Parked Car Hit And Runs A Big Problem In Savannah

Imagine returning to your car from shopping and finding your bumper has been smashed...with no note left behind. It happens to more people more often than you might think. Allstate Insurance says 72-percent of all hit and run claims made in savannah involve a parked vehicle. Allstate Agent Marianne Fischer says the reasons why aren't exactly clear, “Parking lot accidents would fall into that - park on street accidents, we have a lot of on-street parking here - it could be that.” Of course - if someone hits your car when you're not around, by law they're supposed to leave a note of explanation with a name, phone number and insurance info...no matter how minor the damage. When that's not done - it means more than just an inconvenience...it could absorb your deductible, and could make your rate go up says Fischer, “As a consumer we should be very concerned any time we're forced to turn in a claim to our insurance carrier that we wouldn't normally be turning in. I think it warrants concern.”

If you become a victim - there are several steps you should take says Fischer, “The very first thing they should do is call the police - you need to have an independent third party police report telling that you came out and this damage was found on your vehicle.” Insurance companies will require reports in order to file under your policy. Fischer says you should also check for surveillance video, “Most often, the bigger you know, Home Depots, the Walmarts, those types of places will have surveillance - you can get a copy of their surveillance and maybe see who hit the car.” She says you should also ask around to see if a witness might have jotted down a tag number or description of the car...that should be given to police for the incident report.

There are some recommendations you can follow to avoid becoming the victim of a parked hit and run. At night - try to park under a light or in a well-lit area. Look for parking spaces that fit your vehicle with room for drivers and passengers in adjacent cars to open doors without dinging yours. Avoid parking next to shopping cart corrals. And when possible, do not park near other vehicles, even if that means you have to walk a longer distance.