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Who handles a car damaged during exterior work?
If exterior work damages a parked car, how might the owner’s auto insurer and the contractor’s liability insurer each become involved? I’m curious what details about the damage and the work would help clarify where to report it first, without assuming either policy automatically covers the loss.
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The timing and location of the damage relative to the work seem like the key details: was the car near the area being worked on, and does the damage fit what was happening there? If it appears connected, I’d start by notifying the contractor and asking how to submit a claim to its liability insurer. If the cause or responsible party isn’t clear, the owner’s auto insurer can also explain how to report it. That doesn’t mean either policy will cover it; it’s about getting the facts to the right people.
Since timing and location matter, take dated photos of the damage and the work area before the car or materials are moved or repairs begin. It also helps to note when the car was last seen undamaged. That gives both insurers a clearer record to assess, though it won’t by itself establish who’s responsible or what’s covered.