block of apartments.

[M3Driver]

There isn't a porter as people have suggested, but it may be worth writing a letter to the factor I suppose, as someone must have given him a key fob for access to the car park (if he lives here and isn't just let in by the person he is visiting - as I do when people come to visit me...).

Thanks 'hidetheelephants' - That's a very good idea and I'm in the process of applying to the DVLA for his details.

I called PoliceScotland on Thursday evening, and again on Friday afternoon when they still hadn't phoned me back. The police don't really seem bothered about even phoning me to speak about it. Looks like it's going to be down to me to sort it. Disappointed.

[M3Driver]

So the police still haven't even bothered to phone me back... Pretty poor show.

I did however spot this guy parking his car on some waste ground at the end of my street, instead of parking in the car park as normal! I took a walk down and the back corner of his car is indeed scraped and bashed in exactly the same spot I expected. I have no doubt in my mind now that it was him!

I took photographs of all the damage and have passed them to my insurance company so they can get in touch with him. I think this is the best course of action at the moment, as there is a chance he may confess if he thinks there is evidence against him.

[M3Driver]

Right. Update time.

The police came to visit me last week and took a statement, I let them have my photos, paint sample etc. They said they would be too busy over the weekend, but would go round and knock on his door tonight... so I will wait and see what happens.

I'm not sure if I mentioned that (our) insurance (we are both with the same company...!) have been trying to phone and text him, with no response...

I saw the guy walking up my street with his mate at the weekend (his car nowhere to be seen, which I thought was a bit strange!) so I went for a snoop around the neighbourhood and found his car tucked away in a small car park a couple of streets away. Tucked right in behind the wall so it was hidden. Although, he has now had the damage repaired!!! B*%$ard.

I will wait and see what the police come back to me with, but I'm not hopeful.

I also contacted a local business who have a building a street away or so to ask if their CCTV may cover the car park, although I'm almost certain it won't.