WHO IS PAYING FOR THE REPAIRS? Expert explains what drivers should do after returning to a damaged parked car
- Perry Richardson
- Nov 14, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 16, 2025
Motorists across the UK continue to face rising concerns over damage caused in car parks, with new research showing nearly a quarter have returned to find their vehicle marked or dented.
A survey of 2,000 car owners found 24 per cent had discovered damage after leaving their car parked. Sixty one per cent admitted they worry about fresh scrapes or dents every time they use a public or private car park.
Motorpoint asked Senior Solicitor Guy Platon of Walker Foster Solicitors to explain what drivers should do when faced with car park damage and how liability works.
Guy says anyone who witnesses their vehicle being hit should approach the other driver calmly, gather registration details, contact information and insurance details, then pass this to their own insurer. If the responsible driver accepts fault, recovery of repair costs is usually straightforward.
“The person responsible may be unaware they’ve caused damage, so assess the situation and decide if you want to inform them. Even if the damage is unintentional, they may still be responsible,” Guy explains.
“When you speak to them, make sure to get their vehicle registration number, contact and insurer’s details. Give this information to your insurers, as well as further details of the circumstances surrounding the accident. You’ll be able to get your money back from the other person’s insurers, provided there is no question about who caused the damage.”
If the incident involves an unknown driver damaging someone else’s vehicle, Guy suggests filming the event discreetly if possible. If that cannot be done, leaving a written note with the vehicle registration, a short description of the incident and optional contact details can help the affected owner make a claim.
Whether repair costs fall on the motorist depends on identifying who caused the damage. If the other party is known and insured, their insurer should cover the repairs. If not, the owner must either pay themselves or claim through their insurer and accept any excess and potential impact on their no claims bonus.
Guy said: “Unfortunately, if your no claims bonus is unprotected, then you may lose it, so it’s important to decide whether to go through insurance or pay out of pocket.”
Drivers unable to identify who caused the damage can ask their insurer to manage repairs or choose to take no action. In rare situations, car park operators may face liability under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, but only where negligence can be proven.
Guy said: “They can be liable for damage under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 if they have been negligent. This depends on whether the environment is unsafe and puts motorists at risk. It’s the driver’s responsibility to prove that the operator has been negligent which is sometimes difficult to do.”
Guy advises motorists to always inform their insurer, even for minor issues, as failure to do so may breach policy terms. Significant damage, or any circumstances suggesting criminal activity, should be reported to the police to support future claims.
Evidence remains central to proving fault. Video footage, photos, witness details and any available CCTV can strengthen a case. Guy says CCTV footage often provides direct proof, helps identify the driver involved and can guide insurers in establishing responsibility.
Guy added: “Photos could be very useful, as well as asking any witnesses if they can provide their contact information in case it's needed. If CCTV might have caught the incident, ask the owner if they have any footage; it could be direct evidence and be incontrovertible evidence of fault. It could also identify the person and enable you to contact their motor insurers. If the evidence is more ambiguous, then it can still be useful in identifying a party and raising a presumption of fault.”
