Supermarket car parks are one of the most frequent places where drivers suffer damage to their vehicle.
This is according to previous research from the RAC, which showed more than a third (35%) of motorists reported that they had experienced this at least once.
An unfortunate 31% of drivers said their car had been dinged in the supermarket car park on several occasions.
But what are your rights if someone damages your car in a public car park - and can the supermarket be held responsible if the driver doesn't leave a note?
In the latest in our Money Talk series, we speak to the experts to run down what you need to know...
What to do if your car is damaged in a supermarket car park
If you come out from the supermarket, bags full of food in hand, to find out your car has been dinged - or worse - your first step should be to check if anyone has left you a note on the windscreen of your vehicle.
They should ideally leave their name, contact details and a vehicle registration number.
If they have left a note, then you should contact them and discuss how the damage will be rectified.
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For example, whether they can pay for the costs upfront or whether they’d prefer to go through their insurance.
If the offender hasn’t left a note, the next step is to check for CCTV cameras.
Look for a sign under the camera or potentially in the car park to identify the operator.
If you can't find a sign, ask the occupier of the building to tell you who looks after the CCTV system in the car park.
“Once you have identified the operator, ask them if they would allow you to check the replay to see who is responsible,” said Michael Buckworth, founder of law firm Buckworths.
“If the video camera catches the damage, get a copy of it. It is generally best to be friendly and ask if the operator can help.
“However, if the operator refuses citing ‘GDPR concerns’ point out that failing to report damage to a vehicle is potentially a criminal offence.
“Data controllers are permitted to disclose personal data to assist with the detection of crime.
“At the very least, ask them to confirm that the content won't be deleted. Follow up with a written request.”
After this, you should report the damage to the police and take pictures of the vehicle, as well as the location of the car.
You should also record the time and date on which you left the vehicle and when you discovered the damage.
“Then report the damage as a crime using the police's online website,” said Mr Buckworth.
“Make a note of the crime reference number that will be given to you when you have completed the form.
“Insurance companies may only allow you to claim on your insurance if the incident has been reported and you have a crime reference number.”
Regardless of whether or not you want to make a claim for the damage, you have to let your car insurance provider know of any damage done to your car.
If you need a repair to your car, your car insurance may provide cover depending on the level of insurance you have.
If you have a protected no claims bonus, then a small repair job shouldn’t impact your premiums.
“Some insurance companies allow you a certain number of small claims such as this without an impact on your premium. Details will be in your policy documents,” said Mr Buckworth.
“If the claim will be counted as a claim, consider whether it makes sense making a claim.
“You will likely to have to pay an excess (the first amount of any claim) and the claim could increase your premium. For a small dinge, it may not be worth it.”
