Someone damaged your parked car and left in the US
Photograph the damage and the scene before you lose the chance to record them. Then contact the police service for the place where it happened and ask your insurer how to proceed. Do not chase a departing driver.
If someone is injured or there is immediate danger, call 911. A scrape discovered after shopping and a crash still unfolding need different responses.
Record what you know
- Photograph the damage from close up and farther away.
- Note where the car was parked and when you last saw it undamaged.
- Save the other vehicle’s full plate and issuing state, if you have them.
- Ask witnesses for a way to contact them.
- Ask nearby businesses whether they can preserve relevant camera footage.
Keep original photographs and any note left on the car. Separate what you saw from what somebody else told you. A matching paint color is not proof that a particular person caused the damage.
Use the local reporting route
Reporting requirements depend on the state and circumstances. Ask which report is needed and keep its reference number. If you cannot drive the car safely, tell the service that too.
For example, the Los Angeles Police Department directs a non-injury hit-and-run report to 1-877-ASK-LAPD and warns drivers not to pursue someone who leaves. That number serves Los Angeles; use the police service where your incident occurred.
For urgent situations, 911.gov’s guidance explains the emergency route. A contact app cannot dispatch help.
Speak to your insurer before assuming the outcome
Give the insurer the photographs, location, time window and report reference. Ask what cover may apply, which deductible matters and whether it needs an inspection before repairs. A plate or an admission in a message does not by itself settle liability or coverage.
Contact is an extra step
A displayed number or contact code can help you ask for observations. If you do not know whether the vehicle was involved, write: “I found damage to my parked car at this address between these times. Did you see what happened or record any footage?” Ask to exchange collision details when evidence connects that vehicle to the incident.
A US plate address needs the United States, the issuing state or territory and the complete plate.
The current Google Play app does not support plate contact for US, Canadian or Australian plates.
For supported plates, Replyte keeps phone numbers out of the conversation and requires the sender to use the app. Eligible messages to supported, unclaimed plates wait up to 30 days and expire unless claimed. Never delay police or insurance steps while waiting for a reply.
For help addressing a follow-up request, see contacting a driver in the US.
Download Replyte from Google Play. The iOS app is not available yet.