- Totally get where you’re coming from—insurance stuff feels stuck in the ‘90s.
- Police reports do seem to make a difference, even for small stuff. I used to think it was overkill, but after getting burned once, I don’t skip it anymore.
- Photos and notes are lifesavers. I’ve scribbled details on receipts before when I couldn’t find paper—whatever works in the moment.
- Parking far away sounds good in theory, but yeah, not always realistic.
- Dash cams for parked cars? I’d be into that if they weren’t so pricey or complicated.
- It’s a pain, but you’re right—better to have too much info than not enough when insurance gets involved.
Honestly, I don’t get why people skip the police report. It’s a hassle, sure, but if someone smashes your parked car and takes off, what’s the downside? Worst case, you waste 30 minutes. Best case, you’ve got backup when insurance tries to wiggle out of paying. I learned that the hard way after my bumper got wrecked at the grocery store—no report, no payout. Never again.
Photos are a must too. I’ve snapped pics with my phone even when it’s raining or dark—doesn’t have to be pretty, just proof. And yeah, writing stuff down on whatever’s handy... receipts, napkins, my hand once (not proud). You do what you gotta do.
Dash cams for parked cars sound cool until you see the price tags and realize you need to wire half your car. Worth it if you’re in a high-risk area? Maybe. But for most of us, it feels like overkill unless you’ve been hit more than once.
Parking far away? Only works if you’re not hauling groceries or wrangling kids. Sometimes you just gotta roll the dice and hope for the best.
Dash cams for parked cars sound cool until you see the price tags and realize you need to wire half your car. Worth it if you’re in a high-risk area? Maybe. But for most of us, it feels like overkill unless you’ve been hit more than once.
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from, but after my ’72 Chevelle got side-swiped outside a diner, I bit the bullet and wired up a dash cam with parking mode. Yeah, it cost me a Saturday and a few choice words, but it’s been worth it. Old cars don’t exactly blend in, and people seem to think they can just bump into them and bail. Is it overkill for a daily beater? Maybe. But if you’ve got something you care about, or you live in a city with tight parking, it’s not the dumbest investment.
I’ll never understand skipping the police report either. Insurance companies will do backflips to avoid paying out. Why make it easier for them? I’ve even had an adjuster try to say my door ding was “pre-existing.” Without the report, it’s your word against theirs.
Parking far out only works until you’re carrying parts, groceries, or, let’s be real, it’s raining sideways. Sometimes you just gotta risk it and hope today isn’t the day someone with no spatial awareness parks next to you.
I totally get the hesitation with dash cams—wiring one up isn’t exactly a fun weekend project, and the price can sting. But after my neighbor’s car got hit twice in the same month (and both drivers bailed), I started thinking it might be worth it, even for my not-so-fancy sedan. If you’re parking on the street a lot, it’s kind of like cheap insurance for your peace of mind.
About the police report, I’m with you. I had a fender bender last year and skipped calling the cops because it seemed minor. Ended up regretting it when my insurance dragged their feet. Ever had to deal with a hit-and-run where the other driver actually stuck around? Curious if that changes how you’d handle it.
Ever had to deal with a hit-and-run where the other driver actually stuck around? Curious if that changes how you’d handle it.
Funny enough, I did have someone back into me in a parking lot and—miracle of miracles—they waited around. I was so shocked I almost forgot to get their info. In that case, calling the cops felt like overkill since we both agreed on what happened, but my insurance still wanted a police report. Lesson learned: even when the other person does the right thing, paperwork is king. Dash cam is starting to sound less like a hassle and more like a necessity...
