Comprehensive or Collision?

[VolAgent]

If this has been reported as a Hit and Run or Phantom vehicle, some insurers will reduce by half (or better) the deductible under the Uninsured Motorist portion of the deductible

As WolfpackAgent mentioned, some things are very much state specific.

 

[djs]

It should be rated as a not at fault collision.
The not at fault part is what you care about.

Dan

 

[InsCommentary]

Getting a dent from someone opening their car door against your vehicle is a collision. The burden of proof is usually on the insured to demonstrate which coverage is triggered. The standard of proof is not "clear and convincing" evidence or evidence "beyond a reasonable" doubt, but rather, if the cause is truly unknown, what was the most likely cause. Unless you can demonstrate perhaps a pattern of vandalism at the parking garage.

In my state, we have optional UM PD coverage and, for a hit and run, the statutory deductible is $200. If a UM driver is known and solely at fault, that deductible is waived and the claim is not chargeable.

 

[adjusterjack]

If the dent was caused by an opening car door from a parked vehicle as opposed to impact from a moving vehicle, would that affect the collision - comprehensive decision?

No, it would still be collision.

And if so, do dents from opening car doors demonstrate different physical characteristics than those created by a moving vehicle?

I'm sure they do demonstrate different physical characteristics but they don't matter. Here, again, is the policy definition of collision:

"Collision" means the upset of your covered auto or a non-owned auto or its impact with another vehicle or object.

"impact with another vehicle or object" does not differentiate between moving or non-moving vehicles or objects.

 

[Richard Gomez]

Check for witnesses or security cameras on the scene. Ask pedestrians, retailers, or residents near where your car was stationed if they saw someone side-swiping your car, or just remembered cars parked near you. If your car was dented or scratched in the parking lot while you're shopping, you may be able to get video evidence from the shop, or have the police follow up with the store's security office. While it's rare that they'll be able to make out the license plate from a grainy video, at least finding the size and color of the car can help locate the hit-and-run driver. Next, take photos and videos of the damage from different angles. Even minor paint scratches or dings can cost money to repair, and should be documented.

Your options are slightly more limited because you may not be able to locate the hit-and-run driver. You can file a claim with your insurer under collision (more below). You could try to claim through uninsured motorist property damage coverage if you have it, but your mileage may vary