If they left a note (or a witness saw it)
You're in a strong position: a driver who hits a parked car is virtually always at fault. Photograph the note, the damage, your car's position and the whole scene before moving anything. Contact the driver to confirm their insurance details, but keep it factual and in writing where you can.
Then treat it as the non-fault claim it is: through 4 Accident Management you get repairs, a like-for-like replacement while your car's in the bodyshop, and zero excess — all recovered from their insurer. Don't just take cash for a quick respray; hidden damage behind a bumper regularly turns a £200 "sorry" into a £1,500 repair.
If they drove off: hit-and-run on a parked car
First, hunt for evidence fast — it evaporates:
- Photograph everything, including paint transfer (its colour identifies their car)
- Check for CCTV: shops, doorbells, car-park operators — footage is often overwritten within days, so ask immediately
- Knock doors / post in local groups for witnesses; note any dashcams parked nearby (many record while parked)
- Report it to the PSNI as soon as possible — within 24 hours — and get a reference number
The driver can't be traced — the MIB route
If the driver is never identified, all is not lost. The Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) compensates victims of untraced and uninsured drivers, and the scheme covers Northern Ireland. It's a procedural process with strict reporting requirements — which is why that prompt PSNI report matters — and awards for vehicle damage may carry conditions, but it exists precisely for this situation.
We'll tell you honestly whether an MIB claim is worth pursuing for your damage, and guide you through it if it is.
Should you just pay for it yourself?
For minor damage with no culprit, sometimes a private repair genuinely is the pragmatic choice — a claim on your own policy for a scuffed bumper can cost more at renewal than the repair. But get a proper estimate first: modern bumpers hide sensors, and "just a scratch" often isn't.
Whatever the situation — note, no note, camera, or mystery — a five-minute call to 02890 024 744 gets you an honest read on your options before you spend a penny.