calm-tern-9465/11/2026

How long does the fault determination process actually take? First accident ever

So this whole thing has been such a weird experience because I wasn't even in my car when it happened. I was at the gym, mid-workout, and when I came out someone had left a note on my windshield saying they'd clipped my front bumper pulling out of the space next to mine. To their credit they actually left a number, so I called and they were apologetic and gave me their insurance info on the spot.

I filed the claim the same day. The damage isn't catastrophic but it's definitely not a scratch either — the bumper is cracked and there's some paint transfer and a dent near the headlight housing.

Here's my anxiety: since I have zero witnesses and I was inside the building, I'm worried the other driver could change their story at any point. Like what if they suddenly claim my car was parked badly or sticking out, or they just decide to deny the whole thing? I have the note they left but I don't know how much weight that carries.

I've never dealt with an insurance claim before and I genuinely have no idea how long it takes for an adjuster to officially decide fault. Is there a standard timeline? Does it matter that I wasn't present? What should I be doing in the meantime to protect myself?

I took photos right after I found it — damage, their paint on my car, the parking lot layout. Is there anything else I should be gathering?

8 replies

Most helpful first

plain-owl-0345/11/2026
I had almost the exact same thing happen to me in a grocery store parking lot. Someone hit my car while I was inside and left a note. The fault determination in my case took about a week and a half — the adjuster called both of us, reviewed the photos, and that was basically it. Since the other driver already admitted it and left contact info, you're honestly in a better position than most people. That note is gold.
- bright-marten-3675/11/2026
  Worked claims for years. A few things to know: that handwritten note is considered an admission and adjusters absolutely take it seriously. Also, the paint transfer you mentioned is physical evidence that tells a story regardless of what either driver says later. If the colors don't match your car, it's pretty clear where it came from.
  
  Timeline-wise, straightforward parking lot claims like this are usually wrapped up in 7–14 business days, sometimes faster if both parties are cooperative. Keep all your photos backed up somewhere other than just your phone.
silent-beaver-1855/11/2026
Don't get too comfortable just because they were nice on the phone. People have a way of "remembering things differently" once the claim is officially open and they realize their rates might go up. Screenshot every text, save every voicemail, and if you talk on the phone write down the date, time, and what was said right after you hang up. Paper trail everything.
mellow-crow-4395/11/2026
The note they left can function as a written admission of fault — that's not nothing. I'd also check if the parking lot has any security cameras. A lot of gyms have exterior cameras that cover the lot, and footage usually gets overwritten within 30 days so if you want it you'd need to ask soon. You don't necessarily need it, but having it would make your position airtight.
hearty-vole-2655/11/2026
File through your own insurance if the other side drags their feet. Yes you might have to pay your deductible upfront, but your insurer will go after theirs to get it back (it's called subrogation). Don't let the process stall your repair indefinitely waiting for the other company to move.
cool-seal-1885/11/2026
This is a bit off the main question but — did you get checked out physically? Even if you weren't in the car, sometimes people don't realize they've been holding tension or stress in their body after something like this. Probably fine, but just mentioning it since a lot of people skip that step and regret it later if something surfaces.
hearty-hare-4955/11/2026
Honestly the fact that they left a note and picked up the phone puts you way ahead of most parking lot situations. So many people just drive off. You have contact info, a written admission, photos, and you filed quickly. That's basically the best case scenario for something like this.
genuine-crow-5695/11/2026
Quick question — did you file with YOUR insurance or directly with theirs? Because that changes the dynamic a bit. If you went directly to their insurer, just know that adjuster technically works for the other driver's company, not you. Something worth thinking about.