Finding damage on your parked car is stressful, even more so when you were not there to see what happened. If someone hit your car and left a note in the UK, that is usually a positive sign, but what you do next matters. The steps you take now can help you protect your position, keep the process straightforward, and move towards getting your vehicle repaired after a non-fault incident.

Start by securing the evidence

Before you move the vehicle or contact anyone, take a few minutes to record what you can. It is easier to gather accurate information at the scene than later.

  • Keep the note and take a clear photo of it in place on the car, then a close-up photo so the details are readable.
  • Photograph the damage from several angles, including wide shots that show the whole vehicle and where it was parked.
  • Record the date, time, and location. If you are in Caversham or Abingdon, note the street, car park name, or bay number.
  • Look for any additional evidence such as paint transfer, broken plastic on the ground, or tyre marks, and photograph it.

If you suspect the car was hit in a car park, consider whether nearby cameras may exist. You can ask the site operator whether CCTV is available, but access rules vary and footage is often retained for a limited time.

Check what information the note contains

A note is helpful only if it includes enough detail to identify the other driver and their vehicle. Ideally, it should include:

  • The other driver’s name and a contact number
  • Their vehicle registration number
  • Insurance provider details (if included)
  • A short explanation of what happened

If the note includes only a phone number, do not assume it will be enough on its own. Keep the note safe and continue gathering information. If you later need to show that the other driver acknowledged the incident, the original note and your photos can be useful.

Make contact carefully and keep a written record

When you contact the person who left the note, stay factual. Ask them to confirm their full name, address, vehicle registration, and insurer details. It helps to keep communication in writing where possible, for example by text or email, so there is a clear record.

Avoid arguments about fault or cost at this stage. It is reasonable to confirm that they accept they caused the damage, but it is not advisable to negotiate repair amounts or make commitments before the damage is properly assessed.

When you may need to inform the police

In the UK, a driver who causes damage is expected to stop and provide details. If they cannot exchange details at the scene, the incident should be reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable and in any case within 24 hours. That duty applies to the driver who caused the damage, but there are times when you may also want to make a report.

Consider reporting the incident if:

  • The note is vague or does not provide usable contact details
  • You suspect the details are false
  • There is significant damage or a safety concern
  • You believe the driver may be uninsured or untraceable

If the note contains clear details and you have made contact, a police report is not always necessary for minor damage, but your insurer may advise you based on the circumstances.

Tell your insurer, even if it looks straightforward

Many policies require you to notify your insurer of an incident, regardless of whether you intend to claim. Reporting does not always mean you must proceed with a claim, but it can protect you if the situation changes, for example if the other driver later disputes what happened.

When you speak to your insurer, be ready to provide:

  • The date, time, and location
  • Photos of the damage and the note
  • The other driver’s details and insurer (if known)

If you were not in the vehicle, say so. Make it clear you are dealing with a parked-car incident and you believe it to be non-fault based on the circumstances.

Get the damage assessed properly

Some damage looks cosmetic but can hide issues underneath, particularly around bumpers, parking sensors, lights, wheel arch liners, and fixings. An inspection helps establish what needs repairing and supports an accurate estimate.

We can help you understand the likely repair approach and what information is useful for your insurer or the at-fault driver’s insurer. If you need an initial assessment, you can start with a free repair estimate and bring the note and any photos you have taken.

What happens next depends on how the other driver wants to proceed

After contact is made, there are usually two practical routes.

1) The other driver goes through their insurer

This is often the cleanest option. Their insurer handles the claim and may arrange an inspection, authorise repairs, and confirm the process for any additional support that may apply. Keep copies of all communications and reference numbers.

2) The other driver offers to pay privately

Private settlement can seem simpler, but it can become difficult if additional damage is discovered once repairs begin. If you are considering this route, get a written estimate first and make sure you are comfortable with how payment will be handled, including what happens if the final cost changes. If the damage affects safety or roadworthiness, prioritise getting the vehicle inspected promptly.

If the note is missing details or the driver stops responding

Sometimes a note is left with incomplete information or the number provided does not work. If that happens, treat the incident like a hit-and-run until you have confirmed the driver’s identity.

Practical steps include:

  • Re-check the area for witnesses, nearby vehicles, or premises that may have seen the impact
  • Ask the car park operator or local businesses about CCTV retention times
  • Report to the police if the driver cannot be identified or you believe the details are false
  • Notify your insurer and provide your photos and the note

Keep the note even if it appears unhelpful. It still supports your account of what you found and when.

Looking after your vehicle in the meantime

If the damage is minor, you may be able to continue driving, but check carefully. If a bumper is loose, a light is cracked, or a panel is rubbing on a tyre, it may be unsafe or illegal to drive. If you are unsure, reduce use and arrange an inspection as soon as possible.

Also consider your security. If the damage affects a door, boot, or locking mechanism, avoid leaving valuables in the vehicle and park in a well-lit area until it is repaired.

Closing guidance: keep it clear, factual, and documented

A note on the windscreen can make a parked-car incident easier to resolve, but the outcome still depends on good documentation and the right notifications. If you keep the evidence, confirm the other driver’s details, and report the incident appropriately, you put yourself in a stronger position to arrange repairs and recover costs through the correct channels.

If you are dealing with a non-fault incident in Caversham, Abingdon, or nearby, we can guide you through the next steps and help you understand how non-fault repair support typically works. You can read more about the process and how we help on our non-fault accident repair support page.