Overhaulin'

Hit parked car in Massachusetts, no note, but have license plate?

While backing up I hit a parked car in a small open parking lot (for many small stores). I parked and checked damage. None to mine, but visible dent to the other car (no paint loss, but pushed in, maybe a few hundred to fix?). I didn't have any pen or paper to leave a note, and waited but didn't see anyone, so I got the license plate # and called my insurance company, but as it's Sunday, they aren't open. When I went back to parking lot after getting paper and pen, the other car was gone. Will I be in trouble? I'm new to Massachusetts (don't know their hit and run laws), I've never hit a car before and was trying to report it and will do so on Monday when insurance is open, but what are the penalties? Can I just hypothetically ask my insurance company to look up the license plate so I can contact that driver after the fact?

Public Comments

1. sounds like you went through all the right steps. It is not hit and run if you are still there. You have the plate. Contact your agent when they are open and do as they recommend.
2. Hello: Worry not been there done that. Do call your insurance file the accident report with details and your insurance will create an open file for that other person, Do not wait to long God forbid that other person has another accident and already has your info they might want to blame it on you etc. It never hurts to practice extreme caution. Trust me on that, Good luck ,
3. Call your insurance company tomorrow. They will do a plate check and contact the owner. You did everything you could have done, except call the police. However, the police would probably not respond since the damage is so minor. You might want to contact the police department and report the incident just to CYA. I am sure the owner will be very grateful that you reported the incident. I live in MA, and unfortunately there are far too few responsible people like you. Thank you!