Someone Hit My Car With Their Door and Left – What Can I Do If I Have the License Plate?

Is This Considered a Hit and Run?

In many states, leaving the scene after damaging another vehicle can be considered a hit and run, even if the damage is minor.

That includes:

• Door dings

• Scratches

• Small dents

• Paint transfer

The problem is that police often do not respond to minor parking lot damage. If no one was hurt and the damage is small, you may simply be told to file a report online.

That leaves you handling it on your own.

What If the Damage Is Less Than Your Deductible?

This is where most people get frustrated.

Let’s say:

• Your deductible is $1,000

• The repair estimate is $600

Filing an insurance claim does not make sense. You would pay out of pocket anyway.

Some people also worry that filing a claim could increase their premiums.

So now you are stuck.

You know someone caused the damage. But you do not want to absorb the cost yourself.

If you have the license plate number, that changes things.

Why a License Plate Number Matters

A license plate number can help identify the registered owner of the vehicle.

You cannot file a small claims lawsuit against “Unknown Driver.”

You need:

• A legal name

• A serviceable address

A license plate alone is not enough to start a court case. But identifying the registered owner gives you a starting point.

This is where a license plate lookup may come into play.

Can You Take Them to Small Claims Court?

Yes, in many cases you can.

Small claims court is designed for situations like this. It allows you to pursue money for property damage without hiring an attorney.

Here is how it usually works:

1. You obtain the other party’s legal name and address.

2. You file a small claims case in the proper court.

3. You serve them with the lawsuit papers.

4. You present repair estimates and evidence.

If the judge rules in your favor, you may be awarded the cost of repairs and court fees.

But again, it starts with identifying who the vehicle belongs to.

Real Case Example

I was hired by a woman who was in this exact situation.

She came out of a store and found a dent and scrape on her driver-side door. A witness saw it happen and wrote down the license plate number before the other driver left.

She called the police. They told her to file a report but explained that because the damage was minor, there would likely be no further investigation.

Her insurance deductible was $1,000.

The repair estimate was $650.

It made no sense to file a claim.

She hired me to conduct a license plate lookup. I was able to identify the registered owner and provide her with the legal name and address connected to that vehicle.

With that information, she was able to move forward and file a small claims case to recover her repair costs.

Without the name and address, she would have had no practical way to pursue the matter.

What a License Plate Lookup Actually Provides

It is important to understand what this service does and does not do.

A license plate lookup may help identify:

• The registered owner’s name

• The registered address

It does not:

• Prove who was driving

• Automatically establish fault

• Guarantee payment

It simply gives you the information needed to decide your next step.

For many people dealing with minor damage below their deductible, that information is the key piece missing.

What Should You Do Right After It Happens?

If someone hits your car with their door and leaves:

1. Take photos of the damage.

2. Take photos of the other vehicle if it is still there.

3. Write down the license plate number.

4. Look for witnesses.

5. File a police report if appropriate.

The more documentation you have, the stronger your position will be if you choose to pursue small claims court.

Final Thoughts

Minor parking lot damage may seem small, but repair costs add up quickly.

If the damage is less than your deductible, insurance may not help.

If you have the license plate number, you may still have a path forward. Identifying the registered owner can allow you to pursue recovery through small claims court instead of absorbing the cost yourself.

When handled properly and lawfully, a license plate lookup can provide the information needed to make that decision.

If you have the plate number and need to know your options, start there.