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Original poster

WWYD hit a parked car

55 replies

Challengedbutenlightened · 08/04/2025 13:42

I reversed into a car in a train station. Took reg details and photo of damage and informed my insurance. Damage is minimal (photo proof). I didn’t have anything to hand to write a note. Would you just forget about it and see what happens and would you worry about it. What would you have done differently? I do feel awful about this and hate that I’ve done this

OP posts:
Radiatorvalves · 08/04/2025 14:34

Lanzarotelady · 08/04/2025 13:46

Honestly, driven off as quick as possible!

Are you the person who drove into my car at Harrogate Hospital? You caused £5kk damage. Take responsibility for your actions.

Crazybaby123 · 08/04/2025 14:33

Leave a note. Imagine if it was your car.
Someine actually did this to my car in a train car park and it was a huge dent that cost us quite a bit to fix.

Badbadbunny · 08/04/2025 14:31

Riaanna · 08/04/2025 14:27

Incorrect.

Show quote history

I wasn't talking about the strict legalities, I was talking about the reality, which is that the police aren't interested, just as they aren't interested in lots of other "minor" crimes, etc.

Hoppinggreen · 08/04/2025 14:31

DD did this not long after passing her test and just left and came home in a panic (I know this was wrong and so does she now). We went back but the car was gone
THEN we got a call on our home phone from a Police Officer as there had been a witness who took a note of her number plate.
We sorted it all out and paid for repairs but don't think that driving off means you get away with it

Clearinguptheclutter · 08/04/2025 14:30

I’ve driven into a stationary, empty, car once, drove off quickly without thinking then later that day called the police to fess up. They took down the details including the reg of the car.
nothing came of it, it was several years ago. It was a pretty old and bashed car though so I’m guessing the owners never reported themselves.

yes I was wrong just to drive off but I realised my mistake and did what I could to make it right

these days I’d perhaps put a message on local Facebook but I’d be wary as people can be horrid on there

Riaanna · 08/04/2025 14:27

Badbadbunny · 08/04/2025 14:12

I don't think police are interested if it's a private car park.

Show quote history

Incorrect.

ExtraOnions · 08/04/2025 14:19

You have reported it to your insurance, they have the Reg, the can look up the owner on the database .. just leave it to them.

Original poster
Challengedbutenlightened · 08/04/2025 14:14

Thanks everyone. My insurers assured me I had done all the right things-they know I hadnt reported it to the police. I have now reported it online with 101. The train station is a bit of a weird one. Last time I was there a vehicles hand brake had failed (same area as well) and staff couldn’t do anything about it. There was a lot of cars damaged and in a CTV black spot. I will grab some paper from the hospital and see if the car is still there when I get back and leave a note

OP posts:
Badbadbunny · 08/04/2025 14:12

stealthninjamum · 08/04/2025 14:00

Isn’t there a legal obligation to report it to
the police? I’d call the non emergency line to ask them.

I don't think police are interested if it's a private car park.

JacquesHarlow · 08/04/2025 14:11

Moonnstars · 08/04/2025 13:55

Wait for it to be mentioned on the local spotted site... either by the car owner stating their car has been damaged and wanting the culprit to come forward, or else a witness posting that they saw someone hit the car and that they took your details if the car owner wants to come forward.

I am sorry but this is absurd....you are saying the OP @Challengedbutenlightened should circumvent and ignore all UK law, and just wait around each day checking an online forum in case someone might post a request for a culprit to come forward?

The mental gymnastics people go through to avoid insurance ever coming into play, is rather frightening.

Meem321 · 08/04/2025 14:10

Lanzarotelady · 08/04/2025 13:46

Honestly, driven off as quick as possible!

Classed as hit and run.

Riaanna · 08/04/2025 14:06

Moonnstars · 08/04/2025 13:55

Wait for it to be mentioned on the local spotted site... either by the car owner stating their car has been damaged and wanting the culprit to come forward, or else a witness posting that they saw someone hit the car and that they took your details if the car owner wants to come forward.

So it’s a criminal offence? Because hitting a parked car isn’t. Not reporting it is.

JacquesHarlow · 08/04/2025 14:06

Lanzarotelady · 08/04/2025 13:46

Honestly, driven off as quick as possible!

Very curious @Lanzarotelady if you even knew that there is a legal obligation to report if you have been in a car accident?

@Challengedbutenlightened will you be reporting this to the police within the next 24 hours?

Riaanna · 08/04/2025 14:05

You need to report it to the police.

www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance/if-youre-in-an-accident

Riaanna · 08/04/2025 14:05

stealthninjamum · 08/04/2025 14:00

Isn’t there a legal obligation to report it to
the police? I’d call the non emergency line to ask them.

There is indeed so the OP needs to get on that.

www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/collisions/

Riaanna · 08/04/2025 14:04

Lanzarotelady · 08/04/2025 13:46

Honestly, driven off as quick as possible!

Good news it’s highly likely there is cctv and by driving off you would have committed a criminal offence.

Riaanna · 08/04/2025 14:03

You are legally required to report it to the police so that would be my starting point.

stealthninjamum · 08/04/2025 14:00

Isn’t there a legal obligation to report it to
the police? I’d call the non emergency line to ask them.

Moonnstars · 08/04/2025 13:55

Wait for it to be mentioned on the local spotted site... either by the car owner stating their car has been damaged and wanting the culprit to come forward, or else a witness posting that they saw someone hit the car and that they took your details if the car owner wants to come forward.

ilovesooty · 08/04/2025 13:54

I think I would report it to the non emergency police.

For all those saying go and get a pen and paper from the station, we don't know whether it was even a manned station.

purplecorkheart · 08/04/2025 13:54

Gone into station and got a pen and paper. Now that that has passed I would ring the station and leave my details.

ilovesooty · 08/04/2025 13:52

Lanzarotelady · 08/04/2025 13:46

Honestly, driven off as quick as possible!

Good grief.

WeirdyBeardyMarrowBabyLady · 08/04/2025 13:50

Go to a police station and report it.

Londonrach1 · 08/04/2025 13:50

Pop into the station and got some paper. Leaving without a note in a hit and run and the station CCTV will.locate you and you could be in serious trouble here. Can you return now or report to the police.

BeachRide · 08/04/2025 13:50

I would thank the Lord there wasn't a small children standing by the car, and ensure my observations were better next time I was maneuvering.