It’s a normal day. You park your car legally, go about your business, and come back to a nasty surprise—a huge dent, broken mirror, or worse. No note. No one around. Just your parked car, damaged. So who pays for this?
If you’re in Miami, or anywhere in Florida, the answer depends on your insurance coverage, the circumstances of the accident, and whether the at-fault driver is identified. Below is a breakdown of how coverage works and what steps you should take.
Call a Miami Car Accident Lawyer today for a FREE consultation.
No fees unless we win.
☎️ 888-PERAZZO
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🚗 Key Takeaway: Insurance Type Determines Who Pays
Not all insurance policies are created equal. Here’s how each type of coverage may (or may not) help you if your parked car is damaged:
🔍 1. Collision Coverage
Pays for your car’s repairs—regardless of who’s at fault.
If you carry collision coverage, you’re in luck. This type of insurance kicks in whether you were hit in a parking lot, sideswiped on the street, or someone reversed into you and fled. It covers repair or replacement costs minus your deductible.
Good to know:
- Collision is optional in Florida unless your lender requires it.
- If someone else hit your car, your insurer may pursue them (called subrogation) to get reimbursed—and refund your deductible if successful.
👻 2. Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)
Covers damage when the other driver doesn’t have insurance—but only if you can identify them.
If the at-fault driver sticks around but has no coverage, and you carry UMPD, you can file a claim under your own policy.
BUT: Florida doesn’t offer UMPD for every policy. Many carriers exclude it unless requested, and it doesn’t apply in hit-and-runs unless the driver is identified.
🚶 3. Hit-and-Run Accidents
If the driver fled the scene and can’t be identified, the case becomes trickier.
In Florida, PIP (Personal Injury Protection) only covers medical bills, not property damage. So:
- If you don’t have collision, you’ll likely be stuck paying out-of-pocket.
- If you do have collision, you can file a claim, even if the other driver is never found.
Pro Tip: Always file a police report and get security footage or eyewitness statements if available. These can help your case or assist your insurer.
☁️ 4. Comprehensive Coverage
Only applies if the damage wasn’t caused by another driver.
Let’s say a tree branch fell, a flood swept through Miami, or a thief vandalized your parked car—comprehensive coverage applies here.
It doesn’t cover damage caused by another vehicle.
✅ What to Do After Your Parked Car Is Hit in Miami
If you’re dealing with a parked-car collision in South Florida, take these steps:
- Call the police – Get a report, even if it feels minor.
- Take photos/video – Document the damage, the location, and any debris.
- Look for witnesses or cameras – Especially in parking garages or city blocks.
- Call your insurance company – Find out what coverage you have.
- Talk to a lawyer – If injuries are involved or the damage is costly.
👨⚖️ Talk to a Miami Car Accident Lawyer
If your parked car was hit, don’t assume you’re stuck footing the bill. The right insurance—or the right legal help—can make a difference. Especially in Miami, where hit-and-run incidents are far too common.
At The Perazzo Law Firm, we help drivers understand their rights, fight insurance companies, and get compensated—even when the at-fault driver disappears.
📲 Injured or dealing with a hit-and-run?
Call a Miami Car Accident Lawyer today for a FREE consultation.
No fees unless we win.
☎️ 888-PERAZZO
🌐 theperazzolawfirm.com
