Survey lifts the lid on damage while parked

Only 3% of motorists whose vehicles were damaged while parked had been left any contact details from the other party, according to research.

Perhaps not surprisingly, car door dents were the most common damage to parked cars with nearly two-thirds of motorists reporting this type of damage.   

The BCA survey also reveals paintwork scratches or key lines accounted for 61% of damage, while 32% of motorists surveyed by BCA returned to their vehicle to find wing mirror damage.   

 Damage on unattended vehicles:

• Car door dents – 64%
• Paintwork scratches or key damage – 61%
• Wing mirror damage – 32%
• Deflated tyres – 3.6%
• Graffiti – 1.4%

But it’s not just damage while the car is parked that’s worrying drivers.  According to BCA’s poll of nearly 1,000 motorists, the state of UK roads and the effect on vehicle condition is also a cause for concern. 

Over two thirds blame potholes for noticeable or significant damage to their car.  And more than half think speed humps are responsible for noticeable or significant damage.

“Cars are bound to pick up some damage day-to-day, whether this means parking dents and scratches, speed humps and pothole damage or stone chips,” said Tim Naylor, editor of the BCA Used Car Market Report. 

“But it is important to get any damage repaired as soon as possible before it deteriorates, particularly if you are thinking of selling your car. 

“Cars in good all-around condition generally sell quicker and for more money, so protect your investment by having repairs done in good time.”