# Rental car damaged while parked and nobody left a note: what do you do?

> If someone damages your rental car while it is parked and drives off, photograph the damage and the scene straight away, look for witnesses or cameras, and contact the rental company for instructions. Konsumentverket advises contacting the police even for minor damage, and a police report is often what the company or your insurer will ask for. Whether you pay depends on your cover and excess, so keep every document.

Updated: 2026-10-22 · Source: https://scratchfair.com/en/blog/rental-car-damaged-while-parked

You come back from the beach, the museum or dinner, and there it is: a fresh dent in the rear door, a long scrape along the bumper, a broken mirror. No note under the wiper, nobody around. It is not your fault, but it is your rental. ==What you record in the first half hour decides how easy it is to show that someone else did this.== Here is what to do, in order.

## 1. Photograph the damage and the scene

Before you move the car, take photos and a short video:

- the damage itself, from about two metres and close up;
- the whole car in its parking spot, with the surroundings and any street name or car park sign;
- paint traces, broken parts or glass on the ground;
- the cars parked around you, in case one has fresh matching damage.

Keep the original files with their date, time and location. ECC-Net advises collecting dated photos and video after an accident. Our [evidence mode](https://scratchfair.com/en/evidence-mode) keeps them in one place with the time recorded.

## 2. Look for witnesses and cameras

Ask nearby shops, the car park attendant or other drivers whether anyone saw what happened. Write down names and phone numbers. Note any security cameras: a car park, petrol station or shop may keep footage for a limited time, so ask quickly. Even if you do not get the footage yourself, the police can mention it in the report.

Before you drive on, walk around the car once more. A knock that dented a door can also have damaged a light, a mirror or a tyre. If a light is broken or the car does not feel right, tell the rental company and do not drive until you know it is safe. Write down the time you found the damage and how long the car was parked: it helps the police, your insurer and the company to place the incident.

## 3. Contact the rental company

Call the emergency or damage number on your contract or key fob, and ask what they want you to do. ECC Malta advises contacting the company immediately when you find damage and following its instructions. Then confirm by email, with a few photos, so there is a written record with a date.

Ask in particular:

- whether they need a police report;
- whether the car is still safe to drive, for example with a broken mirror or light;
- whether they want to swap the car, and where.

> [!WARNING]
> Do not arrange a repair yourself, even a cheap one at a local garage. ECC Malta advises not to repair the vehicle without the company's prior consent, and ECC Ireland warns you may not be reimbursed for repairs the company did not authorise. A self-arranged repair can also make the company's claim harder to check.

## 4. Report it to the police

Konsumentverket advises contacting the police even for minor damage and keeping copies of the police and damage reports. ECC-Net advises reporting to the police when responsibility is disputed, and with a hit-and-run there is nobody to agree with. A police report or reference number shows that the damage was caused by a third party and when you discovered it.

Check your rental terms too. Some contracts and insurance policies only cover damage by an unknown third party if it was reported to the police. If the report is written in a language you do not read, the [form translator](https://scratchfair.com/en/tools/form-translator) helps you check what it says.

> [!TIP]
> Ask the police for the report number and a copy, or at least a stamped confirmation. In some countries you can file a simple report online. Keep the number with your rental documents: your insurer will ask for it later.

## What it means for your excess

A hit-and-run does not usually change what your contract says about damage. In most cases it is handled under the damage waiver like any other damage, and you may pay up to the excess. What matters:

| Your cover | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Basic damage waiver with an excess | You may pay up to the excess, if the damage is that expensive |
| Zero excess cover from the rental company | Covered within the terms, check exclusions such as glass or mirrors |
| Your own excess insurance | You pay the company, then claim the amount back |
| Credit card or travel cover | Possible reimbursement, check the conditions |

Konsumentverket notes that your credit card, home or car insurance may cover the excess. Read [CDW and excess explained](https://scratchfair.com/en/knowledge/pick-up/car-rental-insurance-cdw-excess-explained) and [how to claim your excess back](https://scratchfair.com/en/knowledge/credit-card/claim-excess-back-from-insurance).

Konsumentverket also points out that contract terms cannot automatically make you responsible for damage, and refers to a Swedish court ruling under which you are not liable if you can show you took proper care of the car. How far that applies depends on the country and your contract, but your photos, the police report and your prompt message to the company all help show what happened.

## At return

Point the damage out at the desk, hand over a copy of the police report, and ask for the return report to say that the damage was reported during the rental, with the date and police reference. Photograph the car again at return. Read [the return inspection](https://scratchfair.com/en/knowledge/return/return-inspection-rental-car).

## If the bill arrives

Check that the claim covers only the damage you reported, that the amount is backed by a repair invoice or a clear estimate, and that extra fees are explained. Our [amount check](https://scratchfair.com/en/tools/amount-check) helps you compare the figure, and [what a damage claim should contain](https://scratchfair.com/en/knowledge/damage-claim/what-a-damage-claim-should-contain) lists what to ask for. If the car was broken into or vandalised rather than hit, read [rental car stolen or vandalised](https://scratchfair.com/en/knowledge/damage-claim/rental-car-stolen-or-vandalised).

## FAQ

**Do I have to pay if someone else hit my parked rental car?**

It depends on your contract and cover. Often the damage is handled like any other damage under the damage waiver, so you may pay up to the excess. Your own excess insurance or card cover can then reimburse you. Konsumentverket notes that contract terms cannot automatically make you responsible for damage.

**Is it worth calling the police for a small dent?**

Usually yes. Konsumentverket advises contacting the police even for minor damage and keeping a copy of the report. A police reference number shows that the damage was caused by someone else, and insurers and rental companies often ask for one.

**Can I get the dent repaired myself before returning the car?**

It is better not to. ECC Malta advises not to repair the vehicle without the company's prior consent. A repair you arrange yourself may not be accepted or reimbursed, and it can make the claim harder to check.

## Sources

- [ECC-Net: Car rental, your rights](https://www.eccnet.eu/consumer-rights/what-are-my-consumer-rights/travel-and-passenger-rights/road-travel-rights/car)
- [Konsumentverket: Problems with your rental car](https://www.konsumentverket.se/en/articles/problems-with-your-rental-car/)
- [ECC Malta: Car rental leaflet (PDF)](https://eccnetmalta.gov.mt/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Car-Rental-leaflet-EN-version.pdf)
- [ECC Ireland: Using car hire this summer, what you should know (July 2026)](https://www.eccireland.ie/?p=2808)