I get where you’re coming from, but I always wonder if there’s a risk in not reporting even the tiniest bump. Like, what if the other person finds a scratch later and decides to file a claim? I’ve heard stories where someone thought there was no damage, but then a week later, the other driver’s insurance is calling about a “mysterious dent.” Makes me a bit paranoid, honestly.
Here’s how I usually handle it:
1. Check for any marks, even tiny ones—sometimes you miss stuff in bad lighting.
2. Take a few photos, just in case.
3. Leave my info with a quick note, even if it seems like nothing happened.
4. If it’s really minor and the other car owner is around, I’ll talk to them directly.
I’m curious—has anyone actually had a situation where not reporting came back to bite them? Or is that just insurance company scare tactics?
Take a few photos, just in case. 3.
Honestly, I’ve had the opposite experience. Years ago, I barely tapped someone’s bumper in a parking lot—no mark, nothing. Didn’t leave a note. Never heard a peep. Sometimes I think the “mysterious dent” stories are just rare exceptions or insurance hype. Not saying it can’t happen, but in 30+ years of driving, it never bit me.
Sometimes I think the “mysterious dent” stories are just rare exceptions or insurance hype.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve seen cases where a “no mark” bump turned into a cracked sensor or hidden damage. It’s rare, sure, but not impossible. Snapping a few pics and leaving a note covers you if something pops up later. Not saying you’ll always need it, but it’s a quick step that can save headaches.
Honestly, I’d err on the side of caution. Even a light tap can mess with parking sensors or leave a mark you don’t notice right away. I’ve had a tiny scrape turn into a whole insurance headache before... not fun. Better safe than sorry, in my book.
Even a light tap can mess with parking sensors or leave a mark you don’t notice right away.
Man, those parking sensors are like the divas of the car world—one wrong look and they’re throwing a fit. I once barely nudged a bumper, thought nothing of it, then got a call about “malfunctioning sensors” a week later. Not worth the stress, honestly.
